Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs: The Easiest Frozen Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs! That’s right, get ready for the easiest, most comforting meal to grace your table. I remember my grandmother making Salisbury steak all the time, the rich gravy and tender meat were always a hit. But who has time to babysit a skillet all day? That’s why I’ve adapted her recipe for the slow cooker, using my favorite kitchen shortcut: frozen meatballs! With this Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs recipe, you get all the delicious flavor without all the fuss.

This version uses frozen meatballs, so it’s incredibly simple and quick to throw together. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave something hearty and soulful.

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs: The Easiest Frozen Recipe

Easy and delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs made with frozen meatballs for a quick and comforting meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 20g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, combine the frozen meatballs, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring the meatballs are mostly submerged.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce thickened.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
7. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce is thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
8. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For a richer flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs recipe is pure comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, reminding you of cozy nights and happy memories.

What’s not to love? It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect set it and forget it meal. Plus, using frozen meatballs cuts down on prep time, making this a weeknight winner. If you’re looking for a comforting simple meal, check out our Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

Ingredients Needed for This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs:

• Frozen Meatballs: 2 pounds (about 40 meatballs; use your favorite kind: beef, turkey, or a blend)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Beef Broth: 2 cups
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Cold Water: 1/4 cup
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

Here’s how to bring this easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs recipe together:

1. 1. In your slow cooker, combine the frozen meatballs, chopped onion, and minced garlic.

1. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

1. 3. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring the meatballs are mostly submerged.

1. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce thickened.

1. 5. About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.

1. 6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.

1. 7. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce is thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

1. 8. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using).

1. 9. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over:

• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• Rice
• Cauliflower mash (for a low carb option)

Garnish with extra parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.

How to Store This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the sauce.

Tips to Make This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef. You can also use cream of mushroom soup instead of the beef broth for an even richer flavor.
• Success Tips: Don’t skip browning the onions and garlic first, as this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using too much cornstarch can make the sauce gummy. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more only if needed.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: For a deeper flavor cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Helpful Notes for This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

• Using high quality beef broth greatly enhances the flavor of this dish. Look for a reduced sodium option to control the salt level.
• Frozen meatballs are a convenient shortcut, but you can also use homemade meatballs if you prefer.
• If you dont have fresh parsley, dried parsley will work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon dried parsley.

Variation of This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of the cooking time for a richer sauce.

FAQs About This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs Recipe

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Using frozen meatballs means less prep and more time to enjoy a cozy, homemade meal with family or friends. Whether served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, this dish delivers classic flavors with modern convenience.

For more easy, comforting recipes like this one, be sure to visit my Pinterest for daily inspiration