Looking for an effortless comfort food dinner? These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are just the thing! Start with frozen meatballs, toss in a few pantry staples, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The best part? A savory, rich brown gravy that practically makes itself—no standing over the stove required.
Perfect for busy nights, this dump-and-go recipe is incredibly easy to prep in the morning and ready by dinnertime. Serve the tender meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep – Just 5 minutes in the morning!
- Family-friendly – Classic flavors everyone enjoys.
- Made with frozen meatballs – No need to thaw!
- Hearty & comforting – Rich gravy and savory meatballs are always a win.
- Crockpot convenience – Set it and forget it.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Meatballs (26 oz / about 30–35 meatballs)
Use your favorite store-bought brand. Homestyle, Italian, or turkey all work well. I personally love the Kirkland Signature meatballs from Costco. - Beef Broth (2 cups)
Use full-salt broth for bold flavor after slow cooking. - Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet)
- Onion Soup Mix (1 packet)
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons)
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Cornstarch + Cold Water (2 tablespoons each)
To make a slurry that thickens the gravy at the end.
🍲 How to Make Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Prep the Slow Cooker:
Spray the insert with nonstick cooking spray. - Add Ingredients:
Pour the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to combine. - Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours. - Thicken the Gravy:
Mix the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. - Serve:
Spoon the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect over:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Cooked white rice
- Buttery egg noodles
Add a veggie side like steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a complete meal.
❄️ Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Use your favorite homemade meatball recipe. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
Nope—add them to the crockpot straight from the freezer. So easy!
What’s the purpose of the cornstarch slurry?
It helps thicken the gravy at the end of the cooking time. If you like thinner gravy, feel free to skip it.
❤️ More Frozen Meatball Recipes to Try
- BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs
- Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Teriyaki Meatballs over Rice