Hi everyone. Can you create a hearty, homemade dish using frozen meatballs? With slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs, the answer is a resounding yes! This cozy dish packs all the deep, savory goodness of classic Salisbury steak, but with far less effort required. Using just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender meatballs smothered in a deliciously thick mushroom and onion gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, this dish is as convenient as it is satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting and get ready to impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep: Just five minutes to assemble before the slow cooker takes over.
- Big flavor: Rich mushroom and onion gravy make every bite irresistible.
- Comfort food classic: A twist on Salisbury steak that’s easier and just as comforting.
- Versatile: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. This comfort-food favorite is perfect for busy nights. Try it today!
Ingredients
1 (3 lb) bag frozen beef meatballs
1 large yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed beefy mushroom soup
1 packet onion mushroom soup mix
1½ cups beef broth
¼ cup A1 steak sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the frozen meatballs and sliced onions directly into your slow cooker. Stir to mix.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beefy mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and steak sauce until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and onions. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken Gravy: In the last 30 minutes, remove ¼ cup of liquid from the slow cooker, whisk with cornstarch, then stir back in. Continue cooking covered.
- Serve: Spoon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
Use beef meatballs for the best flavor.
Don’t replace the beef broth or soup types—they’re key to the rich gravy.
Add mushrooms early on for extra texture.
You can also cook this on LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 525
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 33g
Ingredients
- 1 (3 lb) bag frozen beef meatballs
- 1 large yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed beefy mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion mushroom soup mix
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup A1 steak sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the frozen meatballs and sliced onions directly into your slow cooker. Stir to mix.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beefy mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and steak sauce until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and onions. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken Gravy: In the last 30 minutes, remove ¼ cup of liquid from the slow cooker, whisk with cornstarch, then stir back in. Continue cooking covered.
- Serve: Spoon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Helpful Tips
- Use beef meatballs: For the most authentic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s essential for that rich, thick gravy texture.
- Pre-sliced mushrooms: Add them at the start for extra flavor and texture.
- Low and slow: You can cook on LOW for 6-7 hours if preferred.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meatball variety: Try turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter twist.
- Creamy gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a smoother texture.
- Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Homemade meatballs: Use your own meatballs, but pre-cook them first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use thawed meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, simply shorten the cooking time a bit to prevent them from becoming overdone.
Is it safe to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker? While many do it safely, the USDA recommends thawing meat before slow cooking to avoid food safety risks.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Use a microwave or gently heat on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
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Conclusion
Slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a deeply flavorful result, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a warm, satisfying meal after a busy day, this dish delivers. Try it tonight and let us know what you think in the comments—or explore our other slow cooker favorites for more easy meal inspiration!