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Oh, busy weeknights, right? Between school runs, work deadlines, and just trying to catch your breath, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s where my absolute favorite game-changer comes in: these incredibly satisfying, super simple to make slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs. Honestly, it wasn’t that long ago that the kitchen felt like the enemy to me! I was stuck in that corporate grind, convinced I wasn’t a “kitchen person” at all. But then, I discovered the joy of finding peace in simple cooking, and this recipe perfectly captures that spirit. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, proving that mouthwatering comfort food really can be effortless.
- Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Ingredients for Perfectly Flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Simple Steps to Make Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs
- Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Serving Suggestions for Your Comfort Food Crockpot Meal
- Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Pure Cooking Joy Experience
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights! Here’s why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen:
- Effortless Prep: It’s an absolute dream for an easy weeknight dinner. Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do all the work. So simple!
- Set It and Forget It: This is the ultimate set and forget meal. You can literally prep it in minutes and come home to a ready-to-eat, delicious dinner.
- Incredible Flavor: The rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy is just divine, coating those tender meatballs perfectly. It’s pure comfort food crockpot magic.
- Family Approved: This dish is a huge hit with everyone, making it a truly family friendly slow cooker option. Seriously, even picky eaters gobble these up!
- Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s all done in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. More time for enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans!
- Pantry Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip these up even when you haven’t been grocery shopping. Talk about convenient!
Ingredients for Perfectly Flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, and how they all come together to create something truly delicious! You probably have most of these in your pantry right now.:
- 1 (28 ounce) package frozen meatballs (I usually go for the basic beef ones, but feel free to use your favorite!)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (Don’t drain this, it’s part of the magic sauce!)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth (This adds that rich, savory depth.)
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix (This is a HUGE flavor booster!)
- 1/4 cup water (Just to help it all get started.)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Trust me on this!)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (This is if you like your gravy nice and thick!)
Simple Steps to Make Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs
Seriously, the best part about this recipe is how ridiculously easy it is. It’s the kind of thing you can do first thing in the morning and then basically forget about until dinner calls. I love using my slow cooker for nights when I know I’ll be running late – it’s kept my sanity intact more times than I can count! This is truly a dump-and-go situation, which is exactly what we need for a great easy weeknight dinner.
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
First things first, grab your slow cooker! Just dump the entire package of frozen meatballs right into the bottom. No need to thaw them, I promise! Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, the envelope of dry onion soup mix, and that little splash of Worcestershire sauce. It sounds like a lot, but it all magically melds together.
Achieving the Perfect Brown Gravy Meatballs
Pour that delicious soup mixture right over those frozen meatballs. Give it a gentle stir if you want, but it’s not super crucial. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours, and let the magic happen. Now, if you like a really thick, luscious gravy – and who doesn’t? – you’ll want to do this little trick. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Stir that into the slow cooker. It’ll thicken everything up beautifully!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Alright, let’s talk about making these slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs absolutely perfect every single time! It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. This recipe is already a champ for anyone looking for an easy comfort food win.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can totally play around with this! If you don’t have cream of mushroom, cream of celery or even a simple mushroom gravy mix works too. And while I love frozen meatballs because they’re so easy, you can definitely use fresh, pre-cooked meatballs if you have them on hand. Just make sure they’re fully cooked! For my gluten-free friends, just double-check that your condensed soup and broth are certified gluten-free. Easy peasy!
Making Your Meal Prep Dinner Even Easier
This recipe is a triple threat for meal prep! You can totally cook it all up, let it cool, and then pop it into airtight containers for the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or even on the stovetop. You could even freeze portions for those super busy days when cooking is just not happening. Talk about a lifesaver for your meal prep dinner plans!
Serving Suggestions for Your Comfort Food Crockpot Meal
Okay, so you’ve got these gorgeous, tender meatballs swimming in that rich mushroom-onion gravy. What’s the absolute best way to enjoy them? For me, it’s always over a big, fluffy pile of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s just pure comfort food perfection, you know? But honestly, these slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs are fantastic no matter what you serve them with. They’re also amazing spooned over egg noodles or fluffy white rice. It’s that classic, hearty taste that just makes everything feel cozy and right. Maybe check out my creamy slow cooker potato soup, or my simple garlic chicken and rice for another cozy side!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs
Got questions about these amazing slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have some homemade or pre-cooked fresh meatballs, feel free to use them. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before tossing them into the slow cooker with the sauce. They’ll still soak up all that deliciousness from the mushroom onion gravy.
How do I make the gravy nice and thick?
The secret for extra thick, luscious gravy for your brown gravy meatballs is the cornstarch slurry! Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It makes all the difference!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook it completely, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal during a busy week!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, these crockpot salisbury meatballs freeze wonderfully! Once cooled, portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Nutritional Information
Just so we’re on the same page, this nutritional info is an estimate and can tweak a bit depending on what brands you use or if you add anything extra. You can find our full disclaimer here. Happy eating!
Share Your Pure Cooking Joy Experience
I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all! Did you try these super easy slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs? Drop a comment below, let me know how they turned out, or share any fun twists you added. Your feedback really makes my day and helps other cooks, too! You can also connect with me on Facebook or reach out through my contact page if you have questions, or just want to share a picture of your meal!
PrintSlow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Enjoy a comforting and easy weeknight dinner with these slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs. They cook in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (28 ounce) package frozen meatballs
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, dry onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes
- This recipe is a great option for meal planning.
- You can substitute fresh meatballs if preferred, but ensure they are cooked through before adding to the slow cooker.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your condensed soup and broth are gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5 meatballs with gravy)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
