Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, then these Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are just what you need! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With tender meatballs bathed in rich brown gravy, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker will do all the work while you enjoy your day!

This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners, where everyone gathers around the table and shares stories over hearty servings of savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal at home, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish cooking while you tackle other tasks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love meatballs! These Salisbury meatballs are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal waiting for you.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory gravy and tender meatballs creates a flavor explosion that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for your Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs:

For the Meatballs

• 26 oz frozen meatballs (approximately 30 to 35 pieces)

For the Gravy

• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

To Thicken

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for an alternative, try using turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef!
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free gravy mix and soy sauce alternatives to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Begin by placing the frozen meatballs evenly in your slow cooker insert. There’s no need to thaw them first—this saves time and keeps things simple!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Gravy Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps. This mixture will create that rich gravy we all love!

Step 3: Coat the Meatballs

Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meatballs and gently stir them so they are well coated. Be careful not to break them apart; we want those delicious meatballs intact!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. The goal here is fork-tender meatballs that soak up all that lovely gravy.

Step 5: Thicken Your Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into your slow cooker. Cover again and let it cook for another 30 minutes—it’ll thicken up beautifully!

Step 6: Serve Warm

When you’re ready to serve, spoon those amazing meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or cooked egg noodles. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs

Creating delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs is easy, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time!

• Use frozen meatballs for convenience: Frozen meatballs save you prep time and ensure consistent cooking. This means you can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work!

• Opt for reduced-sodium broth: Using reduced-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish without sacrificing flavor. This is particularly helpful if you’re serving guests or anyone watching their sodium intake.

• Whisk the gravy mixture well: Ensuring that there are no lumps in your gravy mixture not only improves the texture but also guarantees that every bite is evenly flavored. A smooth sauce makes a world of difference!

• Thicken the gravy with cornstarch slurry: Adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking helps achieve that rich, velvety gravy we all love. It’s an easy trick to elevate your dish’s overall presentation and mouthfeel.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your meatballs to sit for a few minutes before serving helps settle the flavors and makes for a tastier final dish. Plus, it gives you time to prepare your sides!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are not just comforting; they’re also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the gravy.
• Sliced green onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild crunch and a hint of sharpness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a classic base for soaking up that delicious gravy. The buttery texture pairs perfectly with meatballs.

• Steamed Rice: Light and fluffy rice absorbs all the flavors from the gravy, making each bite satisfying and wholesome.

• Cooked Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles offer an alternative starch option, providing an inviting base that holds onto the sauce well.

• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients to your meal. Seasonal veggies like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make an excellent choice for balancing comfort food with healthiness.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions as you dive into making your Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs! They are sure to become a family favorite at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food without the hassle on busy days. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also reheat in the microwave; cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I use homemade meatballs for Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade meatball recipe instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I make Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free gravy mix and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without any gluten.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs?

These savory meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles. You could also serve them with a side of vegetables for a complete meal!

Can I add vegetables to Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs?

Definitely! Feel free to add chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers about halfway through the cooking time. This adds even more flavor and nutrition to your dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs! This recipe not only warms the heart but also brings family together around the dinner table. Remember, it’s all about enjoying those cozy moments with loved ones while savoring every bite. Happy cooking!