Description
Hearty and easy, this slow‑cooker dish transforms frozen meatballs with a rich Salisbury‑style gravy made from beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix enhanced with a touch of ketchup and Worcestershire for depth. The cornstarch slurry thickens it to the perfect, silky consistency. Ideal for fuss‑free weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Main
1 bag (26 oz, 30–35) frozen meatballs
2 cups reduced‑sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch Slurry
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp cold water
Instructions
Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker
Place the frozen meatballs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Mix Gravy Base
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Pour Over Meatballs
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hr or HIGH for 2–3 hr, until meatballs are hot and gravy is flavorful.
Thicken Gravy
About 15 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 min, until gravy has thickened nicely.
Notes
Even Coating
Give the meatballs a gentle stir after pouring gravy to ensure they’re all covered.
Thickening Tip
If gravy isn’t thick enough, mix another 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp cold water and cook a few minutes longer.
Flavor Enhancements
Add ½ tsp garlic powder or a dash of smoked paprika for extra complexity.
Meal‑Prep Friendly
Perfect for prepping ahead just refrigerate and reheat gently, stirring well before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Delicious over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4–6 hr (LOW) or 2–3 hr (HIGH) + 15 min thickening
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 meatballs + gravy
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs, gravy, easy dinner