There’s something about a dish that fills the house with mouth-watering smells as it slow-cooks all day, right? Trust me, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is one of those dishes. Tender, juicy meatballs drenched in a rich, savory gravy that’s full of flavor—it’s like the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or you’re serving a meal that’s sure to impress, this one’s a winner.
The best part? It’s all made in your slow cooker, so the hard work is done for you. The flavors meld together beautifully, and when you lift the lid, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness. No fuss, no mess, just incredible flavor. And don’t even get me started on how satisfying it is to serve this up with mashed potatoes or over some buttered noodles. It’s everything you’ve been craving. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This recipe is all about effortless deliciousness. It’s not just about eating—it’s about enjoying the moment. Whether you’re serving it to the family on a busy weeknight or sharing it with friends during a casual get-together, this dish makes everything feel extra special. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine walking in after a hectic day, and there it is, waiting for you—comfort food at its finest. Or imagine serving this at your next dinner party, and watching your guests ask for the recipe before the night is over!
Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this dish proves you don’t need to break the bank for something delicious. It’s hearty and satisfying without costing a fortune.
Quick and Easy: Just a few simple steps, and you’re good to go! Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is designed to make life easy without compromising on flavor.
Customizable: Want to spice it up a little? Add some cayenne or smoked paprika for a kick! Prefer a milder flavor? No problem—you can tweak the seasoning to make it just right for you or the little ones.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. With the perfect balance of savory meatballs and that rich, delicious gravy, everyone’s sure to love it!

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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these juicy, savory meatballs that will make you look like a pro in the kitchen:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
For the Gravy:
- Beef broth
- Gravy mix (or make your own with a little flour and seasoning)
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, if desired)
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break this down into simple steps that make this dish so easy to pull off:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First thing’s first—get your slow cooker ready! Preheat it on the low setting. You’ll want it nice and toasty when those meatballs hit the pot. While that’s warming up, prep the meatball mix.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together—be careful not to overmix, or you might end up with tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and set them aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
If you’ve got a little extra time, you can quickly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. This adds an extra layer of flavor, but don’t worry if you’re short on time—just toss them into the slow cooker raw!
Step 4: Make the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Once you’ve got it nice and smooth, pour it over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook and Relax
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened up to that perfect, velvety consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your slow cooker has worked its magic, it’s time to serve! Ladle those tender meatballs and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pop of color. And there you have it—comfort food perfection!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:
Crisp Salads: A light, tangy green salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the gravy.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that delicious gravy.
Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or even some sautéed spinach make for great sides that add a pop of color and nutrition.
Additional Tips
Here are some bonus tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
Make It Ahead: You can easily prep everything the night before and store the meatballs and gravy in the fridge overnight. Then, just pop them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to go.
Spice It Up: If you’re craving a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika will give it that extra kick.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and store it in an airtight container. When you’re in a pinch, just reheat and enjoy!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the beef with something else?
A1: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The flavor will change a little, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Just prepare the meatballs and gravy, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep those meatballs nice and tender!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely! Just freeze the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What sides pair well with this dish?
A5: Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or even roasted veggies make great pairings. You can’t go wrong!
Conclusion
There you have it—Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Simple, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or impress your loved ones. So grab those ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in some serious comfort food!
PrintThe Ultimate Comfort Food
Delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, packed with flavor and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. This easy comfort food recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Make this hearty dish with tender meatballs, savory beef gravy, and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 20 minutes (on high)
- Yield: 12 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them until they are browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Add the beef broth to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. This enhances the flavor of the gravy.
- Slow Cook: Pour the broth over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Make the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then add the heavy cream. Stir well and let cook for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta, and top with the savory gravy. A side of green vegetables makes a great addition.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning of the gravy as needed with extra Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch mixed with water.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Meatball with gravy
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg