Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy, homemade flavors of a classic comfort food but want to keep things wonderfully easy, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) will sweep you off your feet. Imagine juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy that tastes straight out of grandma’s kitchen — all with barely any prep! This magical slow cooker meal brings the nostalgia of Salisbury steak to your weeknight table, even on your busiest days. Serve it over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles, and you’ve got the kind of heartwarming dinner everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) recipe is just how simple, fuss-free, and accessible the ingredients are. Every item is essential — from frozen meatballs for sheer convenience, to pantry staples that bring robust flavor and luscious texture.

• Frozen meatballs: Take a shortcut without sacrificing flavor; choose your favorite brand to keep things ultra-easy.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth: Lends juicy, beefy richness to the gravy while allowing you to control saltiness.
• Brown gravy mix: Instantly deepens the sauce and gives that signature Salisbury steak taste.
• Onion soup mix: Adds sweet-savory, aromatic flavor and little flecks of onion in every bite.
• Ketchup: A touch of tangy sweetness balances all the savory notes perfectly.
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers an umami punch that takes the gravy to the next level.
• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your gravy to the perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
• Cold water: Whisked with cornstarch to make a slurry that creates smooth, lump-free sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs)

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start off by grabbing your slow cooker and giving the insert a generous misting of nonstick cooking spray. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures every saucy morsel of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) lifts out with zero fuss.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Pour your entire bag of frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw or sear — the slow cooker will work its magic on them straight from frozen, infusing them with flavor and keeping them tender.

Step 3: Mix Up the Flavor Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This blend creates the powerhouse of savory flavors that define Salisbury steak, transforming humble ingredients into something show-stopping.

Step 4: Combine and Start Cooking

Pour the liquid mixture evenly over all the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Give everything a quick, gentle stir to coat the meatballs as much as possible, making sure every one gets its share of gravy goodness. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on LOW for 5-6 hours. The hands-off cooking is perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Once the cook time is up and your kitchen is smelling irresistible, it’s time to thicken that gorgeous gravy. In a small bowl, stir together your cornstarch and cold water until totally smooth — no lumps allowed! Whisk this slurry into your slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. The sauce will magically thicken to that classic, comforting consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) over buttery mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone at the table. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a finishing touch!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs)

Garnishes

A beautiful garnish can make these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) shine even brighter. Sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For a twist, add a scatter of finely sliced chives or a small dollop of sour cream on top. The green not only looks inviting, but it also adds a hint of brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

You absolutely can’t go wrong serving these savory meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes — it’s the classic pairing for a reason! Alternatively, serve over buttered egg noodles for a hearty, homey vibe. If you’re craving something lighter, try them atop fluffy rice or with a side of roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, skewer the meatballs with toothpicks and serve them as irresistible party appetizers in a pool of rich gravy. Or stuff them into toasted hoagie rolls and top with a little shredded cheese for Salisbury steak meatball subs. Leftovers also make a fabulous baked potato topping or can be served over cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Let your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) cool to room temperature, then transfer them (with plenty of gravy) into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making them even more delicious for next-day lunches!

Freezing

This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and freezing! Once cooled, portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to three months, ready to rescue any future busy night.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra broth if needed. They’ll be just as luscious as when first served, and the gravy will return to silky perfection.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! While the ease of frozen meatballs is part of the charm in this recipe, your favorite homemade cooked meatballs can be used. Just add them at the same step, making sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker, and reduce the slow cook time to about 3 hours on LOW since they’ll be softer than frozen.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) gluten-free?

With a few simple swaps, yes! Look for gluten-free frozen meatballs, a gluten-free brown gravy mix, and a gluten-free onion soup mix. Always double check the ingredient labels to ensure everything is safe for your needs.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker can comfortably fit double the amount of meatballs and sauce — a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker works great. You don’t need to adjust the cook time as long as everything is heated through and the meatballs are coated in gravy.

What if my gravy is too thin?

If the sauce is still a bit runny after adding the cornstarch slurry and cooking those extra 10 minutes, simply make another small batch of slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it in, cooking a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.

Can I prep Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) the night before?

Yes, you can! Whisk together the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, just add frozen meatballs to your greased slow cooker, pour the premade sauce over, and start cooking. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner solution!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and blissfully easy, you’re going to adore these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs). Every bite wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, while the effortless prep leaves you time to relax and enjoy with family or friends. Give this recipe a try soon — your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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