Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Oh, you guys, this recipe is comfort food at its finest—and it’s so easy! These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are juicy, savory, and simmered in the most amazing rich onion gravy. The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and it’s a meal the whole family will love. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, and trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
• For the Gravy:
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Gently combine the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy. Overmixing can make them dense.
2. Pre-Brown the Meatballs: Browning them in a skillet first adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and go straight to the slow cooker.
3. Make It Kid-Friendly: If your kids aren’t fans of onions, chop them extra fine or sauté them before adding to the slow cooker for a sweeter, milder flavor.
4. Gravy Perfection: Use the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the gravy to your liking. Start with a little and add more if needed.
5. Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are AMAZING over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—pick your family’s favorite!

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet (optional for browning)
• Slow cooker
• Small whisk for slurry

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Try adding mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
• Out of ketchup? Use a splash of tomato paste and a pinch of sugar instead.

Make Ahead Tips

• The meatballs can be rolled and refrigerated the night before to save time.
• You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months—just thaw before cooking.
• The gravy can be prepared on the stovetop in advance, then reheated in the slow cooker with the meatballs.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until combined.

2. Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on a plate. You should have about 20 meatballs.

3. Optional – Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on the outside (they don’t need to be cooked through). This adds extra flavor but is optional.

4. Add to Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the meatballs on top.

5. Make the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.

6. Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

7. Thicken the Gravy

Once cooked, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Leftovers and Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the gravy from drying out.
• These meatballs freeze beautifully! Just store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

There you have it—easy, hearty, and totally delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Your family is going to ask for seconds (and maybe thirds). Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking! 😊