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This hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe transforms frozen meatballs into a comforting family dinner with minimal effort. The rich brown gravy creates itself right in the slow cooker, making this perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hands-off meal that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
I discovered this shortcut version of Salisbury steak when I needed something hearty for a family gathering but had zero time to roll homemade meatballs. It's become our go-to dinner solution when comfort food cravings hit but time is limited.
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs: About 30-35 count. I prefer the homestyle variety from Costco for their consistent quality and flavor.
- Reduced sodium beef broth: Creates the base for a flavorful gravy without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown gravy mix packet: Contains seasonings and thickeners that develop that classic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Onion soup mix: Adds depth and savory notes without chopping a single onion.
- Ketchup: Brings subtle sweetness and tanginess to balance the savory elements.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami richness that makes the gravy taste like it simmered all day.
- Cornstarch: For thickening, allows you to customize your gravy consistency to preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Spray your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step makes cleanup so much easier later and ensures none of that delicious gravy gets left behind stuck to the sides.
- Add frozen meatballs:
- Dump the entire bag of frozen meatballs directly into the prepared slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe is that they go in completely frozen and will cook to perfection without any thawing.
- Mix the gravy ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until completely combined. The mixture will look thin at this point but will develop into a rich gravy as it cooks. Pour this mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat all the meatballs.
- Slow cook to perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat for 5-6 hours. During this time the meatballs will fully cook through and release their flavors into the surrounding liquid while absorbing the savory gravy flavors in return.
- Thicken the gravy:
- Once cooking time is complete, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl using a fork until smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry directly into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate. Cook an additional 10 minutes with the lid on until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
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My family argues over who gets the last meatball every time I make this dish. What makes it special is how the frozen meatballs actually absorb the flavors from the gravy as they cook, transforming what could be ordinary into something truly crave-worthy.
Choosing Your Meatballs
When selecting frozen meatballs for this recipe, quality matters. Look for meatballs with minimal fillers and a good meat content. While the recipe calls for classic beef meatballs, I have made this with turkey meatballs for a lighter option or even Italian style ones for a different flavor profile. The key is ensuring you have about 26 ounces total weight, which typically equals 30-35 individual meatballs depending on their size.
Controlling The Salt Level
One challenge with packet mixes is managing sodium levels. Using reduced sodium beef broth makes a significant difference in the final dish. If you have family members who are sensitive to salt, consider using low sodium versions of both the brown gravy and onion soup mix packets as well. Conversely, if you enjoy a more robust savory flavor, standard sodium products work perfectly too. The recipe is surprisingly adaptable to salt preferences.
Perfect Pairings
While mashed potatoes are my go-to serving suggestion—their creamy texture creates the ideal foundation for the rich gravy—consider other options too. Buttered egg noodles work beautifully and soak up the gravy wonderfully. For a lower carb option, try serving over cauliflower mash or alongside roasted vegetables. A side of cranberry sauce offers a tangy, sweet contrast that complements the savory meatballs surprisingly well, especially during fall and winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but be sure to cook the meatballs before placing them in the slow cooker to maintain their texture and flavor.
- → Can I use turkey meatballs for this dish?
Absolutely! Turkey meatballs are a great alternative and pair well with the rich brown gravy.
- → How do I reduce the sodium in this dish?
Use reduced-sodium beef broth, gravy mix, and onion soup mix to lower the overall sodium content.
- → What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice make great accompaniments for this dish.
- → How do I thicken the gravy to my liking?
Adjust the cornstarch slurry ratio. Use less cornstarch for a thinner gravy or more for a thicker consistency.