If you’re craving comfort food that’s both effortless and irresistible, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are here to save the day. This dish takes classic Salisbury steak flavors—rich, beefy gravy, a savory kick of Worcestershire, and the cozy aroma of onion soup—and envelops juicy meatballs in luscious, velvety sauce. With just a handful of simple supermarket ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes as though you spent all afternoon in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights or no-fuss entertaining, these meatballs are true dinner heroes that the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each item is chosen to maximize flavor, texture, or aroma without adding extra effort to your day. Trust me, the combination will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Frozen Meatballs: Use a 26-ounce bag (about 30–35 meatballs) for convenience and consistent texture. No need to thaw!
Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Gives the sauce a savory, hearty foundation and helps balance the saltiness of the soup and gravy mix.
Brown Gravy Mix: Adds that iconic Salisbury steak flavor plus thickens the sauce for a rich finish.
Onion Soup Mix: Infuses the gravy with deep, slow-cooked onion flavor—one of the secrets to irresistible aroma.
Ketchup: A tablespoon or two brings just the right hit of tangy sweetness, making the sauce extra addictive.
Worcestershire Sauce: Only a tablespoon, but it delivers bold, umami depth and signature Salisbury steak flair.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water, this ensures the gravy thickens in the last few minutes to perfection.
Cold Water: Essential for blending with cornstarch, creating a smooth slurry that won’t clump.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkling fresh parsley over the top just before serving adds a burst of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the insert of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. This tiny step saves you so much cleanup hassle later and keeps every meatball perfectly coated in that rich sauce instead of sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

No need to thaw or pre-cook—simply open your bag of frozen meatballs and pour them right into the bottom of the slow cooker. They’ll soak up incredible flavor as they cook, and using frozen meatballs makes this recipe weeknight gold.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Take a moment to whisk until completely smooth; this ensures every bite of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will be coated in glossy, flavor-packed gravy without any lumps.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure every meatball gets a dose of that delicious gravy. Gently stir to coat them evenly. Cover with the slow cooker lid and set it to LOW—let the magic happen for 5 to 6 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the anticipation will be so worth it!

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 10 minutes before you plan to serve, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for another 10 minutes. The gravy will thicken beautifully, transforming into that iconic Salisbury steak-style richness that’s perfect for spooning over sides.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the hot, saucy meatballs over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. It’s cozy, hearty, and looks just as inviting as it tastes. Enjoy the best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs you’ve ever had—no oven required!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley does wonders to brighten up the dish and give a pop of color. You could also try sliced green onions or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper—they add a fresh, savory contrast to the rich gravy.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are absolutely dreamy here, as they soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully. But don’t stop there: creamy egg noodles, steamed rice, or even a hunk of soft, crusty bread on the side work wonders. For some greens, simple steamed broccoli or roasted green beans round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For effortless parties, serve your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in a big, shallow bowl with plenty of gravy for dipping. For a homestyle spin, plate each portion over mashed potatoes in individual bowls and let guests help themselves to sides. Feeling bold? Tuck meatballs into fluffy slider buns with a spoonful of extra sauce for a fantastic (and unexpected) appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extra meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and cool them quickly before refrigerating. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a fabulous do-ahead dinner for busy nights.

Freezing

Want to freeze your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs? Go right ahead! Place cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out air before sealing. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For small servings, you can use the microwave—just cover and heat in 30-second increments until piping hot, stirring often. For larger amounts, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or pop everything back into your slow cooker on the “warm” or “low” setting until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in an extra splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you love a personal touch, homemade meatballs (either beef, pork, or a mix) will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to brown them before adding to the slow cooker so they hold their shape during the long, slow cook.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?

If you don’t have cornstarch, try an equal amount of arrowroot powder or make a thick flour and water paste. These alternatives will also give you a smooth, luxurious sauce for your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Is it possible to cook this on high instead of low?

Yes! If you’re pressed for time, set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook the meatballs and sauce for about 2 to 3 hours, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 10 more minutes. Keep in mind, the flavors are a little deeper and the texture a bit silkier when you cook on low, but both methods are delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a party or potluck?

Definitely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough for everything to fit with enough room for stirring. Double all the ingredients and increase the cooking time by about 30 to 45 minutes if needed, making sure the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

What’s the best way to keep meatballs warm for serving?

Keep your slow cooker set to the “warm” function, or transfer the meatballs and gravy to a covered chafing dish for gatherings. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking, and they’ll stay hot and perfect for hours.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and nearly effortless, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the answer. Your family and friends will adore every saucy, savory bite, and you’ll love how simple it is to put together. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to favorite!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Salisbury steak in a convenient meatball form with this easy slow cooker recipe. Tender meatballs simmered in a savory gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs

Sauce:

2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Gravy Thickener:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American