Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is an absolute favorite in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Just pop everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

What makes this recipe special is its blend of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The meatballs simmer in a rich gravy that’s both savory and slightly tangy, thanks to a hint of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these Salisbury steak meatballs are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy Preparation: With frozen meatballs as the base, there’s minimal chopping and prep work involved.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love meatballs smothered in gravy?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and it’ll be ready by dinnertime!
• Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—whatever your family enjoys most.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef broth, gravy mix, and seasonings creates a flavor-packed dish that feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delicious meal. You might already have many of them in your pantry!

• 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
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if your family enjoys spicy food.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free gravy mix and check that your broth is also gluten-free.

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. This step is easy-peasy! No need to thaw them first; they will cook perfectly right from frozen.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s important to mix well until smooth so that every bite of meatball gets coated with that delicious flavor.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour that rich gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all the meatballs are nicely coated. This step ensures each meatball absorbs all those tasty flavors as they cook.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About half an hour before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker. This will thicken your gravy beautifully as it finishes cooking!

Step 6: Serve

Once your gravy has thickened up nicely, it’s time to serve! Ladle those flavorful Salisbury steak meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Creating the perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Frozen Meatballs: Selecting good-quality frozen meatballs can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, ensuring they hold up well during cooking.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of ketchup or Worcestershire sauce according to your taste preferences. This customization allows you to create a gravy that perfectly complements your palate.

• Don’t Skip the Thickening Step: Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end is crucial for achieving that rich and velvety gravy texture. It helps bind all the flavors together while making it more satisfying.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or onions to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor. These ingredients not only enhance taste but also contribute additional nutrition.

• Plan Ahead for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make an excellent quick meal option throughout the week, and the flavors become even more pronounced after a day in the refrigerator!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Presenting your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs can elevate your dining experience! Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the rich gravy.

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling some sliced green onions on top introduces a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy potatoes are classic companions to meatballs, soaking up all that delicious gravy for a comforting bite.

• Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green veggie adds a healthy touch and balances out the richness of the meatballs with its lightness.

• Fluffy Rice: White or brown rice serves as a great base, allowing you to enjoy every drop of gravy while providing a wholesome grain option.

• Egg Noodles: Their chewy texture pairs beautifully with meatballs, making for an inviting plate that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Enjoy every bite as you share this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Let’s dive into the best ways to handle this delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen in the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

Yes! If you prefer using fresh meatballs, simply adjust the cooking time. Fresh meatballs may take around 2-3 hours on low heat until they are thoroughly cooked.

What can I serve with Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also serve them alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor that complements the gravy nicely.

How do I thicken the gravy if it doesn’t reach my desired consistency?

If your gravy is still too thin after adding the cornstarch slurry, continue cooking on high for an additional 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually until you reach your preferred thickness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe! With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me. Happy cooking!