Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury steak has long been a comfort food classic, known for its rich, savory flavor and hearty gravy. With this recipe, you get all that goodness in bite-sized meatball form, cooked low and slow in your slow cooker for maximum flavor and convenience. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
What I especially enjoy about this dish is how effortless it is. You simply prepare the meatballs, place everything in the slow cooker, and let it simmer until perfectly cooked. I once tried serving these with garlic mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes, and it worked beautifully for a lighter option. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Comfort Food Made Easy
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. A comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs, sliced onions, and mushrooms into the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
- Stir gently and let the sauce thicken with the lid on.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Homemade meatballs can be used instead of frozen for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture for a deeper taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Lean ground beef gives the meatballs their hearty base and rich flavor.
Breadcrumbs
These help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender. Panko or regular breadcrumbs both work well.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together.
Onion
Finely grated onion adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs.
Garlic
Fresh garlic enhances the savory depth of the dish.
Worcestershire sauce
A key ingredient for Salisbury steak flavor, it adds tang and umami to both the meatballs and the gravy.
Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings that bring out the best in the beef.
Beef broth
Forms the base of the gravy, giving it rich, meaty flavor.
Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and texture to the sauce.
Onion slices
Cooking onions in the gravy adds natural sweetness and enhances the overall depth.
Cornstarch slurry
A mixture of cornstarch and water thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
In a skillet, sear the meatballs in batches over medium heat until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor, though you can skip it if pressed for time. Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
Add sliced onions and mushrooms on top of the meatballs. Pour beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce over everything. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Gently mix to coat the meatballs in the rich sauce. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Equipment needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet (optional for browning)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation takes 20 minutes, slow cooking requires 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 on high), and thickening the gravy adds another 5 minutes. Total time is approximately 6.5 hours on low.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Turkey Salisbury Meatballs
Swap beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Salisbury Meatballs
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
Cheesy Meatballs
Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
Spicy Salisbury Meatballs
Mix red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the meatball mixture for a kick.
Vegetable-Loaded Gravy
Add carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
Creamy Gravy Version
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Herb-Infused Meatballs
Mix fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the meatball mixture for added flavor.
Mushroom-Free Option
Skip the mushrooms and double the onions for a sweeter gravy.
Mini Appetizer Style
Make smaller meatballs and serve them with toothpicks for party-friendly bites.
BBQ Twist
Replace part of the broth with barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet variation.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
No, but searing them adds extra flavor and helps them hold together.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but thaw them first for best results.
Can I make this with ground chicken?
Yes, but the texture will be softer—add extra breadcrumbs to help bind.
How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
Flour or arrowroot powder are good alternatives.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger slow cooker and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you get tender meatballs in a savory gravy that tastes like it simmered all day. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore one of the many variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll come back to again and again.