Delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meal that practically cooks itself. This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is a game changer when you want a hearty, satisfying dish without standing over the stove. Slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs deliver tender, juicy beef meatballs simmered in a luscious mushroom and onion gravy that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

You’ll love how easy it is to prep this Crockpot recipe and come home to a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, these savory meatballs are pure comfort food made simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off slow cooking lets you multitask while the flavors meld all day.
• Juicy, tender meatballs with a rich mushroom gravy make a comforting meal.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for leftovers.
• Can be easily customized with your favorite herbs or gravy add-ins.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a savory and satisfying slow cooker Salisbury steak meatball dish.

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning)
• 10 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 420 per serving

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

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into 18 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning carefully to get an even golden crust, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced mushrooms and onions until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions, stir well, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in beef broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
7. Transfer the mushroom gravy to the slow cooker. Carefully add the browned meatballs, coating them with the gravy.
8. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
9. Before serving, stir in fresh parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds amazing flavor and color to the dish.
• Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and taste in the gravy.
• If your gravy is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in, cooking on high for 15 minutes.
• Let the meatballs rest for 10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the gravy when adding the broth.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These Salisbury steak meatballs reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, but the meatballs may be less juicy. Consider adding a little extra oil or a splash of broth to keep them moist.

Do I have to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning is highly recommended to develop flavor and improve texture. However, you can skip this step to save time; just note the meatballs may be less flavorful and the gravy lighter in color.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Absolutely! If the gravy is too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

These meatballs are great over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or even creamy polenta. A simple green vegetable or salad rounds out the meal nicely.