If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely need to try these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This dish transforms simple ground beef into tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection. The savory sauce and juicy meatballs meld beautifully, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. Each component is straightforward yet essential—bringing together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these meatballs irresistible.

Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein that keeps the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds structure and a tender crumb; use gluten-free if needed.
Finely chopped onion (1/4 cup): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic sweetness.
Minced garlic (1 clove): Provides a subtle punch of savory depth.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold all the meatball ingredients together.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a tangy, umami-rich kick.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Beef broth (1 cup): Forms the base of the luscious gravy.
Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Earthy and tender, they complement the gravy perfectly.
Onion soup mix (1 packet): A secret weapon for extra savory goodness.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): For thickening the gravy to your preferred consistency.
Water (2 tablespoons, optional): Used to dissolve cornstarch when thickening.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so gentle blending is key here.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. This step is fun because you get to create perfect little bites that will soak up all the delicious gravy later.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning locks in flavor and adds a lovely texture contrast. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker, setting the stage for slow-cooked magic.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their earthy aroma. This step builds the base for the rich gravy that will accompany the meatballs perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Gravy Base

Add beef broth and the packet of onion soup mix to the skillet with mushrooms. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This savory broth will soak into every bite of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Step 6: Combine and Slow Cook

Pour the mushroom and broth mixture over the meatballs in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the meatballs are tender and cooked through. This slow cooker method ensures the meatballs absorb all the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 7: Optional Thickening

If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the meatballs.

Step 8: Ready to Serve

Once the cooking time is up, your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are ready to be plated and enjoyed. The aroma alone will have your whole kitchen buzzing with anticipation.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh taste contrast to the rich gravy. A dollop of sour cream or a touch of Dijon mustard on the side also complements the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice. The gravy soaks into each side, creating a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies on every level. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a colorful, fresh touch to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in slider buns for a cozy sandwich experience. Alternatively, layer them over a bed of polenta or cauliflower mash for a modern take that impresses at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep perfectly for 3 to 4 days, making great next-day meals or quick lunches that feel special.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Arrange the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy comfort food ready to go whenever you want.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and restore that perfect saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to monitor cooking time as turkey can dry out more quickly, and consider adding a bit more moisture or fat to keep the meatballs tender.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning enhances flavor and texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. Just know the meatballs won’t have the same caramelized crust, and the broth might be less rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your onion soup mix and broth are gluten-free. This simple swap keeps the dish safe and delicious for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?

You can use flour or arrowroot powder as alternatives for thickening. Just mix the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry before stirring it into the gravy to avoid lumps.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! It scales up nicely, but be sure to use a larger slow cooker to allow space for even cooking. Cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly depending on quantity and slow cooker size.

Final Thoughts

You’ve just discovered a recipe that embodies comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness all in one pot. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring effortless flavor to your table, perfect for busy days or whenever you want a classic dinner with minimal fuss. Go ahead and try it — once you taste these tender, flavorful meatballs, you’ll be making them over and over again!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Instructions

Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter and set them aside for cooking.
Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, creating a golden crust. Then transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their flavor.
Make Gravy Base: Add beef broth and onion soup mix to the skillet with mushrooms. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Add Gravy to Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the mushroom and broth mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker to cover them evenly.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Thicken Gravy (Optional): If a thicker gravy is desired, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve: Deliver the Salisbury steak meatballs and mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To save time, you can skip browning the meatballs, but browning adds flavor and texture.
The onion soup mix adds a convenient depth of flavor but can be replaced with your own blend of onion powder, beef bouillon, and dried herbs if preferred.
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker, Sautéing
Cuisine: American