Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Juicy, flavorful meatballs are cooked to perfection in a rich and savory mushroom and onion gravy. This effortless recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or an impressive dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of tender meatballs and creamy gravy is pure comfort food magic.
- Versatile Meal: Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a hearty dish everyone will adore.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients for this recipe. Be sure to check the recipe card for the full list and measurements:
- Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds bold, savory seasoning with minimal effort.
- Mushrooms: Bring an earthy richness to the gravy.
- Beef Broth: The base for creating that irresistible, velvety gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of umami.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture in this dish.
Steps
- Make the Meatballs
Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, an egg, and a splash of milk in a bowl. Form into evenly sized meatballs and brown them in a skillet for a golden crust. - Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Layer the browned meatballs in your slow cooker. Add sliced mushrooms and onions on top. - Prepare the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Pour over the meatballs and vegetables. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are tender and the gravy has thickened. - Serve and Enjoy
Pair with your favorite side dishes and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for leaner options.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check labels for gluten-free broth.
- Vegetarian: Substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
Tips and Tricks
- For evenly cooked meatballs, make them uniform in size.
- Browning the meatballs first enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Stir the gravy halfway through cooking for a smoother consistency.
How to Serve
Serve your Salisbury Steak Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep the meatballs and gravy the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, add everything to the slow cooker.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
FAQs
Can I skip the mushrooms?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply omit them or substitute them with more onions.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
Use a mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a homemade alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Juicy, flavorful meatballs are cooked to perfection in a rich and savory mushroom and onion gravy. This effortless recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or an impressive dinner party.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds bold, savory seasoning with minimal effort.
- Mushrooms: Bring an earthy richness to the gravy.
- Beef Broth: The base for creating that irresistible, velvety gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of umami.
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs
Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, an egg, and a splash of milk in a bowl. Form into evenly sized meatballs and brown them in a skillet for a golden crust. - Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Layer the browned meatballs in your slow cooker. Add sliced mushrooms and onions on top. - Prepare the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Pour over the meatballs and vegetables. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are tender and the gravy has thickened. - Serve and Enjoy
Pair with your favorite side dishes and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Mushrooms: Adding mushrooms is optional but recommended for additional flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg