Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

5.0 from 6 votes

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, perfect dump and go weeknight idea, ultimate comfort food meal!

These tender meatballs not only delivers rich gravy flavor but also provide a simple way to serve an easy weeknight meal that the entire family will enjoy. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to whip up this dump and go dish with minimal effort, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully over the cooking time.

I love how versatile this crockpot recipe can be, whether I use homemade meatballs or frozen ones. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, rich broth, and simple seasonings creates a delicious sauce that coats each meatball perfectly. 

Join me as I share my favorite Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe, highlighting tips for making the tenderest meatballs and achieving the ideal savory gravy. This great recipe can become a staple in your home, offering an effortless way to bring family and friends together for a cozy dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy recipe made with simple ingredients. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

Using frozen meatballs saves time without sacrificing taste. I often prefer this convenience on busy weeknights.

• Meal prep is made simple. Since this dish holds well, I can prepare leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

• Lastly, this meatball recipe feeds a crowd. It’s perfect for gatherings, and everyone seems to love it. The easy cleanup afterward makes hosting stress-free.

Preparing Salisbury steak meatballs in a slow cooker involves selecting the right ingredients, seasoning them properly, and following a straightforward cooking procedure. This method is designed for busy weeknights when minimal effort is required for a delicious dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen meatballs

2 cups beef broth

1 packet of brown gravy mix

1 packet of onion soup mix

2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp cornstarch 

2 tbsp cold water

How To Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Preparing the Slow Cooker. Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the meatballs from sticking to the sides during cooking.

Adding the Meatballs. Next, place meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.

Creating the Sauce. In a small mixing bowl, you’ll want to create the flavorful sauce that will coat the meatballs. Start by combining beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Once the sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.

Cooking the Meatballs. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. It’s important to stir the meatballs occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Thickening the Sauce. When the cooking time is nearly complete, you’ll want to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the meatballs and stir well. This will help the sauce thicken and become even more flavorful.

Serving Suggestions. I love to serve Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes or white rice. Both options absorb the rich gravy beautifully, creating a hearty meal. Additionally, I sometimes pair them with egg noodles, which adds a delightful texture.

To enhance the dish, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

This combination not only makes for a comforting family dinner but also appeals to many tastes, making it a family favorite.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying my meal, I often have leftover meatballs. I store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If I want to keep them longer, I transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container. When stored correctly, they can last for up to three months in the freezer.

To reheat, I prefer using the slow cooker again, adding a splash of water or additional gravy to keep them moist. This method ensures that my leftovers taste just as delicious as when they were freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure that slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs don’t fall apart during cooking?

Frozen meatballs generally don’t fall apart during cooking because they’ve already been partially cooked or flash-frozen to set their shape. To keep the fresh meatballs from falling apart, I recommend using a good binder, such as breadcrumbs or eggs. Mixing the meat thoroughly and allowing the meatballs to rest before cooking also helps. Cooking them gently in the sauce aids in maintaining their shape.

What is the best way to prepare Salisbury steak meatballs with gravy in a slow cooker?

I start by browning the meatballs in a skillet for added flavor. Next, I combine them with onions and any desired veggies in the slow cooker, along with prepared gravy. Cooking on low for several hours helps the flavors meld beautifully.

What are the ideal cooking times for Salisbury steak meatballs in a slow cooker to prevent overcooking?

I typically cook Salisbury steak meatballs on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. Monitoring the meatballs towards the end of cooking helps prevent overcooking and ensures they stay moist.