If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that requires little effort but delivers big on comfort, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!). This dish takes everything you love about hearty, classic Salisbury steak—rich, savory gravy, tender meat, all that deep flavor—and gives it a seriously fun twist by serving it meatball-style. Thanks to your trusty slow cooker, you get perfectly juicy meatballs bobbing in luscious, flavorful gravy, every single time. Whether you’re feeding a crew on a weeknight or spicing up a cozy weekend dinner, this meal brings everyone running to the table, smiles guaranteed.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward, making the most out of a handful of staple ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to create the layers of flavor and texture that give Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) its soul-warming personality.

Frozen Meatballs (1 bag, 26 oz): Pre-made meatballs are the ultimate dinner hack, saving you time while guaranteeing tender bites packed with flavor.
Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (2 cups): Provides a rich, savory base for your gravy, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Brown Gravy Mix Packet (or homemade): Ensures your sauce is deliciously robust, with just the right hint of umami.
Onion Soup Mix Packet: Adds a punch of oniony goodness and loads of depth, making the gravy irresistible.
Ketchup (2 1/2 tablespoons): Balances out the savory notes with a subtle hint of sweetness and tang.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 1/2 tablespoons): Your secret weapon for that unmistakable savory, slightly smoky edge.
Cornstarch (2 1/2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy to luscious perfection, so it clings to every meatball.
Cold Water (2 1/2 tablespoons): Essential for mixing with cornstarch into a smooth slurry without lumps.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!)

Step 1: Make the Gravy

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cold water until smoothly combined. Then add both the brown gravy mix and the onion soup mix packets, whisking again to ensure there are no lumps. This quick prep delivers an irresistibly savory, full-bodied gravy—the backbone of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!)—without the need for dozens of ingredients.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Add the frozen meatballs right into the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared gravy mixture over them, making sure to get every last drop. Gently stir or toss so all the meatballs are evenly coated in that dreamy sauce, setting the stage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Place the lid on, set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours, or crank it up to high for 2-3 hours if you’re a bit short on time. As everything simmers gently, the meatballs soak up every bit of that savory goodness, becoming beautifully tender. Give it a stir now and then, to keep things mingling and prevent anything from sticking to the sides.

Step 4: Thicken and Serve

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, make a quick cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir this right into the slow cooker; the gravy will transform into a glossy, thick sauce that hugs each meatball. Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!)

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—its pop of green looks gorgeous and adds a fresh note. For extra flair, a dash of cracked black pepper or even a little Parmesan brings out the savory magic in every bite. Don’t forget, a little garnish goes a long way in making this dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish was born to be ladled over creamy mashed potatoes, but egg noodles or buttery rice are equally amazing for soaking up all that glorious gravy. For veg, think roasted carrots, green beans, or a simple side salad to keep things balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress it up for a party by skewering a few meatballs, drizzle with a bit of extra gravy, and serve on a platter as the ultimate party bite. Or, pile them onto a toasted roll with melty cheese for the coziest Salisbury steak subs you’ve ever had. There’s no wrong way to show off your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temp, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The flavors get even better overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch is just as craveable! Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) freeze like a dream. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags (gravy and all) for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy, zero-fuss dinner, simply thaw in the fridge overnight—no flavor lost, just as delicious as fresh.

Reheating

Pop leftovers in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or gently warm over low heat on the stove. If the gravy’s thickened up a bit too much, just splash in a spoonful of beef broth or water to loosen things up. Easy as can be and just as good the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Definitely! If you’d rather make your own, prep them ahead and freeze or chill before using for best results. Just make sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker, as this recipe’s timing is intended for pre-cooked meatballs.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—you can swap in gluten-free versions of the gravy and onion soup mixes, and double-check that your meatballs are gluten-free. That way, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) will be safe for everyone at the table without compromising on taste.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely, just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra volume! Double all the ingredients and keep an eye on the cooking time; you might need just a little longer to make sure everything heats through and melds perfectly.

What can I do if my gravy is too thin or too thick?

If your gravy’s a little thin towards the end, add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash more beef broth to reach your preferred consistency. It’s all about dialing in that perfect sauce.

Will the meatballs get mushy if cooked too long?

Frozen meatballs hold up well in the slow cooker, but if you leave them for much longer than suggested, they can get a bit softer. Stick to the recommended cook times for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) and you’ll enjoy perfectly tender results, every time.

Final Thoughts

Satisfying, foolproof, and completely craveworthy—this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) truly deserves a place on your dinner table. It’s proof that comfort food can be both ridiculously easy and totally unforgettable. Give it a try soon and enjoy those “wow, what’s your secret?” smiles from everyone you feed!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (EASY Recipe!) Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious and easy comfort food dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender meatballs in a rich, savory gravy, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs

Gravy:

2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix (or homemade gravy)
1 packet onion soup mix
2 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Thickening:

2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Make the Gravy: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and water. Add in the gravy mix packet and onion soup mix, stirring until well combined.
Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the prepared gravy over them. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Thicken and Serve: 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker’s gravy to thicken. Adjust consistency to your liking before serving.

Notes

For added richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American