Who doesn’t love a hearty, comforting meal that brings the family together? Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is one such dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart. Imagine coming home after a long day to the delicious aroma of tender meatballs simmering in a rich gravy. This easy recipe combines frozen meatballs with a flavorful broth and simple ingredients, giving you a delightful meal with minimal effort. You can serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and before you know it, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This recipe stands out for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Toss some frozen meatballs into your slow cooker, mix up a simple sauce, and let everything meld together as it cooks. The flavors develop beautifully over time, making for a delicious meal without hours of slaving over the stove. Second, it’s a family-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, the savory flavors and comforting texture appeal to all ages. Finally, it’s versatile—change up the sides or add your own touch, and you can make this dish your own.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- 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)
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Directions
To start your culinary journey, spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent any meatball stickiness during the cooking process. Next, simply dump the entire bag of frozen meatballs directly into the insert. You don’t need to thaw them—they’re going to cook beautifully from frozen.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. This sauce is where all the magic happens, infusing the meatballs with flavor as they cook slowly.
Pour this savory sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure each meatball gets coated in that mouthwatering sauce. Once you’ve done that, cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5–6 hours. The longer you let the flavors meld, the better the dish will taste.
When the cooking time is up, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, letting it cook for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy thickening to a perfect consistency, ready for serving.
Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are now hot and ready to serve! Pair them with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal. If you want to add a touch of color, feel free to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Serving this dish is as easy as preparing it. The meatballs and gravy pair perfectly with a comforting base of mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You can simply ladle the meatballs and gravy over your chosen base, letting the flavor seep in.
Consider rounding out your meal with a side of steamed vegetables to add some freshness and color to your plate. Green beans, broccoli, or even a simple garden salad can complement this hearty dish beautifully. If you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering, you can even keep the slow cooker on the table. This allows everyone to serve themselves, making it a laid-back but satisfying meal experience.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To ensure your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Quality Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, opt for high-quality ones for the best flavor. If you have the time, consider making homemade meatballs using lean ground beef mixed with spices and breadcrumbs.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your gravy as it cooks. If you like a little kick, add some black pepper or garlic powder. Customize the flavors to suit your family’s preferences.
- Check the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, don’t hesitate to add more cornstarch slurry. Just remember to let it cook for an additional 10 minutes after adding.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving.
How to Store Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Storing leftovers is simple. After your meal, let the meatballs cool before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the meatballs and gravy. Store them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them.
Variation of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations that you could try:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced onions to the slow cooker at the beginning. They will add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture before pouring over the meatballs.
- Different Grains: Instead of serving with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, consider using quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option.
- Swap Sauces: Play around with different sauces like barbecue sauce or a creamy mushroom soup as a base for the gravy. Each variation brings a new flavor profile to the dish.
FAQ
What makes Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs a family-friendly comfort recipe?
The dish is easy to prepare with minimal effort, highly flavorful, and appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Yes! You can certainly use homemade meatballs; just adjust the cooking time based on their size and ingredients.
How long can I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
What sides go well with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad pair perfectly with the dish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes during cooking can give the dish a nice kick.
With this guide, preparing and enjoying your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs has never been easier—happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs) Choose high-quality frozen meatballs for the best flavor.
- 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 For thickening the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons cold water To mix with cornstarch.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Optional, for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Dump the entire bag of frozen meatballs directly into the insert.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
- After cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the gravy.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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