If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dinner that requires minimal prep time, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are just what you need. This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep, and then the slow cooker does all the work. The rich, savory brown gravy sauce develops deep flavors as it simmers for hours, coating the meatballs in a silky, mouthwatering glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: ✅ Minimal Prep: Just dump and go – no need to brown or pre-cook anything. ✅ Delicious Gravy: The combination of onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a flavorful sauce that coats every meatball perfectly. ✅ Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even roasted vegetables. ✅ Perfect for Busy Days: Set it and forget it! Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. ✅ Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the rich, comforting flavors of this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s why:
1. Super Easy & Convenient
This recipe requires minimal prep—just dump the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work! Using frozen meatballs means no extra time forming and cooking meatballs from scratch. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss, satisfying meal.
2. Rich, Flavorful Gravy
The Salisbury steak-inspired gravy is what makes this dish so irresistible. A combination of beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup creates a deep, savory, slightly tangy sauce that thickens into luxurious brown gravy. It’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
3. Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
These meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike! The familiar flavors of Salisbury steak combined with tender, juicy meatballs make this dish one that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to double for a large family gathering or meal prep.
4. Budget-Friendly & Customizable
Using affordable pantry staples like soup mix, gravy mix, and frozen meatballs makes this a budget-friendly meal. You can also customize it by using turkey meatballs, homemade meatballs, or even a low-sodium version.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. Simply refrigerate or freeze the meatballs and gravy, then warm them up for a quick and easy meal later!
With rich flavors, effortless cooking, and cozy comfort in every bite, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will be a go-to dinner recipe for your family! 🍽️✨
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the 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
For the Cornstarch Slurry (To Thicken Gravy):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Dump the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker. No need to thaw!
Step 3: Make the Gravy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Brown gravy mix
- Onion soup mix
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
Once well combined, pour the mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak Meatballs
🔥 Use Your Favorite Meatballs: Classic homestyle meatballs work best, but you can also use turkey, Italian, or beef meatballs for different flavor profiles. 🍽 Don’t Thaw the Meatballs: Simply dump them in frozen—this keeps them from becoming too soft during slow cooking. 🥣 Adjust the Gravy Thickness: For a thicker gravy, use 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water. For a thinner, pourable gravy, use 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water. 🥄 Reduce Sodium If Needed: Use low-sodium beef broth and gravy mix to cut down on saltiness. 🍄 Add Mushrooms or Onions: For extra depth of flavor, add sliced mushrooms or onions in with the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These Salisbury steak meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes 🥔 – The ultimate comfort food combo.
- Egg Noodles 🍜 – A classic way to soak up that rich gravy.
- Steamed Rice 🍚 – A simple but delicious option.
- Roasted Vegetables 🥕 – A lighter side for a well-balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of beef broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 985mg
- Potassium: 481mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 37 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 36 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the definition of comfort food made easy. With just 5 minutes of prep time and a hands-free cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal without much effort.
The rich brown gravy that forms in the slow cooker coats the meatballs beautifully, and when served over creamy mashed potatoes or noodles, it becomes an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing for later, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation!
Print
🍽️ Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Comfort Food Made Easy!
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a game changer! With just 5 minutes of prep, you get tender meatballs smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy that practically makes itself. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy and satisfying meal. The best part? No need to thaw the meatballs—just dump, cook, and enjoy! 🍽️✨
Ingredients
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 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch Slurry (For Thickening)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (see notes for thinner gravy option)
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert with nonstick cooking spray.
2️⃣ Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker (no need to thaw!).
3️⃣ Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the meatballs and stir to coat.
4️⃣ Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
5️⃣ Thicken the Gravy:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch + cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir into the slow cooker and let cook for 10 more minutes until the gravy thickens.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Spoon over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
✔ Use your favorite meatballs – Homestyle, turkey, or Italian all work!
✔ Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and gravy mix.
✔ Want a thinner gravy? Use 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water instead of 2 tbsp each.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 366 per serving
- Sugar: 2g per serving
- Sodium: 985mg
- Fat: 26g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 9g per serving
- Fiber: 0.5g per serving
- Protein: 22g per serving