This Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs with a rich, flavorful gravy for the ultimate comfort food. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort, this dish is perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: Just a few minutes of mixing and you’re done—let the crockpot do the work!
- Bold, Comforting Flavors: The combination of onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a savory, hearty gravy.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only eight pantry-friendly ingredients are needed.
- Versatile: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Step 2: Add to Crockpot
- Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot during the last 20 minutes of cooking, allowing the gravy to thicken.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Homemade Meatballs: Substitute frozen meatballs with homemade ones for a fresher taste. Brown them first for extra flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and gravy mix to reduce the salt content.
- Add Vegetables: Include mushrooms, carrots, or peas in the crockpot for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free meatballs and gravy mix for a celiac-friendly dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs work well. Brown them before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. How can I prevent the gravy from being too salty?
Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the amount of onion soup mix to taste.
4. Can I add cream to the gravy?
Yes, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamier gravy.
5. What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even crusty bread.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
7. How do I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy isn’t thick enough, add more cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
8. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire adds depth to the gravy, but you can skip it or replace it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
9. What’s the best type of meatball to use?
Beef, pork, turkey, or a mix of meats work well. Choose based on your preference.
10. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer the meatballs and sauce on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Conclusion
Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs with Rich Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With minimal effort and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors every time. Whether served over mashed potatoes or noodles, these tender meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Print
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Effortlessly delicious, these Crockpot Salisbury Meatballs with Rich Gravy are made with frozen meatballs and pantry staples like onion soup mix and beef broth. Perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals!
Ingredients
Canned Goods:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Baking & Spices:
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Frozen:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
Liquids:
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and the brown gravy mix.
- Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
- Thicken the Gravy:
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs if preferred. Brown them before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra texture and richness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American