If you crave pure comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This cozy classic is all about juicy meatballs gently simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s brimming with flavor. With practically zero prep and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a homestyle dinner that tastes like you fussed for hours. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, and hands-down one of my most requested slow cooker recipes!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is keeping things simple and letting each ingredient shine. Every component here has a job—from building that luscious gravy base to adding signature tang and depth—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen Meatballs: Total timesaver and perfectly tender once slow-cooked – choose your favorite brand or style!
Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds savory depth without making the dish too salty; opt for low-sodium so the flavors stay balanced.
Brown Gravy Mix: Shortcut to gorgeous, silky gravy—just the right amount of savoriness.
Onion Soup Mix: Lends punchy, herby flavor and classic Salisbury steak nostalgia.
Ketchup: Infuses a subtle tang and gentle sweetness that brings everything together.
Worcestershire Sauce: The umami booster that gives the sauce that tantalizing, deep flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to glossy, spoon-coating perfection—don’t skip this step!
Cold Water: Whisks seamlessly with the cornstarch to ensure no lumps in your sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me, this prevents the meatballs and gravy from sticking and makes clean-up a total breeze—so you can spend more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing dishes!

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Dump the entire bag of frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker insert. No need to thaw! Their frozen state helps them hold their shape while slowly soaking up that incredible gravy.

Step 3: Mix the Gravy Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is smooth and well combined. This is where the magic begins—the flavors meld before even hitting the slow cooker!

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour that luscious gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs, stir everything gently to coat, then pop on the lid. Let the slow cooker work its wonders for 5 to 6 hours on LOW. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll end up with unbelievably tender Salisbury steak meatballs swimming in velvety sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

When time’s up, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth—this is your cornstarch slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover again, and let it cook for about 10 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the gravy thickens up with a beautiful sheen.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly perks up the plate and adds a hint of freshness. For extra flair, a few twists of cracked black pepper or even a delicate scatter of finely minced chives add restaurant-worthy vibes.

Side Dishes

You absolutely can’t go wrong piling these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or broad egg noodles—both soak up every last drop of that savory gravy. Buttery green beans or roasted carrots on the side turn this into a dinner the whole family will devour.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering them with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer drizzled with extra gravy. Or serve Salisbury steak meatballs atop white rice in a big bowl, then top with crispy onions for crunch. Leftovers tucked into a toasted hoagie roll? Next-level lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs should be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors only get richer as they sit!

Freezing

Want to freeze extras for later? Simply cool the meatballs and gravy completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy on the stovetop in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade meatball recipe, shape and bake them first until cooked through, then use them in place of frozen meatballs in your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Is it okay to use regular beef broth, not reduced-sodium?

You can, but be mindful that the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix both contain salt, so regular broth may make the sauce a bit saltier. Taste before adding any extra salt, and adjust according to your preference.

Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs on HIGH for about 2.5 to 3 hours in a pinch, but I really recommend LOW for the best, most tender meatballs and deepest flavor development.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour for the slurry—just be sure to mix it very well with cold water to avoid lumps before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms or even diced bell peppers can be added after you pour in the gravy mixture for extra flavor and texture. They’ll cook right along with the meatballs and soak up that tasty sauce.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs—pure comfort, very little fuss, and big, nostalgic flavors in every bite. Give them a try this week, and don’t be surprised when they become a new favorite at your table!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food dish. Tender meatballs are simmered in a savory gravy until perfectly cooked, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cornstarch Slurry

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Dump the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix packet, onion soup mix packet, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this over the frozen meatballs and stir everything together.
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours.
When the cook time is done mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl with a fork. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and allow it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes (recommended), and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American