If you crave a dinner that’s pure cozy comfort but couldn’t be easier to pull off, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe takes everything you adore about classic Salisbury steak—rich, savory gravy, tender, seasoned meat—and wraps it up in plump, juicy meatballs, all simmered low and slow until each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that upgrades frozen meatballs into something you’ll be proud to serve on even your busiest weeknights!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is delightfully short and straightforward, but trust me, each item here brings serious flavor, texture, or heartiness to the party. Get ready for the kind of magic that only comes from simple pantry staples working beautifully together.

Frozen Meatballs: These are the ultimate time-saver, and they hold up perfectly in the slow cooker while soaking up all the incredible gravy flavor.
Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Gives the gravy a deep, beefy base without making it overly salty—plus, it keeps the dish nice and saucy.
Brown Gravy Mix: Adds instant savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce for classic Salisbury steak taste.
Onion Soup Mix: Packs a punch of oniony richness that elevates the gravy from simple to special.
Ketchup: Just a bit boosts tanginess and balances the richness with a subtle sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This savory secret weapon delivers an irresistible umami depth.
Cornstarch: Key for thickening the gravy to the perfect, cling-to-your-meatballs consistency.
Cold Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch so the gravy thickens smoothly without any lumps.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of green adds a fresh, vibrant finish that makes the whole meal pop visually.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker a quick mist with nonstick cooking spray. This tiny step ensures nothing sticks, so cleanup is a breeze and every bit of that luscious gravy ends up on your plate, not stuck to the sides.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Take those handy frozen meatballs straight from the bag and tumble them right into the slow cooker insert. No thawing required! They’ll gently heat and soak up big flavor as they cook.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until it’s smooth and well-blended. This powerhouse mixture creates the famed Salisbury steak gravy that makes Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour your rich sauce evenly over the meatballs, then give everything a gentle stir so every meatball gets a good coating. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW—then let the magic happen over the next 5 to 6 hours while your house fills with the most delicious aroma.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, make a quick slurry by stirring cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Pour this into the slow cooker, mix gently, then let it bubble and thicken until your gravy reaches perfect silkiness.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon those Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes or pile them on a bed of egg noodles, then finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, if you like. Get ready to dig into true comfort food bliss!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of parsley adds fresh color and a little herbal brightness, but you could also try thinly sliced chives or a light dusting of black pepper for extra pop. For a touch of richness, a tiny swirl of sour cream is wonderful on top.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are practically begging to be paired with buttery mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, which soak up every drop of that savory gravy. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp side salad all bring great balance and color to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs into a party appetizer by serving them with toothpicks and a little extra gravy on the side for dipping. Or, tuck them into a toasted sub roll with provolone for a Salisbury steak meatball sandwich—total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your cooled Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (gravy included!) into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, which means tomorrow’s dinner could be even better.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze like a dream. Pack portions of meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for an encore performance.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the gravy seems too thick after storing, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to your liking. You can also microwave single portions for a quick lunch, just cover and heat in bursts, stirring between each one.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just shape and brown your homemade meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. They’ll hold together nicely and infuse even more home-cooked love into your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just pick gluten-free meatballs, a GF gravy mix, and a GF onion soup mix. Check all your labels, but you can still enjoy rich, hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with no worries.

What if my gravy is still too thin at the end?

If your gravy isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, mix up another teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it in. Let it cook for a few more minutes, and it’ll thicken right up for you.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker has enough space for all the meatballs and extra sauce. You may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so for best results.

Do I have to use parsley for garnish?

Nope—fresh parsley is totally optional, but it does add a lovely fresh flavor and pretty color. Feel free to skip it or swap in whatever fresh herbs you love most.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a hearty weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor for minimum effort, you owe it to yourself to try Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. With its savory gravy, tender meatballs, and pure comfort factor, don’t be surprised if this dish quickly becomes a regular favorite at your table. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 6 hours and 25 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Salisbury steak with this easy and delicious slow cooker meatball recipe. Tender meatballs simmered in a savory gravy, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs

Sauce:

2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Thickening Agent:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add the Meatballs: Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American