Delicious Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This Delicious Recipe brings together tender meatballs simmered in a savory, rich gravy with layers of flavor that will have everyone requesting seconds. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but cozy enough for a relaxed weekend dinner, making it a true family-friendly comfort food winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Delicious Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s to build the savory sauce, tenderize the meatballs, or add just the right touch of tangy sweetness. Together, they harmonize perfectly to create that classic Salisbury Steak flavor in an incredibly easy format.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz): The base of the dish providing juicy, tender beef in every bite without the fuss of making them from scratch.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the gravy while keeping saltiness balanced.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Creates a luscious thick sauce that clings beautifully to each meatball.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Infuses savory layers and a hint of sweetness for that signature savory punch.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors flawlessly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami depth and a slight tangy complexity that elevates the gravy.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used later to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry, essential for thickening without lumps.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch of color and flavor at the very end.
How to Make Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Begin by placing the frozen meatballs evenly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, which makes this recipe incredibly convenient. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture will form the luscious gravy that transforms the meatballs into mouthwatering Salisbury Steak bites.
Step 2: Combine and Cook
Pour the broth and seasoning mixture evenly over the meatballs. Cover the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow cooking tenderizes the meatballs perfectly while infusing them with the rich, savory sauce flavors. The aroma filling your kitchen during this stage is enough to get everyone excited for dinner!
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker mixture and turn the heat to high. Let it cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens beautifully and coats each meatball with a velvety finish.
How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to brighten this dish visually and add a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor. If you enjoy a little extra bite, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top also complements the savory gravy wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Delicious Recipe pairs like a dream with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every glorious drop of gravy. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add some vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or just to impress your family, try serving the meatballs atop a bed of buttery garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist. Another fun idea is to shred the meatballs and layer them in a hot sandwich with melted provolone and caramelized onions—a cozy Salisbury Steak meatball melt that’s simply irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this Delicious Recipe perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save the Delicious Recipe for a later date, freeze the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To avoid clumping, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag once solid. This way, you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as slow gentle heat helps maintain the meatballs’ tender texture and the sauce’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this Delicious Recipe?
Absolutely! While frozen meatballs keep this recipe quick and easy, homemade meatballs add a personal touch and allow you to control seasoning. Just brown them before adding to the slow cooker for best results.
What can I substitute for the brown gravy mix?
You can use homemade gravy or a convenient gravy packet you prefer. Just ensure it’s beef-based to maintain that classic Salisbury Steak flavor in this Delicious Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Delicious Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge and freezer and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?
While designed for a slow cooker, you can modify the cooking time for an instant pot using the sauté and pressure-cook functions. It’ll take less time but still deliver delicious results.
What are good alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the gravy?
Flour or arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch. Just make a slurry with water before adding to avoid lumps and adjust quantities since they thicken differently.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can combine to create a Delicious Recipe that feels like a cozy embrace at the end of a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many homes. So grab those meatballs, set up your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy some serious comfort food magic!
PrintDelicious Recipe
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a family-friendly, comforting meal made easy with frozen meatballs simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy flavored with onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish delivers classic Salisbury steak flavors without the fuss, and is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for even cooking.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until all dry ingredients are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Cook meatballs in sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, covering them entirely. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is flavorful.
- Thicken the gravy: About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cover again. Cook on high for the remaining time until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Once the gravy has thickened, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if using. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a classic comforting meal.
Notes
- Using reduced-sodium beef broth helps control salt levels in this dish.
- Frozen meatballs do not need to be thawed before cooking in the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the sauce to cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes instead of or in addition to the cornstarch slurry.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the meatballs, gravy mix, and onion soup mix are gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 5-6 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Salisbury steak, meatballs, slow cooker, comfort food, family-friendly, easy dinner, brown gravy, slow cooker meatballs

