Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Requires minimal prep and cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker
  • Packed with rich, comforting flavors
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • Family-friendly and pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Bread crumbs
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil (for browning)
  • Beef broth
  • Mushroom soup
  • Ketchup
  • Dijon mustard
  • Cornstarch (for thickening, if needed)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they donโ€™t need to cook through).
  3. Transfer meatballs to the slow cooker.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, mushroom soup, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the meatballs.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  6. If the gravy needs thickening, mix cornstarch with a little water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high

Variations

  • Turkey Option:ย Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
  • Mushroom Addition:ย Add sliced mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
  • Spicy Kick:ย Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer:ย Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating:ย Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.

FAQs

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Can I skip browning the meatballs?

Yes, but browning adds extra flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even steamed vegetables make great sides.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative and ensure your mushroom soup is dairy-free.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, but the flavor is best with homemade meatballs. If using frozen, reduce the cook time slightly.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook until thickened.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the meatballs using the sautรฉ function, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a quick release.

Whatโ€™s the best way to freeze this dish?

Freeze meatballs and gravy in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate everything.

Does this recipe work with ground pork?

Yes! You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy nights. With a rich, flavorful gravy and tender meatballs, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner!

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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Theseย Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballsย are tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Made with ground beef and simmered in a delicious brown gravy, this dish is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Itโ€™s an easy, family-friendly meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

For the Gravy:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:

    • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, and ketchup.
    • Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
    • Optionally, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

    • Place the chopped onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • Arrange the meatballs on top of the onions.
  3. Make the Gravy:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
    • Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
  4. Cook:

    • Cover and cook onย low for 5-6 hoursย orย high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Thicken the Gravy:

    • In a small bowl, mixย 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons waterย to make a slurry.
    • Stir into the slow cooker and cook for an additionalย 15-20 minutesย until the gravy thickens.
  6. Serve:

    • Enjoy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, sear the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Useย lean ground beef (85/15)ย for the best texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator forย up to 3 daysย or freeze forย up to 3 months.

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