Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs come together with almost zero effort and pack a punch of classic savory flavor This recipe transforms humble frozen meatballs into a comforting dish bathed in rich homestyle gravy The whole thing simmers away while you get on with your day delivering effortless comfort food perfect for busy nights or Sunday dinner alike

I discovered this recipe on a hectic weeknight and it saved dinner Now I keep meatballs on hand just to whip it up when the craving hits

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs: look for all beef for authentic flavor or try a turkey version for something lighter picking a quality brand will really shine
• Reduced sodium beef broth: brings deep savory flavor without being too salty check the label and use a low sodium version since mixes also add salt
• Brown gravy mix: creates that thick classic gravy texture and helps tie together all the other flavors opt for one with simple ingredients if possible
• Onion soup mix: adds rich umami and a touch of sweetness some brands have chunks of dried onion which soften deliciously in the sauce
• Ketchup: a touch of tang and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory gravy any regular ketchup works here
• Worcestershire sauce: this gives an extra backnote of meaty flavor I always double check the bottle for a rich color and aroma
• Cornstarch: this helps thicken the gravy to that signature luxuriously silky consistency always mix with cold water for a smooth texture
• Cold water: is essential to activate the cornstarch and avoid lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to keep cleanup easy and ensure nothing sticks

Arrange the Meatballs:

Pour all frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker spreading them in an even layer for even cooking

Mix the Gravy Base:

In a medium bowl whisk together beef broth brown gravy mix onion soup mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce Mix thoroughly so there are no clumps of dry mix

Combine and Start Cooking:

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker Gently stir so every meatball gets a coating Snap on the lid and set to low heat

Slow Cook:

Let everything cook low and slow for five to six hours The sauce will infuse the meatballs as they heat giving you maximum flavor with minimal active effort

Thicken the Gravy:

About ten minutes before serving combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl Use a fork to blend until you have a totally smooth slurry Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well Cook for another ten minutes so the gravy thickens up beautifully

Serve:

Serve the meatballs hot over fluffy mashed potatoes or egg noodles Make sure to spoon plenty of the rich gravy over the top Garnish with fresh parsley if you like

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The onion soup mix is my favorite ingredient because it adds an almost nostalgic flavor that takes me straight back to Sunday dinners growing up My kids always ask for extra gravy on their mashed potatoes and I never say no

Storage Tips

Leftover meatballs and gravy can be cooled completely then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days When reheating add a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy If freezing use a well sealed freezer safe container for up to three months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have beef broth use chicken broth but add an extra dash of Worcestershire You can swap out frozen meatballs for homemade ones if you want a special touch Gluten free brown gravy or onion soup mix works well if needed Sometimes I like to stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end for extra creaminess

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy dinner serve these meatballs over buttered egg noodles or classic mashed potatoes For a lighter option spoon them over steamed rice I have even filled fresh sandwich rolls with leftovers for the ultimate meatball sub style lunch

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Cultural Context

Salisbury steak has roots in American comfort food originally developed as a way to enjoy beef in a budget friendly form By reimagining it with meatballs you get all the deep flavors in a more convenient, family friendly package It is a great example of how old recipes are always evolving to suit busy modern cooks like us

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh homemade or store-bought uncooked meatballs can be used. Adjust the slow cooking time to ensure they're fully cooked through.

→ What are the best sides for these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes and egg noodles are classic choices, but they also pair well with steamed rice or buttered vegetables.

→ Can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?

Absolutely. Make a cornstarch slurry using equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker and heat until the gravy thickens.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs and gravy can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

→ How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Using frozen meatballs or thoroughly chilled fresh meatballs helps them hold their shape during long, slow cooking.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store cooled meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat to serve.