Salisbury Steak Meatballs
62 Comments Jul 02, 2023
Updated Sep 21, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Frozen meatballs are turned into Salisbury steak meatballs using a couple packets and some extra seasonings, you will love this gravy laden recipe!
Featured Comment
“This is sooooo good. The flavor of the gravy is incredible and using our favorite frozen meatballs means putting it all together was quick & easy. I’ve tagged this as a favorite! Highly recommend!!”
– gaylynn
Salisbury steak is an American-based dish that typically consists of ground beef patties that are cooked with gravy – our recipe for Salisbury steak meatballs takes out ALL of the work and uses frozen meatballs instead. You can see the classic Crockpot Salisbury Steak if you want the full version.
Key Ingredients
This shortcut recipe comes together quickly. For the full recipe amounts, see the recipe card below the photos.
- Frozen Meatballs: Homestyle or Italian meatballs work great.
- Brown Gravy Mix: You’ll need 2 packets for this recipe. Any brand will do but I like McCormick’s.
- Mushrooms: These can be purchased already sliced or you can get the whole mushrooms and slice them yourself.
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder are all you’ll need to capture the Salisbury flavor.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tricks to change up this meal:
- Onions can be added, but you will want to dice them very finely, for they take much longer to cook than the mushrooms and gravy.
- Want more gravy? Double the gravy and water ingredients. Or add a can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Add a half cup of sour cream just for serving to make these into stroganoff-flavored meatballs. (and a dollop on each plate).
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Add the meatballs to your slow cooker.
- Combine the seasonings and gravy, then pour everything over the top.
- Let it cook low and slow until everything is hot and flavorful—then stir and serve!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs
However you eat these, you will love them. Here are a few ideas.
- The BEST way to serve Salisbury steak meatballs is over a starch, whether it be mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or egg noodles. Be sure to add a nice helping of the mushroom gravy on top.
- These tender meatballs can be served as an appetizer straight out of the slow cooker. Simply turn the slow cooker to the KEEP WARM setting, supply a slotted spoon or toothpicks for picking, and you’re all set.
- You can also place meatballs onto a hoagie bun for a quick and easy meatball sandwich. Top it with your favorite cheese and other toppings too.
Can Frozen Meatballs be Put in a Crockpot?
Yes! They are precooked and will thaw fairly quickly in the slow cooker. They get even better the longer they cook, soaking up the sauce in the recipe.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 26 oz. frozen meatballs, (no need to defrost)
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1.74 oz. brown gravy mix (2 packets)
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Add the mushrooms, worcestershire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl whisk together the gravy mix and water.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- Stir, serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Meatball Recipes
Grape Jelly Meatballs and Meatballs and Little Smokies are sweet, savory, and perfect for parties or holiday spreads.
For something bold, try Slow Cooker Jalapeño Meatballs or Honey Garlic Meatballs—both pack a punch of flavor in every bite.
Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders make an easy game day snack, while Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs offer a lighter twist that’s still full of flavor.
Serve up comfort with Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs, made in a rich, creamy gravy—perfect over noodles or mashed potatoes.
Can you cook on high for 2 hours?
You may need a little longer, but yes.
Can you make this ahead & freeze?
I personally would freeze everything but the meatballs separately, but yes, that will work well.
I made this yesterday and only thing I changed was to add half an onion. I ate it over both classic and loaded mashed potatoes. This is my new favorite meal and making it again this week!!
Delicious
Is the sauce supposed to completely cover the meatballs?
As it cooks, more sauce will form.
So easy and delicious! I can’t believe I never thought of Salisbury steak meatballs – it makes perfect sense! I made the recipe as written. I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms, so I might sub diced onion next time. Great recipe, awesome taste!
I’m planning to make these today or tomorrow. I think I’ll add a little sour cream so it will be more like stroganoff meatballs. Anyone try that yet?
It’s delicious with the sour cream too. Serving over rice!
How much sour cream did you put in?
Can I substitute the water to beef broth
You can but the recipe is already on the salty side.
Such a great fall Sunday meal for the family! We love easy and tasty crockpot meals
When do you add the mushrooms ?
At the beginning of the recipe.