If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe. Perfectly tender meatballs bathed in rich, savory brown gravy bring a nostalgic twist to a classic favorite. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something soulful without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, transforming simple frozen meatballs into an irresistible dinner that’s full of flavor, depth, and just the right comfort factor. From savory broth to tangy ketchup, these ingredients harmonize beautifully to create that iconic brown gravy taste you’ll love.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz bag): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors while staying tender and juicy.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds richness and depth to the gravy, making it truly comforting.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): The star of the sauce, providing that classic brown gravy flavor and silky texture.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Brings a punch of savory onion and herbs, enhancing the meatballs wonderfully.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a complex umami boost that rounds out the gravy perfectly.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the gravy to a luscious consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry, ensuring a smooth, clump-free gravy.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Then, dump the entire bag of frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker – no need to thaw! This saves so much time while still delivering fantastic results.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination creates a rich, savory sauce that will infuse the meatballs with incredible flavor as they cook. Pour the mixture evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to ensure every bite gets coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours. This slow and steady cooking method allows the meatballs to soak up all the luscious gravy, becoming wonderfully tender and flavorful. Be sure to stir occasionally if you remember, to keep everything evenly coated and prevent sticking.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
When the cooking time is up, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly. The heat will activate the cornstarch, thickening the gravy into a silky sauce that clings to every meatball beautifully.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
At this point, your Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up every bit of that wonderful gravy. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a lively contrast to the rich brown gravy. For a bit of brightness, a light sprinkle of paprika or a lemon wedge on the side can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery, are the ultimate classic pairing, perfectly catching all that luscious gravy. If you prefer, buttered egg noodles or even fluffy rice work wonders soaking up the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots make for great, colorful vegetable sides that balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs in a hollowed loaf of crusty bread as a hearty dip party appetizer. Alternatively, pile them on top of cheesy polenta or a bed of roasted mashed cauliflower for a modern take. No matter how you plate it, the Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe guarantees comfort and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The meatballs will only get more flavorful as the gravy continues to meld, making them just as delicious (if not better) the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the tender texture and rich taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add a fresh, personal touch to this dish. Just brown them in a skillet first to seal in flavor before following the rest of the recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free brown gravy and onion soup mixes, and ensure your cornstarch is pure and uncontaminated. This simple swap keeps the dish deliciously gluten-free.
Can I speed up the cooking time?
While slow cooking yields the best tenderness and flavor, you can use a pressure cooker or instant pot to reduce cooking time significantly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually around 20-30 minutes on high pressure.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?
Flour is a good alternative; mix it with cold water to create a paste and add it gradually to the sauce. Arrowroot or tapioca starch can also work well for thickening.
Can this recipe be made on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy thick and meatballs tender.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe a try because it’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels homemade and special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a comforting solo meal, these meatballs will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings every time.
Print
Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Brown Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a rich beef gravy with onion soup and Worcestershire sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, these meatballs are tender and flavorful, making an easy and satisfying meal served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 26 oz bag of frozen meatballs
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Dump the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until fully mixed and pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs. Gently stir to coat all meatballs with the sauce.
- Slow cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent sticking.
- Thicken the sauce: When cooking is complete, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to thicken the sauce around the meatballs.
- Serve: Serve the savory Salisbury steak meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Make sure to spray the slow cooker well to avoid sticking.
- Stir the meatballs occasionally during cooking to prevent them from clumping.
- You can substitute frozen homemade meatballs if preferred.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles complements the rich gravy perfectly.
- Chopped parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness when sprinkled on top.
