Delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you love classic comfort food that practically cooks itself, you’re going to adore this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs in a savory mushroom gravy are a perfect weeknight dinner that you can set and forget. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding the flavors beautifully while you relax or tackle your day.

this Recipe

Using the slow cooker salisbury steak method means you get all the flavor of traditional Salisbury steak without standing over the stove. It’s a wonderful meal to serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off slow cooker method for easy meal prep
• Rich, flavorful mushroom and onion gravy
• Tender meatballs with a homemade seasoning blend
• Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping
• Great served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy.

• 1 ¼ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs | Crockpot recipes salisbury steak, Salisbury ste…

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. Place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour the mushroom gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
8. Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve the meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out.
• Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and light.
• Brown the mushrooms well before adding the gravy to enhance their flavor.
• If you prefer thicker gravy, mix an extra tablespoon of flour with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and keep the meatballs moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat, then simmer the gravy separately. Combine and cook together for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the meatballs may be less juicy. Adding a little extra fat like olive oil or bacon grease can help keep them moist.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker?

Be sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently and include an egg and breadcrumbs to bind them. Avoid stirring too much once in the slow cooker to keep them intact.