There’s something magical about tossing ingredients into your slow cooker, walking away, and coming back hours later to a house that smells like a cozy diner on a chilly evening. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are exactly that kind of magic — rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
If you’re juggling work, errands, or kids’ activities, this recipe is your secret weapon for a comfort food dinner that feels homemade (without actually spending half the day in the kitchen). Juicy meatballs simmer in a velvety beef gravy that tastes like it took hours to make — but you’ll know the truth: it’s all thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday dinner, this easy slow cooker meal turns simple ingredients into something worth gathering around the table for. So grab your favorite crockpot, and let’s make a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
If you love hearty, down-home meals with minimal effort, this one’s for you. These crockpot meatballs check all the boxes — quick prep, comforting flavors, and family-approved goodness. The savory beef gravy, enhanced by onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce, brings all the nostalgic Salisbury steak vibes with none of the hassle.
They’re also a lifesaver on busy nights — no browning, no fancy steps, just delicious results every single time.
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are pure comfort in a bowl—juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory beef gravy that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. With the help of your slow cooker, this hearty family dinner comes together with almost no effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday supper, this recipe delivers classic Salisbury steak flavor in the easiest way possible.
Ingredients
Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
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1 bag (26 oz / 740 g) frozen meatballs (about 30–35)
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2 cups (480 ml) reduced-sodium beef broth
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1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) brown gravy mix
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1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) onion soup mix
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2 tbsp (30 g) ketchup
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1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch Slurry (for thickening):
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2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
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2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
Instructions
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Prep the Slow Cooker:
Spread frozen meatballs evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker—no need to thaw. -
Make the Gravy Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. -
Combine and Cook:
Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes until the gravy thickens. -
Serve:
Spoon meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
No need to thaw meatballs—frozen works perfectly.
For deeper flavor, sear meatballs before slow cooking.
Add mushrooms or sautéed onions for extra richness.
A tablespoon of butter or splash of cream at the end makes the sauce velvety smooth.
Avoid cooking on high; low and slow yields the best texture.
Use reduced-sodium broth and gravy mix to keep salt levels balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
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1 bag (26 oz / 740 g) frozen meatballs (about 30–35)
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2 cups (480 ml) reduced-sodium beef broth
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1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 g) brown gravy mix
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1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 g) onion soup mix
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2 tbsp (30 g) ketchup
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1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch Slurry:
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2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
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2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Spread the frozen meatballs evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. No thawing necessary — just make sure they’re not all piled on top of each other.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs. Gently stir to coat them all in that savory goodness.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Your home will smell like pure comfort.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In the last 30 minutes, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, then cook uncovered for about 30 minutes until the gravy thickens beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overthink it: No need to thaw the meatballs; the slow cooker handles it perfectly.
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Want deeper flavor? Try searing the meatballs in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
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Low and slow wins: Resist the urge to turn it on high — patience gives you the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Make it richer: Add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end for a silky finish.
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Gravy looking too thin? Let it cook uncovered a bit longer — it’ll thicken up nicely.
And don’t worry if your sauce looks lumpy at first — once it simmers, it’ll smooth out into the glossy gravy of your dreams.
A Personal Note from My Kitchen
I still remember the first time I made this dish — it was a rainy Tuesday, the kind of day where you just want to curl up in a blanket and eat something cozy. I threw these crockpot meatballs together before work, and when I came home, the aroma hit me like a warm hug.
My family gathered around the table, and before I could even sit down, my husband had already gone back for seconds. It instantly became a regular in our meal rotation — the kind of dish that makes even the busiest day feel special.
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs aren’t just a meal; they’re a reminder that comfort can be simple — and sometimes, it starts with a slow cooker and a little Worcestershire sauce.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These meatballs love company! Serve them over:
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Creamy mashed potatoes – classic and perfect for soaking up that gravy.
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Fluffy white rice – a lighter option that still delivers that cozy satisfaction.
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Buttery egg noodles – comfort food at its finest.
Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp side salad for balance. And if you want to go all out, serve with warm dinner rolls to swipe up every last drop of that irresistible beef gravy recipe.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers (if there are any!) store beautifully.
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Refrigerate: Place cooled meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much after chilling.
These meatballs taste even better the next day — the flavors have time to deepen and mingle, making your leftovers something to look forward to.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re cooked first so they hold up during slow cooking.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, though the texture differs slightly. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then use the sauté function to thicken the sauce.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too salty?
Opt for reduced-sodium broth and gravy mix — it keeps the balance just right.
Can I add mushrooms or onions?
Of course! Fresh mushrooms or sautéed onions add great flavor and texture to your easy slow cooker meal.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something deeply comforting about dishes like these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs — the kind that bring everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or just craving a warm, nostalgic meal, this recipe delivers every time.
So plug in that slow cooker, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and let your kitchen do the rest. Because at the end of the day, the best comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be made with love.
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