There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of tender Salisbury meatballs simmered slowly in a rich, savory brown gravy. This cozy dish brings family and friends together around the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Using a slow cooker to gently meld the classic flavors creates juicy, fork-tender meatballs perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or comforting egg noodles. Let this hearty American favorite become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
- Simple, beginner-friendly ingredients and steps make it accessible for any cook.
- Slow cooking enhances flavor, tenderizing meatballs perfectly without fuss.
- Versatile dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
- Ready in under 5 minutes prep time with pantry staples and frozen meatballs.
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs (26 ounces): Pre-made bite-sized meatballs, about 30 to 35 pieces, offering convenience without compromising flavor.
- Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth and moisture, while controlling salt for a balanced gravy.
- Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet): Classic seasoning blend that creates a rich and smooth brown gravy base with ease.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 packet): Infuses meatballs with bold onion flavor and additional savory complexity.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Introduces subtle sweetness and tang, complementing the gravy’s savory notes.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances umami flavor, giving the gravy a robust and slightly tangy character.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy perfectly to coat each meatball luxuriously, added at the end.
- Cold Water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry ensuring no lumps in the gravy.
Instructions
- Arrange Meatballs in Slow Cooker
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Place the frozen meatballs evenly across the slow cooker insert. Distributing them uniformly ensures even cooking and thorough heat penetration while preventing clumping.
- Mix the Gravy Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined. This liquid blend will infuse the meatballs with rich savory flavors as it cooks.
- Coat Meatballs with Gravy Mixture
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Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat each meatball, ensuring the flavors are distributed throughout without breaking their shape.
- Slow Cook Until Tender
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Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. Slow cooking allows the meatballs to become fork-tender and absorb the flavorful gravy. It also develops a deep, comforting taste perfect for cold evenings.
- Thicken the Gravy
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About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until fully dissolved. Stir this slurry gently into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy, giving it a luscious texture that clings beautifully to each meatball.
- Serve and Enjoy
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Spoon the meatballs and thickened gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or cooked egg noodles. Serve hot immediately for a satisfying, hearty meal that’s sure to please every member of your family.
- Use low-sodium broth to avoid an overly salty gravy, allowing seasoning control.
- Gently stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or uneven heating.
- Adjust slow cooker timings based on your model to avoid overcooking meatballs.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed jasmine rice. Fresh green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich gravy.
- For a homemade touch, substitute frozen meatballs with fresh-made beef or turkey meatballs.
- Add a splash of red wine or fresh herbs like thyme to enhance the gravy’s complexity.
- Thickening the gravy towards the end helps avoid over-thickening and maintains smooth consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh meatballs can be used but may require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out. Adjust slow cooker time accordingly.
- What can I substitute for brown gravy mix?
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Use homemade beef gravy or a combination of beef bouillon with cornstarch and seasonings as a substitute.
- Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
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You can adapt it to an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking with careful timing for gravy thickening.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
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Yes, cooked meatballs with gravy freeze well. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and reheat gently.
- How do I prevent gravy lumps?
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Whisk cornstarch thoroughly with cold water before adding to the hot gravy to ensure a smooth slurry and lump-free thickening.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
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Yes, adding sliced mushrooms or diced onions before cooking can enrich the flavor and add texture.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs about 30 to 35 pieces
- 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
- Place frozen meatballs evenly in the slow cooker insert.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat all meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until meatballs are heated through and tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or cooked egg noodles immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to balance flavors.
- Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles for a complete meal.
