Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish featuring juicy meatballs cooked in a rich and savory brown gravy. This easy slow-cooker recipe delivers tender, flavorful meatballs without the fuss of standing over the stove. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish brings all the classic flavors of Salisbury steak in a simple, family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Rich and Savory Flavors – The homemade brown gravy is packed with umami goodness.
- Family-Friendly – A comforting meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Beef broth
- Brown gravy mix
- Onion, diced
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Cornstarch (for thickening, if needed)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs – In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs (Optional) – For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce – In the slow cooker, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in diced onions and mushrooms.
- Slow Cook – Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, coating them in the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are tender.
- Thicken the Gravy (If Needed) – If the gravy is too thin, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and spoon the rich gravy over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Variations
- Turkey Meatballs – Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter option.
- Mushroom-Free – Omit mushrooms if you’re not a fan.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheesy Version – Mix shredded cheese into the meatball mixture for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and an egg as a binder helps hold the meatballs together. Chilling them for 10-15 minutes before cooking can also help.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Use store-bought frozen meatballs and cook them directly in the slow cooker without thawing.
What can I serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer the meatballs in the gravy over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms add great texture and flavor to the dish.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best way to freeze this dish?
Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile.
Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
No, but browning adds extra flavor. You can skip this step and cook them directly in the slow cooker.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit everything without overcrowding.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days. With tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both simple and hearty. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic with minimal effort!
Print
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cooker
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker version of Salisbury steak transforms classic flavors into tender meatballs simmered in a rich brown gravy. The slow cooking process makes them incredibly flavorful, while the savory mushroom and onion sauce adds depth. A true comfort food dish with minimal effort!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for extra tenderness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Salisbury Steak Gravy:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, to thicken)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked—this adds flavor!)
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the browned meatballs on top.
Step 4: Make the Gravy & Cook
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours).
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) to thicken the gravy. Stir gently and let cook until thickened.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Meat Substitute: Use all ground beef or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Gravy Thickness: Add more cornstarch if you like a thicker sauce.
- Make-Ahead: Meatballs can be made and browned ahead of time, then stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *