Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Published: September 9, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy days.
Flavorful Gravy: The combination of beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a savory gravy that elevates the dish.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs over various sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: This meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it great for family dinners.
Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker ensures perfectly cooked meatballs every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is the star of the show, allowing the meatballs to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors from the gravy.
Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps in easily combining ingredients without spills or mess.
Whisk: Ideal for mixing sauces smoothly without lumps, ensuring a well-blended gravy.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)

For the Gravy

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

For Thickening

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. This forms the base of your delicious meal.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all meatballs evenly with gravy.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until meatballs are heated through and tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last 30 minutes of cooking:
1. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
2. Add this slurry to the slow cooker and stir well.
3. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow gravy to thicken.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, serve your Salisbury steak meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for soaking up the rich gravy from the meatballs.

With Egg Noodles

Serve the meatballs on a bed of egg noodles for a comforting twist that adds texture and flavor.

On Rice

A fluffy serving of rice complements the meatballs well and absorbs the savory gravy beautifully.

In a Sub Sandwich

For a fun twist, load the meatballs into a toasted sub roll, topped with cheese for a hearty sandwich.

As an Appetizer

Serve the meatballs on toothpicks as finger food for parties or gatherings, making them easy to enjoy.

How to Perfect Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Achieving perfection with this recipe is simple with a few helpful tips. Use these strategies to enhance your dish further.

Choose Quality Meatballs: Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs for better flavor and texture in your dish.
Enhance Flavor: Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra depth in flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for freshness and added color.
Experiment with Gravy: Try mixing different types of broth (like chicken) to add unique flavors to your gravy.

Best Side Dishes for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Pairing side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options that complement the Salisbury steak meatballs perfectly.

Steamed Vegetables
Lightly steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli offer a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and a slight bitterness that balances out the savory gravy.
Garlic Bread
A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy, adding deliciousness to each bite.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the hearty nature of the meatballs.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory profile of Salisbury steak meatballs beautifully.
Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice; it’s light and allows the flavors of the dish to shine through without being heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold Timing Error: Not cooking for the right amount of time can lead to tough meatballs or overly soft ones. Always follow the recommended cooking duration for best results.
Bold Skipping Gravy Prep: Neglecting to make the gravy before adding it to the meatballs can result in uneven flavors. Always mix your sauces separately for a balanced taste.
Bold Overfilling the Slow Cooker: Filling your slow cooker beyond its capacity can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended quantity of ingredients to ensure everything cooks properly.
Bold Ignoring Thickening Steps: Forgetting to add a thickener at the end can leave you with a runny gravy. Use cornstarch or another thickener as instructed for a rich sauce.
Bold Using High-Sodium Products: Choosing high-sodium broth or mixes can make your dish too salty. Opt for reduced-sodium versions to control flavor intensity.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Allow meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

How do I make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe from scratch?

You can create your own meatballs using ground beef or turkey mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then follow the same cooking method.

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster than frozen ones.

What should I serve with Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Feel free to add steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Can I customize the gravy flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of broth or add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is not just hearty; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. You can swap out ingredients according to your preference, making it a perfect fit for any family meal. Give it a try and enjoy comforting flavors that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card