Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Family-Friendly Comfort Recipe
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting family-friendly meal featuring tender meatballs simmered in a savory brown gravy infused with onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, served piping hot and garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (low) or 3 hours 30 minutes (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 30–35 meatballs, serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening Mixture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease or spray the inside of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. This ensures easier cleanup and keeps meatballs intact.
- Add Meatballs and Liquids: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour in the reduced-sodium beef broth followed by the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without breaking the meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the meatballs tender.
- Make the Thickening Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the gravy.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered if possible, to allow the gravy to thicken nicely.
- Serve and Garnish: Once thickened and heated through, spoon the Salisbury steak meatballs and rich gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- If you prefer homemade gravy, substitute the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix with your preferred homemade recipes.
- Check occasionally during the cooking process to ensure there is enough liquid; add a splash of beef broth if it looks dry.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, adjusting slow cooker size accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs, comfort food, beef, family-friendly, easy dinner, gravy