Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the comforting flavors of homemade Salisbury steak in a convenient, slow-cooked meatball form. Tender, savory meatballs simmered in a rich, mushroom gravy create a hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying dish that brings smiles all around.

Phoebe Drake

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2025-11-29T13:17:19.122Z

This recipe brings the comforting taste of Salisbury steak into a fun, meatball format that everyone loves!

A Classic Dish with a Modern Twist

Salisbury steak has long been a beloved comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables across the country. This recipe takes that classic dish and transforms it into easy-to-make meatballs, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite as delicious as homemade meals from yesteryear.

The convenience of slow cooking means you can prep your ingredients earlier in the day and let the magic happen while you attend to other responsibilities. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of savory mushroom gravy and tender meatballs, ready to be served over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes or hearty egg noodles.

Rich and Flavorful Gravy

At the heart of this recipe is a luscious mushroom gravy that elevates the tender meatballs to a whole new level. Using condensed cream of mushroom soup as a base, this gravy is both rich and creamy, bringing together the savory depth of beef broth and the umami notes of Worcestershire sauce. Sliced mushrooms add texture and an earthy flavor, creating a comforting sauce that's incredibly satisfying.

This gravy doesn’t just enhance the meatballs; it also serves as a perfect companion for sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; feel free to make the gravy to your taste by adjusting the seasonings and adding your favorite herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Perfect for Family Meals

One of the sweetest aspects of this recipe is its ability to bring families together around the dinner table. Comfort food has a magical quality—it sparks conversation, creates cherished memories, and makes everyone feel at home. These Salisbury steak meatballs are a hearty, crowd-pleasing option that even picky eaters will love. Pair them with your favorite sides, and watch as your family savors every last bite.

Not only is this dish about deliciousness, but it also allows for quality family time. Whether you're teaching kids to help form the meatballs or simply gathered together during dinner, these moments are what meals are all about. By opting for a slow cooker recipe, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dish:

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Gravy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful Salisbury steak meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in the slow cooker.

Make the Gravy

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and sliced mushrooms.

Combine and Cook

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Once cooked, serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

For the most tender and flavorful meatballs, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. This mix creates a moist texture and a deeper flavor profile. Additionally, don’t skip the chilling step after forming the meatballs if you have time; this helps to set their shape and enhances the flavor as they rest.

Be mindful of the size of your meatballs—aim for uniformity around one inch in diameter. This ensures even cooking throughout, allowing each meatball to soak up the rich gravy while maintaining its juicy texture. Everyone loves a well-cooked meatball!

Serving Suggestions

These savory Salisbury steak meatballs shine when served over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta, soaking up all the delicious gravy. You might also consider serving them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

For a flavor twist, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as a garnish just before serving. These bright notes will enhance the overall dining experience and add a touch of color to your plate, making it visually appealing.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes the Salisbury steak meatballs a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors multiple days a week. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain that delicious gravy consistency.

If you want to extend shelf life, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop, ensuring they heat evenly and retain their flavor. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime with minimal effort!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option.

→ How can I thicken the gravy?

You can add a cornstarch slurry to the gravy in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker consistency.

Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Experience the comforting flavors of homemade Salisbury steak in a convenient, slow-cooked meatball form. Tender, savory meatballs simmered in a rich, mushroom gravy create a hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying dish that brings smiles all around.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Drake

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup chopped onion
  4. 1 egg
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp salt
  7. 1/2 tsp black pepper

Gravy

  1. 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  2. 1 cup beef broth
  3. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  4. 1/2 tsp onion powder
  5. 1 cup sliced mushrooms

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in the slow cooker.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and sliced mushrooms.

Step 04

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 25g