Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort

Name: Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486888H53M15S
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

by Jannet Lisa

18 de July de 2025

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Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs have become my go-to weeknight rescue for a reason – they’re unbelievably easy and taste like pure comfort! I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I was dreading making dinner, but a bag of frozen meatballs and a few pantry staples turned into the most amazing meal. The rich, savory gravy simmering away in the slow cooker filled my house with an aroma that just screamed cozy. This easy Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is perfect for Salisbury steak meatballs for dinner when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy nights. You’ll adore how:

The flavor is incredibly rich and savory, pure comfort food bliss.
Prep time is a mere 10 minutes – just toss and go!
It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and frozen meatballs.
This truly is one of the easiest Salisbury steak meatballs recipes.
It’s a family favorite; even picky eaters ask for seconds of these homemade Salisbury steak meatballs.
You get that satisfying, hearty taste without a lot of fuss.
Making homemade Salisbury steak meatballs has never been simpler.

Ingredients for Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Gathering the ingredients for these delightful cooker Salisbury steak meatballs is super simple. Most of them are pantry staples, which makes this a truly easy Salisbury steak meatballs recipe. You’ll need:

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs – these are the base for our Salisbury steak meatballs ground beef goodness. No need to thaw!
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth – this forms the savory liquid base for our delicious gravy.
1 packet brown gravy mix – for that classic, rich flavor and color.
1 packet onion soup mix – adds a wonderful depth of savory, umami flavor.
2 tablespoons ketchup – a little tang and sweetness to balance the savory notes.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – my secret ingredient for that extra punch of flavor!
2 tablespoons cornstarch – this is key for thickening our gravy to perfection.
2 tablespoons cold water – mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.

How to Make Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Making these Salisbury steak meatballs in crock pot is honestly one of the easiest meals I’ve ever put together. The beauty of this recipe is that you can literally set it and forget it for a few hours. It’s perfect for those days when you have a lot going on but still want a hearty, delicious meal. While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, I’ve found that if you’re in a real pinch, you can achieve a similar result by pan-frying the meatballs and then simmering them in the prepared gravy on the stovetop, though the slow cooker method yields the most tender results and the richest gravy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get your slow cooker ready. Place the 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t worry about thawing them; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth, 1 packet brown gravy mix, and 1 packet onion soup mix. Add the 2 tablespoons ketchup and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture is what gives our Salisbury steak meatballs their signature savory flavor.
Step 3: Pour the combined gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the meatballs are coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting. Let it simmer away for 4 to 6 hours. The goal is to have the meatballs heated through and wonderfully tender.
Step 5: As the cooking time winds down, it’s time to thicken that amazing gravy. This is where the magic happens for those perfect Salisbury steak meatballs.

Thickening the Gravy

Step 6: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, prepare your thickening slurry. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed!
Step 7: Carefully pour this cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the meatballs and gravy. Stir gently to incorporate it throughout the sauce.
Step 8: Continue cooking, covered, for another 30 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy transforming, becoming thicker and glossier, coating the meatballs beautifully. This final step ensures your Salisbury steak meatballs have that classic, comforting texture.
Step 9: Once thickened, serve your Salisbury steak meatballs hot. They are absolutely divine served over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy egg noodles, or even a bed of fluffy rice.

Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

I’ve made these Salisbury steak meatballs a hundred times, and these little tricks really elevate them. They ensure you get that perfect flavor and texture every single time, making these truly the best Salisbury steak meatballs.

For the richest flavor, use a good quality beef broth and don’t skimp on the onion soup mix.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry, but do it gradually to avoid making it too gloppy.
Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or a splash of red wine to the gravy mixture before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Salisbury steak meatballs gravy?

The secret to that amazing Salisbury steak meatballs gravy lies in the combination of onion soup mix and brown gravy mix, plus the Worcestershire sauce for depth. Using a cornstarch slurry at the end is key for achieving that classic, thick consistency. For more tips on gravy making, you can check out this guide to making gravy.

Can I make Salisbury steak meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire slow cooker mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and then start the cooking process as usual. You might need to add a little extra cooking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Salisbury steak meatballs?

A common pitfall is making the gravy too thin. Ensure you make the cornstarch slurry correctly and add it in the last 30 minutes. Also, avoid over-stirring the meatballs once they’re in the slow cooker to keep them from breaking apart.

Best Ways to Serve Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These amazing cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are so versatile, they pair beautifully with so many classic comfort foods. My absolute favorite way to enjoy them is piled high over a generous serving of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy just soaks right in, making every bite pure bliss! For a slightly different twist, try serving these Salisbury steak meatballs with mashed potatoes over tender egg noodles or a bed of fluffy white rice. You can also add a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal and add a touch of freshness.

Nutrition Facts for Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

When you’re enjoying these delicious cooker Salisbury steak meatballs, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:

Calories: Approx. 350-400
Fat: Varies
Saturated Fat: Varies
Protein: Varies
Carbohydrates: Varies
Fiber: Varies
Sugar: Varies
Sodium: Varies

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands of meatballs and gravy mixes used.

How to Store and Reheat Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Leftover cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are a weeknight dream come true! Once the meal is finished, let any leftovers cool down for about an hour before storing. For the best results, transfer the meatballs and gravy into airtight containers. You can keep them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to stock up for even longer, these are fantastic for freezing. Wrap portions tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This makes having Salisbury steak meatballs frozen a lifesaver for busy weeks!

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is just as easy. From the fridge, you can gently warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. Alternatively, you can reheat Salisbury steak meatballs directly from frozen in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until hot, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

What are Salisbury steak meatballs?

Salisbury steak meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Salisbury steak. Instead of a traditional patty, this version uses tender, savory meatballs simmered in a rich, brown gravy. They offer all the comforting flavors of Salisbury steak in a more bite-sized, easy-to-eat format, making them a fantastic choice for a family meal.

Why make Salisbury steak meatballs?

You should make these Salisbury steak meatballs because they are the epitome of comfort food made easy! This recipe is incredibly simple, especially when using a slow cooker, and requires minimal hands-on time. They’re budget-friendly, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making them an ideal choice for a fuss-free, delicious dinner.

Can I use different types of meatballs?

Yes, you absolutely can! While this recipe calls for frozen beef meatballs, feel free to experiment. You could use homemade meatballs if you have a favorite Salisbury steak meatballs recipe or even try turkey or chicken meatballs for a slightly different flavor profile. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce, or adjust the slow cooker time accordingly.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

These cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are incredibly versatile. They are traditionally served over mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up the savory gravy. However, they are also delicious served with egg noodles, rice, or even a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans makes a great addition to round out the meal.

Variations of Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs You Can Try

While this slow cooker version is fantastic, I love experimenting with different ways to enjoy these flavorful meatballs. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter option, consider making Salisbury steak meatballs no breadcrumbs by using a binder like almond flour or even just finely grated zucchini in your homemade meatballs.

If you’re short on time and don’t have a slow cooker handy, you can adapt this for the stovetop. Brown your meatballs in a skillet, then add the gravy ingredients and simmer until thickened – it’s a quick way to get that Salisbury steak meatballs skillet flavor. You could also add vegetables like mushrooms or peas directly into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal. For more ideas on slow cooker cooking, check out these other slow cooker recipes.