Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then you’ve come to the right place! This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is one of those dishes that brings a smile to your face after a long day. It’s a family favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The combination of savory meatballs and rich gravy makes it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, tender rice, or satisfying egg noodles, making it suitable for everyone at the table. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you without much fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty flavors and comforting textures of these meatballs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Just store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich gravy combined with tender meatballs creates a meal that feels indulgent but is super simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe calls for some simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Meatballs and Gravy

• 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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give your meatballs an extra kick!

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

First things first! Place those frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly as they soak up all that delicious gravy.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is smooth. This step is key because it ensures your gravy will be rich in flavor and coat every meatball beautifully.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all those little morsels with goodness. This helps each bite burst with flavor!

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let those meatballs cook for 4-6 hours until they are heated through and tender. The long cooking time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to your slow cooker and stir well. This will help thicken your gravy nicely, creating that wonderful consistency that makes every bite even more satisfying.

Step 6: Serve

Once the gravy has thickened beautifully, it’s time to serve! Spoon those Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to become a regular at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Cooking is all about the little details that can make a big difference, and these tips will help you achieve the best flavor and texture for your dish!

• Use high-quality meatballs: Choosing good quality frozen meatballs ensures a better taste and texture. Look for brands that use lean meats and natural ingredients.

• Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the gravy by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of black pepper. These enhancements will deepen the flavor profile.

• Let it rest: Once cooking is complete, let the meatballs sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances overall taste.

• Experiment with broth: If you want to add a twist, try using mushroom broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This can offer an interesting flavor variation while keeping it hearty.

• Add vegetables: For some added nutrition, consider throwing in some chopped mushrooms or green beans during the last hour of cooking. They’ll absorb the delicious gravy flavor while contributing extra texture and nutrients!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is just as important as cooking them! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
• Chopped green onions: Adding sliced green onions on top gives a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavor that complements the gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that rich gravy.

• Steamed Green Beans: Their crispness balances out the meal while providing a vibrant color contrast on your plate.

• Buttered Egg Noodles: They are another great option; their soft texture pairs wonderfully with the flavorful meatballs.

• Garlic Bread: For those who love a bit of crunch, garlic bread is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious. Here’s how to store or freeze your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftover meatballs and gravy to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For stovetop reheating, place in a pan over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe with homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade meatballs, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker with the gravy.

How long will the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe last in the fridge?

Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh!

Can I substitute the beef broth in this recipe?

Yes! You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor of the dish.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also serve them alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe! It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, these flavorful meatballs are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!