Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

This recipe takes juicy meatballs and transforms them into a hearty comfort food classic with rich brown gravy. The meatballs simmer low and slow in the crockpot, soaking up the savory flavors of beef broth, onions, and mushrooms. The end result is tender, flavorful meatballs coated in silky gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or noodles.

Great for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish combines convenience with homestyle flavor. Using a slow cooker makes the process almost hands-off, while still delivering a meal that feels warm and satisfying. With simple pantry ingredients, these Salisbury steak meatballs taste like a cozy, made-from-scratch dinner without requiring constant time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort.

Tender meatballs: Slow cooking keeps them soft and juicy.

Rich gravy: Mushrooms, onions, and broth create a deep, savory sauce.

Easy prep: Mix, shape, and let the slow cooker do the work.

Family favorite: Comfort food that pleases both kids and adults.

Versatile serving: Perfect with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Meal prep friendly: Stores well for leftovers or weekly meal planning.

For a fun twist, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for extra depth, or stir in a little sour cream at the end for a creamy finish. Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled on top adds color and freshness to the dish.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into meatballs about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for extra flavor. They don’t need to cook through, just sear the outside. Transfer to the slow cooker once browned.

3. Build the Gravy

In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until softened. Add beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to scrape up browned bits. Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked through.

5. Thicken and Serve

Stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the gravy. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• Creamy Version: Stir in sour cream before serving for a stroganoff-style dish.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots or peas to the gravy for more texture.
• Lean Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Flavor Boost: Mix grated Parmesan into the meatballs for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

These Salisbury steak meatballs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. They also work well with rice or cauliflower mash for a lighter base. Serve alongside roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a fresh side salad for balance. For gatherings, they make a hearty main dish when served family-style in the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

Slow-cooker Salisbury steak meatballs bring comfort food to the table with minimal effort. With tender meatballs and savory mushroom-onion gravy, the recipe offers the classic flavors of Salisbury steak in a cozy, bite-sized form. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served at a family gathering, this dish guarantees rich taste and satisfying comfort every time.