Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Brown Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days. Using frozen meatballs and simple pantry ingredients, this dish simmers to tender perfection in a rich, savory gravy.

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
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
- Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions to the slow cooker before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons and adjust with water accordingly.
- Use low-sodium broth and soup mixes to control salt levels.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy is too thick.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh meatballs may require less time—about 3-4 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the meatballs briefly, then add the liquid ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce afterward.
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Brown Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a convenient and comforting dish made with frozen meatballs simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy. Perfect for busy days, it delivers tender meatballs infused with flavors of onion soup, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty meal that feels like a classic home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs evenly into the slow cooker, creating a base for the gravy mixture.
- Mix the Gravy Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, gently stirring to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to heat through fully and become tender while the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the slow cooker. This will thicken the gravy to a rich, silky consistency.
- Serve: Once thickened and heated through, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, you can add the cornstarch slurry a bit earlier but keep an eye on the consistency.
- Frozen meatballs can be substituted with fresh ones if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, salisbury steak meatballs, frozen meatballs recipe, easy slow cooker dinner, beef meatballs, gravy meatballs

