This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs delves into comfort food territory with these bite-sized pieces of goodness! Tender meatballs bob in a rich brown gravy, flavored with onions and mushrooms, and they are delicious, bite after bite. As simple as a slow cooker, this recipe is for those busy days when you’d like a home-cooked meal, without too much of the fuss.
Jump to:
- Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (With Frozen Meatballs)
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- How To Store Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
- Serving Suggestions For Easy Salisbury Meatballs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Dinner Recipes To Try
- Recipe
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (With Frozen Meatballs)
My family used to have Salisbury steak at home often when I was a girl, so it always brings comfort and nostalgia from our table. I recall my grandmother’s rendition — juicy, tender and drowned in rich, brown gravy spooned over buttery mashed potatoes. You can get that tastes of food but with an easier twist since I would turn it into slow cooker meatballs for the day when you make a little extra to fill your belly.
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to put together, yet it has bold, home-cooked flavors. The slow cooker does the actual cooking, allowing the meatballs to soak up the delicious, savory gravy without constant babysitting. It strikes the right balance between convenience and tradition, which can make it a reliable dinner for chillier weeknights.
Another reason this dish is a favorite is its versatility; whether piled onto smashed potatoes, rice or even wedged into a sandwich, it always delivers. The tender meatballs swimming in the rich, onion-y gravy make for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Every bite transports me to my childhood, so this isn’t just a recipe — it’s a memory in the making.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs — Meatballs are the star protein of this dish, adding a hearty, tender bite without needing additional prep.
- Worcestershire sauce — Provides a deep, umami-rich flavor that amplifies the savory nature of the gravy.
- Gravy from Scratch – This is the base of the dish, providing a rich and comforting consistency and coating the meatballs perfectly.
- Cornstarch — Used as a thickening agent to achieve a smooth and velvety gravy.
- Beef broth – You want this for deep flavor, richness, and to infuse the meatballs with flavor as they cook.
- Ketchup – Adds a bit of sweetness and tang, cutting the savory.
- Onion soup mix packet.
- Gravy mix packet.
How To Make Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Make the Gravy Whisk the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and water in a bowl. Add the gravy mix packet and onion soup mix packet, mixing until well combined. That makes for a deep and flavorful sauce without a ton of seasoning.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker – Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker, and pour over the mixing bowl of prepared gravy. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, during which time the meatballs will soak up the savory flavors. Stir and break well to mix and cook evenly.
- Thicken and Serve — 30 minutes before serving: In a very small bowl, combine cornstarch with a bright splash of water to form a slurry, then stir into slow cooker’s gravy, to thicken consistency. When the sauce is at a desired consistency.
serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles...ENJOY!
How To Store Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Any leftover meatballs can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat leftovers and excess gravy in a pot over the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly warm.
Serving Suggestions For Easy Salisbury Meatballs
- Classic Comfort Pairings — Drape over creamy mashed potatoes to catch the rich, tasty gravy, for a warm and filling meal. Serve with buttered corn or green beans for a classic homestyle flair. (And a warm slice of buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every damn bit of the sauce.)
- Hearty & Filling Options — Serve the meatballs over buttered egg noodles or steamed white or brown rice for an easy but hearty meal. Roasted or garlic-herb potatoes make a good alternative, too, for a heartier meal. For a fun twist on this classic, serve them over a baked potato with some extra gravy.
- Lighter & Healthier Variations – Serve the meatballs over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots or asparagus, to add some freshness and balance. A crunchy side salad with a tart vinaigrette helps balance the dish’s richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
For extra gravy, blend a cup of beef broth with half a packet of gravy mix and a dash of Worcestershire. If necessary, thicken it toward the end by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Leftover Salisbury steak meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months, adding extra gravy to avoid drying out.
Rewarm in a skillet over low heat, adding a few spoonfuls of beef broth to keep the gravy smooth and avoid drying. Or microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot, in 30-second intervals.
If you tried this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
More Dinner Recipes To Try
- Super Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup (With Frozen Hash Browns)
- The Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Buffalo Wild Wings CrockPot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
- Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
Recipe
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bag 26 oz frozen meatballs
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix or homemade gravy
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 ½ tablespoons ketchup
- 1 ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ tablespoons cold water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the Gravy Whisk the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and water in a bowl. Add the gravy mix packet and onion soup mix packet, mixing until well combined. That makes for a deep and flavorful sauce without a ton of seasoning.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker – Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker, and pour over the mixing bowl of prepared gravy. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, during which time the meatballs will soak up the savory flavors. Stir and break well to mix and cook evenly.
- Thicken and Serve — 30 minutes before serving: In a very small bowl, combine cornstarch with a bright splash of water to form a slurry, then stir into slow cooker’s gravy, to thicken consistency. When the sauce is at a desired consistency.
NOTES
- For Over-Thickening – if the gravy is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Adding liquid gradually preserves the hearty flavor and keeps it from getting sloppy.
- Deepen the Flavor — For a more bruise-in-your-face, homemade flavor, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy. “Just a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika can also add a nice gentle warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.”
Jasmine Bell says
I adore slow cooker recipes like these—so easy and satisfying! This will be great when I need something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ariel Campbell says
This is exactly what I need for a cozy dinner! I always keep frozen meatballs on hand, so this is perfect for those last-minute meal plans. Can’t wait to dig into that gravy!
Angelica King says
Oh my gosh, this recipe looks like a total lifesaver for busy weeknights! I love that you can just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Plus, who doesn’t love a good meatball dish?
Cora James says
I’m all about easy meals like this one! It’s awesome that you can just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Perfect for family dinners after a long day.
Hailey Peterson says
I love how simple yet delicious this recipe is! Slow cookers make life so much easier, especially when you can set it and forget it. Looking forward to some hearty comfort food tonight!
Faith Torres says
'Frozen meatballs' are a game changer in my kitchen! This recipe looks super comforting and easy to whip up after a long day. Can't wait to savor every bite with family!
Grace Lee says
This sounds like ultimate comfort food! I'm all in for the rich gravy and tender meatballs. Can't wait to serve this at our next family gathering—everyone will love it!
Kate Wilson says
This is such a comforting recipe! I appreciate how quick and simple it is, especially with frozen meatballs. Definitely adding this to my dinner rotation for those hectic nights!
Fiona Garcia says
Love how straightforward this recipe is! It's great that you can use any kind of frozen meatballs too; I might even try turkey ones for a healthier twist. Yum!
Isla Diaz says
'Comfort food' is my middle name, and these meatballs are calling my name! I love how versatile they are too—great as an appetizer or over rice. What’s not to love?
Aurora Long says
Yum! Slow cooker meals are my jam, especially when they involve meatballs. The gravy sounds heavenly; I can already picture it over some fluffy egg noodles!
Camila Ross says
Wow, this looks super tasty! I love how versatile these meatballs are—great for sandwiches or served over rice. I'm definitely going to give this a whirl soon!
Molly Carter says
I’m definitely trying this out tonight! The idea of serving those tender meatballs over mashed potatoes sounds heavenly. Comfort food at its finest, right? Yum!
Kaitlyn Butler says
Oh my gosh, this recipe sounds so easy and delicious! I love that it's a dump-and-go kind of meal—perfect for my busy evenings. Can't wait to try it with mashed potatoes!
Alyssa Morgan says
'Dump-and-go' is music to my ears! I’m excited to give these meatballs a try and maybe pair them with some green beans on the side for a complete meal. Thanks for sharing this gem!
Maggie Butler says
'Easy' and 'delicious' are two words that get me every time! This recipe sounds like the perfect solution for busy evenings when I want something warm and filling. Bring on the gravy!
Hailey Peterson says
'Dump-and-go' is music to my ears! This dish is perfect for busy moms like me who still want to serve something delicious. Plus, who doesn't love a good gravy?
Esme Bryant says
This Salisbury steak meatball recipe sounds amazing! I’m all about easy dinners that still feel special. That deep dark gravy will be the cherry on top of my mashed potatoes!
Georgia Phillips says
This sounds easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Phoebe Wilson says
I like that it uses frozen meatballs.
Kennedy Cooper says
Seems like a quick way to make dinner.
Brittany Ward says
The gravy looks tasty.
Chloe Ross says
I might try this recipe soon.
Patricia Howard says
Good to have easy recipes for busy days.
Matilda Hayes says
Sounds like a comforting meal.
Casey Bell says
'Dump-and-go' is my kind of cooking!
Scarlett Bailey says
This looks easy to make.
Aspen Green says
I like that it uses frozen meatballs.
Olivia Clark says
Seems like a good recipe for busy days.
Gabriella Reed says
I might try this for dinner sometime.
Hunter Ford says
The gravy sounds tasty.
Gianna Fox says
I appreciate the cooking tips.
Rebecca Clark says
Looks simple enough for anyone to do.
Annabelle Sanders says
'Dump-and-go' is nice for weeknights.
Lisa says
Better than the common recipe that uses two packets of brown gravy. The onion soup mix gives more depth of flavor.
I used water instead of broth since I didn't have low-sodium (I'm a habitual salter, but this really doesn't need any additional), and forgot to add the cornstarch, but it was still very good and an easy, mostly hands-off dinner. Will be making this again!
Imsen says
Hey, Lisa! Thank you for your kind feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and made it your own with the adjustments. It’s great to hear it worked well even without the cornstarch, and I agree—the onion soup mix adds such a nice depth. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy it just as much next time! 😊