Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, filling meal that practically cooks itself, you’re in for a treat with this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The rich beef gravy and juicy meatballs make it a family favorite that everyone will love!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something comforting to enjoy after a long day, this recipe has got you covered. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for an unforgettable meal that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner simmering away without much fuss.
• Family-friendly Delight: Everyone loves meatballs! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just pop it in the slow cooker and come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of savory gravy and tender meatballs creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. You might already have many of these items in your pantry!

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use frozen turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter twist.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some frozen peas or chopped carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Change the sauce: Try adding a splash of soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add some 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

Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them first! This makes prep so easy—just open the bag and dump them in.

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 smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures all those flavors meld together beautifully before they coat your meatballs.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure every meatball is nicely coated with that delicious gravy. It’s going to smell amazing as it cooks!

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and lets those meatballs become wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last half hour of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. This will thicken up your gravy nicely for that perfect texture.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is thickened up and ready, serve those Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy each bite of this comforting meal that feels just like home!

Pro Tips for Making Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Making this dish is a breeze, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use Quality Meatballs: Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs to ensure great flavor and texture. Cheaper options might not hold up as well in the slow cooker, leading to a less satisfying meal.

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup to your taste. Adding a bit more can enhance the tanginess and depth of flavor, making the gravy even more delicious.

• Add Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. They’ll cook down beautifully and add a lovely dimension to your dish.

• Experiment with Gravy Mixes: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different flavored gravy mixes or even homemade gravy. This can customize the taste profile to suit your preferences.

• Make It Ahead: This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make a big batch on the weekend and reheat it throughout the week for easy meals!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

This hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Here are some delightful ideas on how to present it!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions bring a mild onion flavor and crunchy texture that complements the meatballs nicely.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! Smooth mashed potatoes soak up the savory gravy perfectly, creating a comforting bite.

• Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant side adds color and crunch while providing a nutritious balance to your meal without overpowering the flavors of the main dish.

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy, making every bite enjoyable!

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes a great base for the meatballs and absorbs all those delicious flavors from the gravy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later, making busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion leftover meatballs into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use homemade meatballs in the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure they are cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I ensure my Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs stay tender?

To keep your meatballs tender, avoid overcooking them. Cooking on low for 4-6 hours is typically just right. Also, adding cornstarch at the end helps thicken the gravy without toughening the meatballs.

What can I serve with my Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

These delicious meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal!

Can I modify the gravy ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. You can substitute different broth or use homemade gravy if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! They’re not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep solution for your busy week, these meatballs are sure to warm your heart. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!