Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

These Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delightful and comforting dish that can elevate any occasion. They are perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining hearty meatballs with a rich, flavorful gravy. The slow cooker method ensures that these meatballs come out tender and infused with flavor, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce
• Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Over Mashed Potatoes
• With Egg Noodles
• On Rice
• In a Sub Sandwich
• With Steamed Vegetables
• How to Perfect Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Reheating Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?
• Can I use homemade meatballs instead?
• How do I customize the flavors?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Can I substitute ingredients?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deliciously savory sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding to the slow cooker.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free gravy mixture for an even sauce consistency.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make these delicious Tasty 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

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. This simple step sets the foundation for your flavorful dish.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth:
1. Beef broth
2. Brown gravy mix
3. Onion soup mix
4. Ketchup
5. Worcestershire sauce

Ensure everything is well combined before moving on.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are coated evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Check occasionally to ensure that the meatballs are heating through and becoming tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry:
1. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water.
2. Mix until smooth.
Add this slurry to your slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy this comforting meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

These Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various sides for a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich base for the meatballs and gravy, soaking up all the flavors beautifully.

With Egg Noodles

• Serve the meatballs over tender egg noodles for a satisfying and hearty dish that is easy to prepare.

On Rice

• White or brown rice makes for a great side, allowing the savory gravy to seep into the grains.

In a Sub Sandwich

• For a fun twist, place the meatballs in a hoagie roll and top with cheese for a delicious sandwich.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing with steamed broccoli or green beans adds a fresh element and balances the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

To ensure your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Frozen Meatballs: Choose high-quality frozen meatballs for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer thicker gravy, let it simmer longer without the lid during the last cooking stage.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh parsley or thyme for an aromatic touch that enhances flavor.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add garlic powder or onion powder to elevate your gravy’s taste.
• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve right after cooking while the meatballs are warm and tender.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra gravy; you can make it quickly by buttering some bread and adding garlic powder before toasting.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meatball dish.
3. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives as a filling side option.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelization adds great flavor and pairs nicely with hearty meatballs.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a bright flavor that complements savory dishes well.
6. Cauliflower Mash: A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, this dish has similar creamy qualities and pairs wonderfully with gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some to keep in mind:

• Using fresh meatballs: Frozen meatballs are key for this recipe. Fresh ones may not cook evenly and could affect the gravy’s consistency.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Neglecting to thicken the gravy will result in a watery sauce. Always prepare the cornstarch mixture for a rich texture.
• Not stirring enough: Failing to stir the meatballs in the gravy may lead to uneven flavor distribution. Be sure to coat every meatball thoroughly.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking for too long or too short will alter the texture of the meatballs. Stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
• Ignoring serving suggestions: Not serving over a base like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles can lessen the dish’s appeal. These pairings enhance the meal experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

• Place cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

This recipe combines frozen meatballs with rich gravy, creating a comforting dish perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs; just ensure they are cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I customize the flavors?

Feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor profile of your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well and is great for meal prep, providing you with delicious meals throughout the week.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes! You can swap beef broth with chicken broth or adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over various bases like mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Feel free to customize it with extra veggies or spices to suit your taste. Give this comforting dish a try!