Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Family-Friendly Comfort

Cooking creates a bridge connecting family members. Many of my fondest memories revolve around hearty meals shared at the dining table. One dish that stands out is slow-cooked Salisbury steak meatballs. The rich flavors and comforting textures pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

The joy of serving a dish that warms the soul brings me immense satisfaction. Slow Cooker Salisbury steak meatballs create a delightful aroma that fills the home, drawing family members into the kitchen long before they even sit down to eat. Every bite transports you to cozy moments, laughter, and shared experiences.

With its effortless preparation and satisfying taste, this recipe caters to the whole family. You can easily throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve that homemade comfort. Let’s dive into how to prepare this family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Fundamentals

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs center around convenience and flavor. The foundation of this dish lies in savory frozen meatballs, which make it a top choice for busy individuals or families. Using frozen meatballs saves time without sacrificing quality or flavor.

The sauce enhances the meatballs with depth and richness, combining beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix. The addition of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce balances the broth’s savory notes, creating a flavorful atmosphere in your kitchen. This recipe is all about blending simple ingredients to create extraordinary results with minimal effort.

Preparation/setup

To kick off your cooking adventure, make sure to prepare your slow cooker. Begin by spraying the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later on.

Next, ready your frozen meatballs—simply dump them directly into the slow cooker insert. There’s no need to thaw them first; the slow cooker will take care of that. Now, let’s whip up the sauce!

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure it’s smooth and well-combined before pouring this heavenly mixture over the meatballs. An easy stir will coat them perfectly.

Ingredients

To achieve that mouthwatering taste in your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen 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)

Directions

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

Delicious Variations

Technique

Using a slow cooker for Salisbury steak meatballs allows for a unique cooking technique. The low and slow method enhances flavors by letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This approach lets the ingredients blend harmoniously, developing a rich taste that elevates the comfort food experience.

If you’re looking to customize this dish, consider different meatball varieties. You can experiment with turkey or beef alternatives, as they work well in absorbing the sauce’s flavors. Don’t hesitate to try homemade meatballs for an extra special touch.

Tips/tricks

For optimal flavor, start cooking in the morning and let the meatballs simmer throughout the day. This will create an incredibly inviting aroma that fills your home—perfect for setting the tone for a comforting family dinner. If you’re short on time, cook the meatballs on HIGH for about 3–4 hours instead of LOW.

Once the cooking time is finished, ensure you stir the gravy well before serving. This guarantees that every bite of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs includes that delicious thickened sauce.

Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

Perfecting the taste and texture of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs requires a few simple adjustments. Using reduced-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness, ensuring that the flavors don’t become overpowering. Adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce based on your taste preference for a deeper, slightly tangy flavor.

To create an even thicker gravy, gradually add more cornstarch slurry until you achieve your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken a bit more while it sits, so don’t overdo it.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find that your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, remember to give it time after adding the cornstarch slurry. Allow the slow cooker to do its magic for those additional 10 minutes. If you wait and it still seems too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it back into the slow cooker.

For flavor variations, consider adding vegetables like peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking. They not only add color but also enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor profile.

Serving and Storage

Serving/presentation

Serve your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot over a generous helping of mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The thick gravy complements either option beautifully. For a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This simple garnish enhances the visual appeal and freshness of the dish.

Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out your meal. You can even offer crusty rolls to soak up the extra gravy. This presentation makes it easy to impress family and guests alike.

Pairings/storage

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs pair well with comforting sides. Mashed potatoes and egg noodles shine next to the meatballs, but don’t shy away from offering rice or buttery biscuits.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, ensuring the meatballs remain moist. You can even freeze the meatballs and sauce for longer storage, making for a quick meal down the line.

During storage, the flavors will intensify, making the dish even more delicious the following day.

Always keep preparing hearty meals that bring everyone together. There’s something unbelievably rewarding about sharing a warm, comforting dish like Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with those you love.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 370 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A family-friendly dish featuring savory meatballs slow-cooked in a rich gravy, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

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

Notes

For optimal flavor, consider cooking in the morning to let the meatballs simmer throughout the day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Salisbury steak, meatballs, slow cooker, family meal, comfort food