These Tender Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Rich Gravy are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom and beef gravy. The slow cooking process ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply want a cozy meal for a chilly evening, these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are sure to impress. Serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the savory gravy. This is one dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, add the frozen meatballs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onions on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high) | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Key Ingredients:
- Frozen Meatballs: The use of frozen meatballs simplifies the cooking process while still providing a satisfying texture and flavor. You can choose beef, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs depending on your preference.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the gravy, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly.
- Beef Broth & Brown Gravy Mix: Together, these ingredients give the dish a savory and slightly salty base, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
- Mushrooms & Onions: These veggies are classic additions to Salisbury steak dishes, adding an earthy flavor and slight sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the gravy.
Cooking Tips:
- Using Fresh Meatballs: If you prefer to use homemade or fresh meatballs, simply brown them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps the meatballs hold their shape and intensifies their flavor.
- Thickening the Gravy: The cornstarch and water mixture is optional but highly recommended if you want a thicker gravy consistency. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add other seasonings like thyme or rosemary for an herbal touch, or a splash of red wine for a richer sauce.
Storage & Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them in a covered dish.
Customization Ideas
- Spice It Up: If you’re looking to add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish and provide a subtle kick that contrasts with the creamy gravy.
- Additional Vegetables: For a more wholesome meal, you can include vegetables like carrots, peas, or even cubed potatoes. Add these vegetables at the start of the slow cooking process so they can absorb the flavors and cook to tender perfection.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, make sure to choose gluten-free gravy mix and condensed soup. Many brands offer these alternatives, making it easy to adapt the recipe.
- Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium broth and soup to reduce the salt content. You can also control the saltiness by choosing lower-sodium versions of the Worcestershire sauce and gravy mix.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of these Salisbury Steak Meatballs allows them to be served in several ways:
- Classic Pairing: Serve them over buttery mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up the creamy, savory gravy.
- Over Pasta: Egg noodles are a traditional choice, but any pasta that can cradle the sauce will work. The sauce coats the noodles beautifully, creating a decadent combination.
- On a Sub Roll: Turn these meatballs into a Salisbury steak meatball sub! Place them in a toasted sub roll, add a slice of provolone cheese, and broil until melted. Top with fresh parsley for a delicious sandwich.
- As an Appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks as a party appetizer. Keep them warm in the slow cooker and let guests help themselves to these mini Salisbury steak bites.
Meal Prep and Freezing Tips
This recipe is great for meal prep and can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd or store for future meals.
- Freezing: After cooking, allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely. Portion them into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much during freezing, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
- Quick Lunches: Consider packing the meatballs in a separate container from the side dishes to keep them fresh and avoid sogginess.
Pairing with Beverages
To complement the hearty flavors of these Salisbury Steak Meatballs, consider serving them with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec. These wines have strong tannins that stand up to the richness of the gravy and add a fruity contrast to the beef. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or iced tea with a splash of cranberry juice would work well to cleanse the palate between bites.
Conclusion
This Tender Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Rich Gravy recipe is a true testament to how classic dishes can be reimagined for modern times. Its versatility and comforting flavor profile make it perfect for all kinds of occasions, from family dinners to potlucks. The slow cooker does all the work for you, gradually infusing each meatball with savory notes of beef, mushrooms, and rich gravy.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, something to serve at a gathering, or simply want to enjoy the nostalgia of a beloved comfort food, this recipe has you covered. With its ability to be customized to suit a range of dietary needs and flavor preferences, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular addition to your cooking repertoire.