If ever there was a comfort food dish that could win over a crowd, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs would be it. Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs gently simmered in a savory, onion-rich gravy that practically begs to be poured over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. With all the nostalgia of classic Salisbury steak and the ease of a slow cooker, this recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero. The meatballs are tender, the sauce is silky, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—what’s not to love?

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs really comes down to a handful of accessible ingredients, each playing a key role in creating rich flavor and perfect texture. These simple staples transform into something magical with just a bit of prep and a few hours in the slow cooker.

Ground beef: Use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs that stay tender as they cook.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and soak up the savory juices.
Milk: Adds moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Egg: Acts as the glue, keeping everything perfectly cohesive.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami goodness in both the meatballs and the gravy.
Onion powder: Lends subtle sweetness and savory depth without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle garlicky kick.
Salt: Enhances every component and balances the dish.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and mushrooms, adding richness to the gravy.
Onion: Sliced thin, it melts into the gravy and infuses each bite with sweetness.
Beef broth: The backbone of the gravy, delivering hearty, robust flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a hint of tang and sweetness to the sauce.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a beautiful, glossy consistency.
Mushrooms (optional): For an earthy boost and extra texture—use them if you love mushrooms!

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once blended, roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. This size is just right for even cooking and that satisfying bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease or line your slow cooker insert to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single, even layer, giving them a little space to allow the savory gravy to seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion (and mushrooms, if using) and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and smell sweet. This step adds so much flavor, gently coaxing out the vegetables’ natural sugars for a richer gravy.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it bubble for a minute or two until the sauce thickens just slightly—this gives you that luscious, velvety gravy everyone craves.

Step 5: Cook Everything Together

Carefully pour the hot gravy and veggies over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the meatballs with all the savory goodness of the sauce while keeping them tender and juicy. When you’re ready to serve, gently stir to coat everything in that glorious gravy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with a little chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of cracked black pepper or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can add a final flourish. If you love a bit of tang, a spoonful of sour cream on the side is surprisingly delicious!

Side Dishes

These meatballs practically beg to be served over something starchy and comforting. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic, but fluffy egg noodles or buttery rice also make a dreamy base for soaking up all that extra gravy. For a vegetable, think buttery peas, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs as sliders on soft dinner rolls with a drizzle of extra gravy. Or, skewer smaller meatballs for a party appetizer platter, complete with mini forks for dipping. You can even pile leftover meatballs and sauce onto a baked potato for an ultra-cozy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs taste even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to four days, and the flavors deepen beautifully as they rest.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir halfway for even warmth. If the gravy thickens too much, just add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey will work well in this recipe, just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit lighter. For best texture, use dark meat turkey and don’t overmix the meatball mixture.

Do I have to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Nope! The recipe is designed to be easy and hands-off, so you can add the raw meatballs straight to the slow cooker. Browning them first does add extra flavor and color, but it’s totally optional and up to you.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely. Adding peas or carrots to the slow cooker makes this even more of a one-pot meal. Add them in with the meatballs and gravy so they cook together and soak up all that savory sauce.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure all other condiments (like Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free. The results are just as comforting and delicious.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If your gravy comes out a bit runny, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook on high for another 15 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, soul-satisfying dinner, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. They bring all the cozy flavors of classic Salisbury steak, made even easier thanks to the slow cooker. Give them a try the next time you need a little extra comfort on your table—you may just find a new family favorite!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (low) or 2 hours 50 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich gravy made from beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sautéed onions. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this easy recipe combines classic flavors with the convenience of slow cooking, making it a weeknight favorite that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until ingredients are evenly incorporated, careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Place the meatballs into a greased or lined slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Prepare the Gravy Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and mushrooms if using, sautéing them for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the skillet with onions and mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
Thicken the Gravy: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a rich gravy.
Combine and Cook: Carefully pour the hot gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and the gravy is flavorful and thickened.
Serve and Enjoy: Gently stir the meatballs before serving to distribute the gravy. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Notes

For extra flavor and texture, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, though this step is optional.
Add vegetables like peas or carrots toward the end of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld; store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American