Name: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487936H54M23S
Total time: PT-487936H54M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen beef meatballs; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; Salt and pepper to taste

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If I’m craving comfort food but want something easy and hands-off, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is my go-to. Using frozen meatballs makes it super convenient, and the rich, savory gravy brings classic Salisbury steak flavors to every bite. It’s like a homemade meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy days or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is without sacrificing flavor. Tossing frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and simmering them in a mushroom and onion gravy means I don’t have to worry about prepping or browning the meat. The gravy thickens perfectly, coating the meatballs with that classic Salisbury steak taste. Plus, it’s great served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice — all the classic comfort vibes.

Ingredients

2 pounds frozen beef meatballs
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Salt and pepper to taste

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
Add sliced onions and mushrooms over the meatballs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and veggies.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Cook uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes or until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4-6 people. The slow cooker time depends on the heat setting — roughly 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great recipe to start in the morning for a hearty dinner or to prepare a couple of hours before mealtime.

Variations

I like to experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the gravy for a deeper taste. You can swap the beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, meatless frozen meatballs work well too—just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but I prefer the stovetop to maintain the best texture. For longer storage, the meatballs freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely. If I use fresh meatballs, I like to brown them in a skillet first for extra flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, steamed rice, or even cauliflower mash all pair beautifully with the rich gravy and meatballs.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

If the gravy isn’t thick enough, I add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold water and cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, I use the sauté function to cook onions and mushrooms, then add meatballs and sauce, cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a quick release.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. I freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a simple way I enjoy classic comfort food with minimal effort. Using frozen meatballs and a flavorful gravy means dinner comes together almost effortlessly, but still tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime I want a cozy, satisfying meal without the fuss

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs