Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs blend the classic comfort of Salisbury steak with the convenience of meatballs, making this dish a weeknight hero. With rich flavors simmering together in your slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to a comforting aroma wafting through the house, promising a meal that will please the whole family.
Why you’ll love this dish
You might wonder why you should make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs at home. The answer lies in the magnificent combination of flavors and the ease of preparation. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also kid-approved—who doesn’t love meatballs? Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a dish that brings family and friends together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal for yourself, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.
"This dish is a total lifesaver! My kids gobbled it up and asked for seconds!" – A satisfied home cook.
Preparing Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Cooking this dish is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll start by placing frozen meatballs in your slow cooker—a huge time-saver! Next, you whip up a delicious gravy using pantry staples and pour it over the meatballs. The slow cooker does the hard work while you go about your day. In just a few hours, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to serve. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup involved, making it perfect for the busy home chef.
Gather these items
For this delightful recipe, you will need:
- 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
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Feel free to swap the frozen meatballs for homemade ones if you prefer a more personal touch. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by spraying the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker—no thawing required!
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is smooth.
- Pour this savory sauce over the meatballs and gently stir until they are coated.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 5–6 hours. Let those flavors meld beautifully!
- To thicken the gravy, mix the cornstarch and cold water together to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, garnished with parsley if desired.
Properly Serving Your Dish
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, presentation matters! A generous scoop of mashed potatoes or egg noodles as a base will perfectly complement the rich gravy. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top to add some color and a burst of flavor. Consider pairing this dish with steamed green beans or a simple garden salad for a complete meal that satisfies both the appetite and the eye.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After enjoying your meal, you may find yourself with some delicious leftovers. To properly store them, allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was made. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Pro Chef Tips
- For a bolder flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or garlic to the sauce mixture.
- If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef.
- A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can also elevate the sauce’s flavor profile.
Creative Twists
Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path! Consider swapping out the onion soup mix for a ranch seasoning packet for a different flavor experience. Alternatively, add some diced bell peppers or diced tomatoes into the slow cooker for added texture and nutrition. You might even top the meatballs with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Your Questions Answered
1. What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 15 minutes. The slow cooker handles the rest!
2. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
3. How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
In a hurry and wanting a comforting dinner option? These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are not just easy to prepare; they embody a warm, cozy meal that evokes feelings of home. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this delightful dish!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker—no thawing required!
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir until they are coated.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 5–6 hours.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water together to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnished with parsley if desired.
