Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food You Can Make on a Budget

Looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that delivers big on flavor? These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are exactly what you need! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender meatballs soak up a savory, slow-cooked gravy, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or tossed with egg noodles, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Photo byRecipes on a Budget

This recipe was inspired by a fantastic dish I found here. It caught my eye as a cheap crockpot meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor—and trust me, it delivers! It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. My husband loves it so much that it's now in our regular dinner rotation.

A Bit of Backstory

Salisbury steak has been around since the late 19th century, originally created by Dr. James Salisbury, who promoted a high-protein diet. Traditionally made with seasoned ground beef shaped into patties, this dish has evolved into various forms over the years, and in this recipe, it takes the form of savory meatballs. The combination of rich beef broth, gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce makes this a comforting classic that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 lb) bag frozen meatballs
• 3 cups beef broth
• 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce (aka “wash-your-sister sauce”)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 packets brown gravy mix
• Garlic powder to taste
• Onion powder to taste
• 1 pack mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In your crockpot, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown gravy mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you like mushrooms, go ahead and add them in as well.
2. Add Meatballs: Pour the mixture over your frozen meatballs and set the crockpot to high. Let everything cook together for about 4 hours.
3. Thicken the Sauce: After 4 hours, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the meatball mixture to thicken the gravy.
4. Serve: These Salisbury steak meatballs are perfect over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making for a delicious, filling meal.

Pro Tips:

• Variation Options: Want to make this dish gluten-free? Opt for gluten-free gravy packets and Worcestershire sauce. For a lower-calorie version, use turkey meatballs instead of beef.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with green beans or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnishing Ideas: For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or a little grated cheese on top of the meatballs just before serving.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food—warm, rich, and hearty. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make thanks to the magic of your crockpot. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a sure winner. It’s also a great option for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

Hash Buns: A Fun Family Tradition

In our house, we also have a go-to side dish that we lovingly call “hash buns.” My husband grew up eating them, and now they’ve become a tradition in our home as well. They’re super simple to make but packed with flavor. Just mix some corned beef hash with a little Hellman’s Mayo, spread it on buns, top with cheese (yes, sliced in three strips!), and bake at 375°F until the cheese gets those crispy browned edges. Trust me, these will disappear in minutes!

I hope you enjoy making these easy Salisbury steak meatballs and maybe even try the hash buns too! Don’t forget to follow me for more delicious, budget-friendly recipes. If you loved this one, be sure to share it with friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts!