Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver all the comfort and flavor of classic Salisbury steak in an easy slow cooker recipe your family will love.
Frozen meatballs simmer gently with savory mushrooms, onions, rich beef broth, and brown gravy to create tender meatballs covered in a hearty, flavorful sauce.
This is one of those stress-free meals you’ll want to make again and again because it’s so delicious and simple to put together.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe Highlights
- Perfect Weeknight Crockpot Meal
- Only 10 Minutes of Prep Time
- Comforting and Family Friendly
- Uses Convenient Frozen Meatballs
- Delicious Served Over Mashed Potatoes or Noodles
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
MEATBALLS – Frozen meatballs make this recipe simple because you don’t need to thaw or prepare them ahead of time. Just put them straight into your slow cooker, saving effort and cleanup.
ONION – Sliced yellow or white onions add mild sweetness to your gravy. Cutting them thin helps them soften fully and blend smoothly into the sauce, making it tasty without being too strong.
MUSHROOMS – Fresh mushrooms, like white button or cremini, add rich flavor and a nice texture to the dish. Slicing mushrooms evenly ensures they’ll cook consistently, making every bite taste great.
BROTH – Low-sodium beef broth works best because it gives the gravy rich flavor without becoming overly salty. If you only have regular beef broth, use it, but wait until the end to add extra salt.
GRAVY MIX – Brown gravy mix packets help create tasty gravy easily. Use a brand you know your family likes to ensure the flavor is delicious every time.
LIQUID – Worcestershire sauce adds deep savory flavor, while ketchup balances this with a touch of sweetness. These two ingredients together make the gravy taste richer and more complete.
SEASONING – Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper bring out the flavor of your meatballs and gravy. Use the recommended amounts first, then taste at the end to see if you want a little more pepper.
CORNSTARCH – Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the gravy nicely at the end of cooking. Add this cornstarch mixture in the last 30 minutes so your gravy turns out perfectly smooth and creamy.
How To Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs In The Crock Pot
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Whisk broth, gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Add frozen meatballs, onions, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Pour gravy mixture over the meatballs.
- Cook in the slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Refrigerate leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs in a tightly sealed container, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.
FREEZE – You can freeze leftovers easily by placing the cooled meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months, making them perfect for future quick meals.
REHEAT – Gently warm the meatballs and gravy on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of beef broth if the sauce seems too thick. This helps the gravy become smooth again.
MAKE AHEAD – To save even more time, mix the gravy ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge. Then just pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
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Serving Suggestions
MASHED POTATOES – Serving Salisbury Steak Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes makes for the ultimate comfort food combination.
EGG NOODLES – Tender egg noodles pair perfectly with this hearty dish, soaking up all the flavorful gravy.
WHITE OR BROWN RICE – Rice is another great base for the meatballs and gravy, making the dish filling and satisfying.
ROASTED CARROTS – Simple roasted carrots seasoned lightly with salt and pepper provide sweetness and color that complements the savory meatballs.
GREEN BEANS – Sautéed or steamed green beans are quick to make and add a fresh element to the meal.
Recipe Success Tips
RICHER GRAVY – If you prefer a richer gravy, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking. This adds a nice richness to the gravy. Again, this is completely optional, but it tastes delicious.
ADDED SWEETNESS – To add a slight sweetness, a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the sauce.
DON’T THAW MEATBALLS – There’s no need to thaw frozen meatballs. Using them straight from the freezer makes this meal even easier.
TASTE BEFORE SERVING – Adjust seasoning right before serving. A pinch more pepper or dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance flavor.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make Salisbury Steak Meatballs on the Stovetop?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop! Add all ingredients (except cornstarch mixture) to a large pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes on low heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture at the end and let the gravy thicken before serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Increase cooking time by about 1 hour and stir occasionally to cook evenly.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce bag frozen meatballs homestyle
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 3 cups beef broth low-sodium
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for thickening, if needed
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and top with the sliced onions and mushrooms. Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
Slow CookER TIMES:
ON LOW: 5 to 6 hoursON HIGH: 2.5 to 3 hours
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.