If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect choice. This dish blends the rich, classic taste of Salisbury steak with the convenience of slow-cooked meatballs, making it an effortless yet delicious dinner option.
With minimal prep time, you can create tender, juicy meatballs that simmer in a savory, homemade gravy, absorbing all the flavors as they cook low and slow. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or rice, offering a versatile meal for any occasion.
Whether you need a stress-free weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses guests at casual gatherings, this slow cooker recipe is a must-try. Simply prep the ingredients, set it, and let your slow cooker do the work—you’ll return to a warm, comforting meal ready to serve!
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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
✅ Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with a dump-and-go slow cooker method, perfect for busy days.
✅ Rich, Savory Flavor: A classic Salisbury steak-inspired dish with a deep, hearty gravy.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, holiday meals, or meal prep—just set and forget!
🔥 Try these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs today for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner! 😋
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tender, juicy meatballs packed with rich, savory flavor:
For the Meatballs:
✅ Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs without excessive grease.
✅ Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat mixture together for perfectly textured meatballs.
✅ Eggs – One large egg ensures the meatballs stay firm and moist.
✅ Onion Powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor; you can substitute with finely chopped fresh onions if preferred.
✅ Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile, making the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs even more delicious.
✅ Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning your meatballs to perfection.
For the Gravy:
✅ Beef Broth – Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt levels in your dish while adding a rich, deep flavor.
✅ Soy Sauce – Brings umami depth to the gravy; opt for low-sodium soy sauce if needed.
✅ Optional Additions: Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
👉 The full ingredient list, including exact measurements, is available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Follow these easy steps to prepare a comforting, slow-cooked meal with minimal effort!
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a plate.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional But Recommended)
For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and sear each meatball until browned on all sides. This step locks in juices and enhances the overall taste but is optional.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and soy sauce until well blended. Add any extra seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a richer taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Place the meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the gravy mixture over them. Ensure that all meatballs are well-coated for the best flavor.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Low Setting: Cook for 6 hours for the most tender results.
- High Setting: Cook for 3 hours if you’re short on time.
Once done, transfer to plates and drizzle with extra gravy for the perfect finishing touch.
🔥 Pro Tip: Serve your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting, hearty meal!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Follow these expert tips to make sure your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender every time!
✅ Even Cooking
To ensure all meatballs cook evenly, make sure they are uniform in size. This helps prevent some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
🔥 Browning for Extra Flavor
For richer, deeper flavor, sear the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps lock in juices and creates a caramelized crust that enhances the dish.
🥦 Boost Nutrition with Vegetables
Add extra texture and nutrition by tossing in mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. These absorb the savory gravy and complement the flavor of the meatballs beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are versatile and pair well with classic comfort foods:
🍚 Rice or Mashed Potatoes – The perfect hearty base that soaks up all the delicious Salisbury steak gravy.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light, crisp contrast to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Ideal for scooping up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
⏳ Make Ahead
🥩 Save time on busy days by preparing your meatballs in advance.
- Mix ingredients and form the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead.
- Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to cook.
❄️ Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs before or after cooking for up to 3 months.
🔥 Best Reheating Methods
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
👉 Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep meatballs moist and tender!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
🔹 Avoid Overcooking the Meatballs
Slow cookers are great for tender, juicy meatballs, but overcooking can make them dry and tough.
✔️ Low Setting: 6-8 hours for the most tender results.
✔️ High Setting: 3-4 hours for faster cooking.
⚠️ Check the internal temperature! It should be 160°F (71°C) to ensure doneness without drying out.
🔹 Choose the Right Ground Beef
Ground beef selection impacts flavor and texture.
✅ 80/20 beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for maximum juiciness & rich flavor.
✅ 90/10 beef for a leaner option, but be mindful it may be less moist.
✅ Meat Blend Option: Try a mix of beef & pork for extra depth in flavor.
🔹 Don’t Skip Browning
Many skip the browning step, but this enhances flavor significantly!
🔥 How to brown meatballs before slow cooking:
1️⃣ Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Sear each meatball until golden brown on all sides.
3️⃣ Transfer to slow cooker and let them simmer in the rich gravy.
👉 This extra step takes just a few minutes but adds SO much flavor!
🔹 Use Enough Gravy
A common mistake is not making enough sauce. The gravy:
✅ Keeps the meatballs moist
✅ Enhances the rich, savory flavor
✅ Pairs perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes or rice
How to Make the Best Salisbury Steak Gravy:
✔️ Use beef broth & soy sauce for deep umami flavor.
✔️ Add Worcestershire sauce & Dijon mustard for richness.
✔️ Thicken with cornstarch or heavy cream if needed.
🔥 Pro Tip: Make extra gravy—you’ll want plenty to drizzle over your sides!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
🍽️ What Side Dishes Pair Well with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs create a hearty, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
✔️ Mashed Potatoes – A classic choice that soaks up the rich Salisbury steak gravy beautifully.
✔️ Egg Noodles or Rice – An easy and satisfying base to complement the flavors.
✔️ Steamed Vegetables – A light, healthy option that balances out the richness of the dish.
✔️ Crisp Green Salad – Adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
✔️ Crusty Bread – Ideal for mopping up every last drop of the savory gravy.
👉 Pro Tip: Try serving with garlic butter green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for an extra nutritious touch!
❄️ Can I Freeze Leftovers of My Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Yes! Freezing leftovers is a great way to enjoy this dish later while maintaining flavor and texture.
How to Freeze Salisbury Steak Meatballs Properly:
✅ Cool completely before freezing.
✅ Store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags with the gravy.
✅ Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
✅ Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
1️⃣ Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
2️⃣ Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
3️⃣ Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until they reach 165°F (74°C).
🔥 Pro Tip: Add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to maintain moisture!
🥩 How Do I Make My Own Gravy for Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Making homemade Salisbury steak gravy is simple, delicious, and better than store-bought!
Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Gravy Recipe:
1️⃣ Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Whisk in flour until a smooth roux forms.
3️⃣ Gradually add beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4️⃣ Season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
👉 Want a richer gravy? Add heavy cream or a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor!
⏳ Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead of Homemade Ones?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs can save time and effort while still delivering great flavor.
Tips for Using Frozen Meatballs:
✅ No need to thaw – Just add directly to the slow cooker.
✅ Adjust cooking time – Increase by 1 hour when cooking from frozen.
✅ Use extra gravy – Helps infuse store-bought meatballs with homemade flavor.
🔥 Pro Tip: Opt for all-beef frozen meatballs for the best texture and taste!
🔥 Conclusion: Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Creating tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is simple and rewarding when done right! To get the best results:
✔️ Avoid Overcooking – Stick to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for juicy meatballs.
✔️ Choose Quality Ingredients – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best texture.
✔️ Brown Your Meatballs First – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
✔️ Make Enough Gravy – Ensures your meatballs stay moist, tender, and packed with flavor.
✔️ Pair with Classic Sides – Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread complete the meal.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
🔥 Try this easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe today and impress your family with a rich, flavorful dish! 😋
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 6 hours Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes Description
Ingredients
- Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef lean
- Produce
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- Refrigerated
- 1 Egg large
- Canned Goods
- 2 cups Beef broth low-sodium
- Condiments
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- Bread & Baked Goods
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a plate.
- (Optional) Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides for added flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together beef broth and soy sauce.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the gravy mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until meatballs are tender.