If you’re craving a comforting homemade dinner that practically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will become your new family favorite. Imagine juicy, tender beef meatballs simmering all day in a rich, savory gravy with hints of onion, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs — all coming together in your crockpot with minimal effort.
This dish captures the classic Salisbury steak flavor — hearty, satisfying, and deeply savory — but in the form of bite-sized meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or meal prep, it’s a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
What makes this recipe special is how convenient and flexible it is. Using frozen meatballs (or homemade ones if you prefer) means there’s no browning, no complicated steps — just combine, set, and let your slow cooker do the magic. Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice for a dinner that feels gourmet but couldn’t be easier.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, gather the following kitchen tools:
1 large slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
1 medium mixing bowl
1 whisk or spoon for mixing the gravy base
Measuring spoons and cups
Small saucepan (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Serving spoon or ladle
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting slow cooker dinner:
Main Ingredients
1 bag (26 oz / about 30–35) frozen beef meatballs (or homemade chicken meatballs if preferred)
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful crockpot meal that practically cooks itself.
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, gravy mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir until everything is completely dissolved and smooth. This mixture will form the delicious gravy that slowly infuses the meatballs with savory flavor.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the top of the meatballs, ensuring they’re well coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
During this time, the meatballs will absorb all the flavors from the sauce, creating that classic Salisbury steak richness without the need for browning or frying.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
Continue cooking on High for 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done, stir gently to coat all the meatballs with the thickened gravy.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: Approximately 6–8 hours including prep
This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for a week of quick, satisfying meals.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs store beautifully, making them a great meal prep option.
Refrigerator:
Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much after refrigeration.
🥄 Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this dish your own while keeping its comforting charm:
- Homemade Meatballs
Use fresh ground beef or chicken to make your own meatballs seasoned with breadcrumbs, garlic, and onion powder. Brown them lightly before adding to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor.
- Mushroom Gravy
Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the crockpot before cooking for an earthy touch that complements the savory sauce.
- Veggie Boost
Stir in diced carrots, peas, or green beans toward the end of cooking to create a complete one-pot meal.
- Sweet & Tangy Twist
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the gravy mixture for a subtle, tangy layer of flavor.
- Creamy Version
For a richer sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end of cooking (after turning off the heat). This creates a creamy Salisbury-style gravy that’s irresistible.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Simply prepare your own beef or chicken meatballs and add them raw or lightly browned. Adjust the cooking time slightly (they’ll need at least 5–6 hours on Low). - What should I serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
They’re fantastic over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Add a side of roasted vegetables or buttered corn for a complete meal. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free gravy mix and onion soup mix — the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. - How do I keep the gravy from becoming too salty?
Opt for low-sodium broth and taste before adding any additional seasoning. You can balance excess saltiness with a splash of water or cream. - Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet on low heat for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. - What type of frozen meatballs work best?
Use all-beef meatballs for authentic Salisbury flavor or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the gravy and freeze it with the meatballs in a bag. Just thaw overnight and cook the next day. - Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes — just use a larger slow cooker (6–8 quarts) and increase the broth slightly to ensure all meatballs are covered. - Why add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce?
These ingredients enhance the umami and depth of flavor, giving that signature Salisbury steak taste. - How can I thicken the gravy more?
If it’s still thin after adding cornstarch, remove the lid and cook on High for another 15–20 minutes until it reduces naturally.
🏁 Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that’s hearty, homey, and full of flavor — perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings. With minimal prep and a rich, velvety gravy that feels like comfort in a bowl, this crockpot dish proves that easy dinners can still taste luxurious.
Serve it over your favorite starch, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and watch everyone go back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy household or planning make-ahead lunches, this recipe guarantees smiles and full bellies every time.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs | Easy Crockpot Dinner
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Equipment
Method
- Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful crockpot meal that practically cooks itself.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, gravy mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until everything is completely dissolved and smooth. This mixture will form the delicious gravy that slowly infuses the meatballs with savory flavor.
- Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the top of the meatballs, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
- During this time, the meatballs will absorb all the flavors from the sauce, creating that classic Salisbury steak richness without the need for browning or frying.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking on High for 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once done, stir gently to coat all the meatballs with the thickened gravy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
Yes! Simply prepare your own beef or chicken meatballs and add them raw or lightly browned. Adjust the cooking time slightly (they’ll need at least 5–6 hours on Low). 2. What should I serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
They’re fantastic over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Add a side of roasted vegetables or buttered corn for a complete meal. 3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free gravy mix and onion soup mix — the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. 4. How do I keep the gravy from becoming too salty?
Opt for low-sodium broth and taste before adding any additional seasoning. You can balance excess saltiness with a splash of water or cream. 5. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet on low heat for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. 6. What type of frozen meatballs work best?
Use all-beef meatballs for authentic Salisbury flavor or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. 7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the gravy and freeze it with the meatballs in a bag. Just thaw overnight and cook the next day. 8. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes — just use a larger slow cooker (6–8 quarts) and increase the broth slightly to ensure all meatballs are covered. 9. Why add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce?
These ingredients enhance the umami and depth of flavor, giving that signature Salisbury steak taste. 10. How can I thicken the gravy more?
If it’s still thin after adding cornstarch, remove the lid and cook on High for another 15–20 minutes until it reduces naturally. 🏁 Conclusion There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that’s hearty, homey, and full of flavor — perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings. With minimal prep and a rich, velvety gravy that feels like comfort in a bowl, this crockpot dish proves that easy dinners can still taste luxurious. Serve it over your favorite starch, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and watch everyone go back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy household or planning make-ahead lunches, this recipe guarantees smiles and full bellies every time.
