Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Slow Cooker Recipe) is the ultimate comfort food you never knew you needed. Imagine tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory mushroom-onion gravy, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas all day. This slow cooker variation takes classic Salisbury steak flavors and makes preparation effortless—simply add ingredients, let it cook, and enjoy. With just a few pantry staples and a set-it-and-forget-it method, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Set‑and‑forget convenience – Load everything into the slow cooker and go about your day.
- Classic comfort flavors – Savory mushroom and onion gravy brings all the nostalgia of Salisbury steak.
- Versatile meal options – Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice—or even inside rolls for sloppy-joe vibes.
- Family-friendly crowd pleaser – Great for picky eaters and large households alike.
Ingredients
- 3 lb 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 tbsp cornstarch
Ingredient highlights and swaps:
– Opt for high-quality beef meatballs for the most authentic flavor.
– Use Campbell’s condensed beefy mushroom soup (or a similar brand) for that signature savory base.
– You can’t swap cream-of-soup varieties or beef broth if you want classic Salisbury flavor.
– Add sliced button or cremini mushrooms for extra veggie goodness.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Combine meatballs and onions
- Add the frozen beef meatballs and sliced onions directly into the slow cooker.
- Whisk soup mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine both cans of condensed beefy mushroom soup, the packet of onion mushroom soup mix, beef broth, and A1 steak sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the sauce
- Evenly distribute the prepared sauce mixture over the meatballs and onions. Stir gently so every meatball gets coated.
- Cook low and slow
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The meatballs should be fully heated and the onions soft and translucent.
- Thicken the gravy
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, remove ¼ cup of the cooking juices.
- Combine the reserved liquid with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl, whisking until smooth.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
- Serve warm
- Spoon over mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, rice—or serve on sandwiches for leftover variations.
Helpful Tips
- Thicker gravy tip: If your gravy seems thin after adding cornstarch, whisk another 1 tbsp cornstarch into 1 tbsp cold water and stir in, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Browning optional: For richer flavor, brown frozen meatballs in a skillet on high for 4–5 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
- Enhance texture: Add a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme 10 minutes before serving for fresh herbal brightness.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a silky finishing touch.
Substitutions And Variations
- Meatball swaps: Try turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner version; adjust cooking time slightly if using pre-cooked.
- Mushroom mix options: Mix in fresh mushrooms from the start or sauté them first for a deeper flavor.
- Spice variations: Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the gravy for extra tang.
- Vegetable add‑ins: Add half-pound baby carrots or diced bell pepper 1–2 hours before finishing for added nutrition.
- Gluten-free adjustment: Use gluten-free condensed soups and slurry (cornstarch is naturally gluten-free). Ensure beef broth is GF.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: Once completely cooled, transfer the meatballs to freezer-safe bags or sealed containers for storage.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Add a splash of broth or milk if gravy thickens too much during storage.
- Best use: Leftovers are perfect over baked potatoes, inside slider buns, or on breakfast toast for savory hearty meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525 kcal | 10 g | 33 g | 38 g | 14 g | 1076 mg | 1 g |
Additional nutrition Facts:
- Polyunsaturated fat: 3 g
- Monounsaturated fat: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 126 mg
- Potassium: 672 mg
- Sugar: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 34 IU
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Calcium: 38 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional serving suggestion: pair with creamy mashed potatoes and tender buttered green beans.
- Carb-free plate: Over cauliflower mash or spiralized zucchini.
- Sandwich-style: Serve meatballs and gravy on toasted rolls with cheddar melts.
- Family-style: Spoon into tortilla bowls or over rice for a comforting casserole dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked meatballs instead of frozen raw ones?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked meatballs reduce cooking time. You’ll want to cook on LOW for 2–3 hours instead of on high to prevent overcooking and drying out the meatballs.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes—this recipe freezes beautifully. Let the meatballs cool fully, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or sealed containers. Thaw overnight before reheating slowly on the stove or in the slow cooker, adding a touch of broth to refresh the gravy.
Q: What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
Egg noodles, rice, polenta, or even creamy polenta make excellent bases. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot?
Yes! On the stovetop, brown meatballs and onions in a covered pot, add sauces, simmer for 30 minutes, then thicken. In an Instant Pot, sauté first, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, then thicken.
Q: My gravy is too thick or too thin—how can I fix it?
Thin gravy? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp cold water and whisk into hot gravy until desired thickness, cooking for another 5–10 minutes. Too thick? Stir in warm beef broth or water until you reach the right consistency.
(FAQ total ~155 words)
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Slow Cooker Recipe)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a slow cooker classic made with frozen beef meatballs, savory mushroom gravy, and sweet onions. This hearty, family-friendly recipe comes together with minimal prep and delivers rich, comforting flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends—serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice!
Ingredients
3 lb 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 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Add frozen meatballs and sliced onions to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together beefy mushroom soup, onion-mushroom soup mix, beef broth, and A1 steak sauce until smooth.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and onions; stir to coat.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
During the last 30 minutes, remove ¼ cup cooking liquid and whisk it with cornstarch in a small bowl.
Return the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir.
Cover again and cook for 30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serve warm over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
Use high-quality beef meatballs for best flavor.
Do not substitute the soup or broth; stick with beefy mushroom and beef broth for that Salisbury taste.
Optional: Add fresh mushrooms at the start for extra texture.
Leftovers are great on rolls or baked potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 33 g
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these Salisbury Steak Meatballs—a warm, flavorful hug in the form of food! I absolutely love how effortlessly this recipe delivers comforting, classic Salisbury steak vibes with the ease of a slow cooker. I hope you find yourself savoring every rich, saucy bite whether you’re feeding family, unwinding after a long day, or simply craving hearty goodness. Thanks for being part of our food-loving community—may your kitchen be filled with flavor, joy, and the irresistible aroma of savory memories in the making. Enjoy every delicious mouthful!