Name: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Family-Friendly Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488060H14M18S
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning; For the Gravy; 1 packet onion soup mix; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon ketchup; To Thicken the Gravy; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; For Serving; Mashed potatoes or egg noodles; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Short description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights. These tender, flavorful meatballs are simmered in a rich, savory gravy, making them a family favorite. Served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this dish brings all the classic flavors of Salisbury steak in a convenient, hands-off slow cooker recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, meaty flavors of Salisbury steak with the convenience of the slow cooker. The meatballs are juicy and tender, while the gravy is thick and full of flavor, making this dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and lets the slow cooker do all the hard work, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning

For the Gravy

1 packet onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup

To Thicken the Gravy

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

For Serving

Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through, just browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, combine the onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup. Stir until smooth and well combined, then pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the meatballs are tender and cooked through.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, then cook for an additional 10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serve: Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings and takes approximately 6 hours (5-6 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker, plus a bit of prep).

Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version.
Add Mushrooms: For extra flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the gravy for a richer taste.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little more beef broth or water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking them in the slow cooker.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs either before or after cooking. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking or reheating.

Can I use a different kind of soup mix for the gravy?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use a French onion soup mix or a homemade onion gravy mix for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time and just add the raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker.

How do I make sure the gravy isn’t too runny?

Thickening the gravy with a cornstarch slurry at the end ensures that it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to make it a more complete meal.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs should be cooked through and tender when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush, but cooking on LOW allows the flavors to develop more fully.

Can I serve this with something other than mashed potatoes or egg noodles?

You can serve the meatballs and gravy over rice, roasted potatoes, or even in a sandwich for a fun twist.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect comforting meal for any night of the week. The tender meatballs and savory gravy will have your family coming back for seconds. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can sit back and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!