These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort foodjuicy, flavorful, and smothered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy crockpot recipe delivers tender meatballs infused with classic Salisbury steak flavors. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying and hearty meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Rich, homemade gravy packed with umami from mushrooms and onions.
- Juicy, flavorful meatballs with classic Salisbury steak seasoning.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef – Gives the meatballs their juicy texture.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture together.
- Egg – Essential for keeping the meatballs firm.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, savory umami flavor.
- Garlic powder – Boosts the overall taste.
- Onion powder – Enhances the classic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning.
- Milk – Keeps the meatballs tender.
For the Gravy:
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Onion – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms – Classic in Salisbury steak dishes.
- Beef broth – Forms the flavorful base of the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami notes.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang.
- Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the gravy to perfection.
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and milk. Roll the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onions and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Brown the Meatballs
(Optional but recommended) Sear the meatballs in the same skillet until browned on all sides. This adds extra flavor!
4. Slow Cook
Place the meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
5. Thicken the Gravy
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it thicken.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Spoon extra gravy on top and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs before slow cooking.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and taste.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry it makes the gravy rich and velvety.
- Want a deeper flavor? Add a splash of red wine to the gravy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
- With buttered egg noodles for a cozy, homestyle meal.
- Alongside steamed rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
- With roasted veggies or a side salad for balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Frozen meatballs work great in this recipe. Just add them straight to the sauce no need to thaw. Keep in mind they might take a little longer to cook through, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. A mixture of bouillon and water also works in a pinch!
Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
Browning adds great flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, you can simmer the raw meatballs directly in the sauce. Just make sure they cook all the way through before serving.
Can I make this without mushrooms?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can simply leave them out. You can also add extra onions, bell peppers, or even zucchini for more texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Salisbury steak in a bite-sized, slow-cooked form. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers tender meatballs smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Serve it over your favorite side for a satisfying and comforting meal everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade comfort food with minimal effort!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and milk in a bowl. Roll into meatballs.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- (Optional) Brown meatballs in the same skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir gently. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
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