Warm, hearty, and full of rich flavor, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect comfort food for busy days. Made with juicy meatballs, savory onions, and a thick brown gravy, this dish simmers low and slow in your crockpot until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Whether served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this cozy meal tastes like home. It’s great for feeding a family, meal prepping, or enjoying leftovers the next day. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean preferred)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Preparation:
Step 1: Mix and Form Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined. Form into meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in size).
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
- For extra flavor and to help them hold together, lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of oil—about 1–2 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs on top.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- In a bowl, whisk together the gravy mix, beef broth, mushroom soup, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Thicken (Optional)
- If you’d like a thicker gravy, stir together 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water, then add to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes more.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Variation:
- Turkey Version: Use ground turkey for a lighter option
- No-Mushroom: Substitute cream of onion soup or beefy mushroom soup
- Add Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or green beans to make it a one-pot meal
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the gravy
- Mini Meatballs: Make bite-sized for party appetizers or sliders
COOKING Note:
Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor and helps them keep their shape in the slow cooker, but it’s not mandatory if you’re in a hurry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spoon over buttery mashed potatoes
- Serve on top of egg noodles or steamed rice
- Add a side of green beans, cornbread, or a simple salad
- Make a meatball sub with toasted hoagie rolls and melted provolone
- Use leftovers in meatball sandwiches or grain bowls
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—this can make them tough
- For firmer meatballs, chill them in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before cooking
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze cooked meatballs with gravy for up to 3 months
- Double the recipe for meal prep or entertaining—just use a larger crockpot
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6.5–7.5 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., 4–5 meatballs + gravy):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~28g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~880mg
- Fiber: ~1g
Note: varies by ingredients used and serving size.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
- Yes, you can. Skip the browning and cook directly in the gravy. Use fully cooked frozen meatballs and reduce the cook time slightly.
How do I make this gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, a GF soup alternative, and a gluten-free gravy mix.
Can I make this ahead?
- Absolutely! Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge overnight. Or cook the entire dish and reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
- You can substitute with cream of onion, cream of celery, or even use sour cream with extra broth.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Conclusion:
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a cozy, comforting dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender meatballs simmered in rich onion gravy make for a satisfying family dinner, especially when served over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just need something hearty and hands-off, this recipe is a must-try. Classic comfort food made even easier thanks to your crockpot!