Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are a comforting and easy meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender frozen meatballs are smothered in a savory, rich gravy made with beef broth, brown gravy mix, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for that signature deep, savory flavor. It’s all cooked in the slow cooker, letting the flavors meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless to Make

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal prep. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

2. Flavorful Gravy

The rich brown gravy, enhanced with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix, adds a savory depth of flavor that perfectly complements the meatballs.

3. Quick and Convenient

Since you’re using frozen meatballs, you don’t need to worry about forming the meatballs or browning them before cooking. It’s a super quick recipe that can be made on even the busiest days.

4. Versatile Meal

This dish is perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even with a side of steamed vegetables. It’s a hearty meal that can easily be customized to fit your taste.

5. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting, flavorful meatballs in gravy. It’s a great meal to serve to the whole family, and even picky eaters will love it!

Ingredients

Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

• Frozen meatballs (26 oz bag, about 30-35 meatballs)
• Reduced-sodium beef broth
• Brown gravy mix
• Onion soup mix
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce

Cornstarch Slurry:

• Cornstarch
• Cold water

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or veggie meatballs for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Add Mushrooms: For an earthy, rich addition, stir in some sliced mushrooms with the other ingredients.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Swap Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor, though beef broth adds the most depth to the gravy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand; just add them straight from the freezer.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through, and the gravy should be simmering.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Once the gravy has thickened, give everything a good stir and serve the meatballs with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For Extra Flavor: If you have the time, sauté the onion soup mix in a little butter before adding it to the slow cooker. It will bring out even more of the savory flavors.
• Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer an even thicker gravy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the slurry.
• Frozen Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs is a huge time-saver in this recipe. If you prefer homemade meatballs, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead.
• Make It Ahead: This dish is a great option for meal prepping. You can make it a day or two ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.

How to Serve

These Salisbury steak meatballs are best served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables. The rich gravy is perfect for soaking up with your favorite bread or biscuits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Store the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, simply heat the meatballs and gravy on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen up the gravy.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs, but be sure to brown them first to lock in the flavor and texture before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I substitute the beef broth with something else?

Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer, but beef broth gives the gravy the most flavor.

3. Is it necessary to make a cornstarch slurry?

The cornstarch slurry is optional, but it helps thicken the gravy and make it more luxurious. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip this step.

4. Can I make this dish on the stove instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs on the stove in a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer the gravy and meatballs for about 30-40 minutes until heated through and the gravy thickens.

5. How can I make the gravy spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use a different type of gravy mix?

Yes, you can swap the brown gravy mix with mushroom gravy mix or another flavor of your choice.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.

8. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Frozen meatballs typically take 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low to fully cook through in the slow cooker. They should be hot and heated through.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free gravy mix and cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Conclusion

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of effort. The tender meatballs in rich, flavorful gravy are a hit with the whole family and can be served in many ways. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s sure to be a meal everyone will love. Try it today for a stress-free, delicious dinner!

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