Family-Friendly Comfort: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Are you looking for a comforting meal that the entire family will love? Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are your answer! This dish brings together the savory goodness of meatballs and gravy, creating a warm and satisfying meal that makes everyone feel at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a few steps and a little patience, you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready to serve at the end of a busy day.

The slow cooker method works wonders here, allowing flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves hassle-free cooking, these Salisbury steak meatballs offer a convenient solution. Let’s dive into why you should give this recipe a try!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is a fantastic choice for several reasons:

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients already. This recipe is affordable and makes use of staples found in many kitchens.
Hassle-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You can set it, forget it, and return to a flavorful meal ready for serving.
Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults. Meatballs smothered in delicious gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles always win big at the dinner table.
Versatile Serving Ideas: You can serve these meatballs in various ways, whether over comfort foods like mashed potatoes or even in a sandwich or with pasta.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers! You can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze portions for future meals.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Ready to make this delicious dish? Follow along with the ingredients and directions below.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen 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
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add the Meatballs: Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
Combine: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Serving these meatballs is as easy as making them! Here are some great serving suggestions:

Over Mashed Potatoes: This classic combo allows the rich gravy to soak into the creamy potatoes, creating an irresistible dish.
On Egg Noodles: Skip the potatoes and serve the meatballs over egg noodles for a hearty pasta dish.
In a Sandwich: For a fun twist, place the meatballs on a soft roll for a delicious meatball sandwich.
With Vegetables: Pair with steamed veggies or a side salad to add freshness to your meal.

Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness!

How to Store Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat.

Reheating tip: To keep the meatballs moist, add a splash of beef broth when reheating in the microwave or stovetop.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Use Quality Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, look for high-quality brands or even make homemade meatballs if you have time.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the sauce mixture for extra flavor. Garlic powder, pepper, or mushroom soup can all work well.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer thicker gravy, simply add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water during the last cooking phase.
Add Vegetables: You can throw in some sliced onions, mushrooms, or even carrots at the start of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

While the classic recipe is delightful, here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:

Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and crushed tomatoes for a twist. Serve over spaghetti for a meatball pasta dish.
Barbecue Style: Substitute BBQ sauce for beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for a smoky flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just make sure they are cooked through by adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker instead?
Absolutely! You can make Salisbury Steak Meatballs in a pressure cooker. Adjust the cooking time to about 30 minutes on high pressure.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen meatballs?
The best way to reheat frozen meatballs is to thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I use low-carb substitutes?
Yes! You can use low-carb meatballs or substitute mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes to make a low-carb version of this dish.

By following these simple steps, you’ll create a cozy and delicious meal. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. Enjoy this easy-to-make comfort food with your loved ones!