Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe takes everything you adore about classic Salisbury steak—rich, savory flavors, tender meat, and that irresistible brown gravy—and packs it into juicy, bite-sized meatballs, all nestled in a slow cooker for effortless magic. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and nostalgic, this dish delivers big on both taste and convenience. It’s a true weeknight hero that always earns a spot in my regular dinner rotation!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe truly shine is the harmony of simple, everyday ingredients coming together for something utterly special. Each element has a key role—whether it’s bringing tenderness to the meatballs, savory depth to the gravy, or that little spark of flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds!

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs that stay moist during slow cooking.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and give them a tender texture—panko or classic both work great.
Egg: Acts as the glue, holding your meatballs together so they don’t fall apart in the cooker.
Milk: Adds extra moisture for melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, especially important for slow cooking.
Worcestershire sauce: This brings that signature umami punch to both the meatballs and the savory gravy.
Onion powder: For depth of flavor without the texture of raw onion in the meatballs.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick that complements the beef beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all those bold, comforting flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: A little bit of warmth that ties everything together.
Beef broth: The backbone of your gravy—choose a good quality broth for best results.
Ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and classic Salisbury steak flavor to the gravy.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon makes the gravy pop with a gentle tang.
Small onion (thinly sliced): As they cook down, these onions get tender and sweet, infusing the gravy with flavor.
Sliced mushrooms: Classic for Salisbury steak, they soak up all that delicious sauce.
Cornstarch: The go-to thickener for creating a luscious, velvety gravy at the end.
Cold water: Whisked with the cornstarch to make a smooth slurry, ensuring no lumps in your gravy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a fork—just until combined. Over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so work lightly. Once blended, roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. I find a cookie scoop makes this process quick and tidy, plus you get evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Layer Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with a quick spritz of oil or a rub of butter. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, snug but not overcrowded. If you like, you can brown the meatballs first in a skillet for extra flavor, but they’re just as delicious straight into the cooker—especially if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This blend is the secret to that signature Salisbury steak taste! Pour the mixture evenly over the meatballs so each one gets a soak in those savory juices. Scatter the sliced onions and mushrooms on top, letting them gradually melt into the sauce as everything cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours, or high for 2½ to 3 hours. The gentle, slow simmer infuses the meatballs with deep flavor and creates a tender texture you just can’t rush. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. This thickens the gravy to that perfect, silky consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give everything one last gentle stir and serve your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even rice. Spoon plenty of that luscious mushroom-onion gravy over the top and get ready for serious comfort food vibes.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to each plate. If you’re feeling fancy, a little cracked black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving can make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven for soaking up all that savory gravy, but don’t stop there! Buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice provide a perfect base too. For a lighter touch, try steamed green beans or roasted carrots on the side—something bright to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your meatballs slider-style on soft dinner rolls, or nestle them into a toasted baguette for a hearty sandwich. If you’re hosting, offer them as mini-meatball appetizers with toothpicks and a drizzle of gravy—your guests will rave about this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze! Let any extra meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly, too. Once cooled, portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. They’ll create lighter meatballs with a slightly different flavor, but the seasonings and gravy will keep everything delicious and satisfying.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?

Browning is optional! If you have a few extra minutes, browning the meatballs in a skillet will add a deeper, richer flavor and help them hold their shape even better. But if you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip straight to the slow cooker—they’ll still turn out fantastic.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap out regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?

A simple cornstarch slurry does the trick. Whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This creates a glossy, rich gravy without lumps.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger batch—just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate everything in a fairly even layer. You may need to add a little extra time to ensure the meatballs cook through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s as easy as it is comforting, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is the answer. It’s a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone to the table with big smiles and happy appetites. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your new go-to for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a flavorful mushroom and onion gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, the slow cooking process ensures juicy meatballs and a rich, hearty sauce served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

1½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1½ cups sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. Place them evenly in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker, ensuring they are not crowded for even cooking.
Make the Gravy Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Top with thinly sliced onions and sliced mushrooms for added flavor.
Cook the Meatballs: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Cover and cook for the remaining time.
Serve: Once thickened and heated through, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete comforting meal.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers reheat well and are great for meal prep or make ahead meals.

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