Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely. Frozen meatballs are a great shortcut, especially for busy nights. While homemade meatballs offer better texture and depth of flavor, salisbury steak meatballs with frozen meatballs still turn out delicious when simmered in gravy for at least 4 hours on low. You’ll still get that classic beefy comfort, just faster. To boost the flavor, stir in extra onions, garlic, or Worcestershire sauce.

What sides go best with Salisbury steak meatballs?

The best sides for slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs are anything that soaks up that rich gravy. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are go-to classics. For something heartier, try our cheesy scalloped potatoes . Want to balance the richness? Serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans for texture and color.

How do I thicken the gravy in the slow cooker?

Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cook time, then let the slow cooker finish on high. For a deeper flavor, you can also create a flour-and-butter roux and add it at the beginning of the cook. Either way, you’ll get a rich, clingy sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.

Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can (and should!). The main recipe uses a scratch-made onion beef gravy, so there’s no need for canned soup unless you’re going for the retro variation. If you want that creamy texture, add a little sour cream or heavy cream at the end. Want a soup-free veggie pairing? Try our green bean casserole without mushroom soup —it keeps things fresh and balanced.

What is the difference between Swedish meatballs and Salisbury steak meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are seasoned with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, and served in a creamy white gravy. Salisbury steak meatballs, on the other hand, are all about savory beef, onions, and brown gravy. Think diner-style comfort vs. Nordic creaminess. The meatball base is similar, but the sauce and seasoning give each dish its unique identity.

Can I cook these on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes! To make salisbury steak meatballs on the stovetop, place them in a large skillet, cover with gravy, and simmer on medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally. Keep the pan covered so the gravy thickens and the meatballs stay moist. It's a great solution if you forgot to start the slow cooker in the morning or just want a faster cook time.

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Description

Tender slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy. The perfect cozy meal for busy nights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 cup beef broth
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix just until combined and shape into 16–18 meatballs.
Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Gently add the meatballs on top.
In a separate bowl, mix beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour over the meatballs.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Stir slurry into the slow cooker and let the gravy thicken.
Gently stir and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use frozen meatballs—just skip the shaping step and add them straight to the slow cooker.

For a retro variation, replace the homemade gravy with a mix of cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix.

To make this gluten-free, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and a gluten-free soup mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 Hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs
Calories: 435 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 840mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 110mg