If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s incredibly easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place! These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are everything you love about Salisbury steak, but in the form of juicy, tender meatballs that simmer in a rich, flavorful gravy. The slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and giving you a meal that feels like a big hug. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Effortless: Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. You’ll love how little hands-on time this recipe requires.
Rich Flavor: The savory gravy is packed with flavor and complements the tender meatballs perfectly. Every bite is full of comforting goodness.
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, which means fewer dishes to clean up. Win-win!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous amount, so you’ll have leftovers for the next day (and they taste even better)!
Kid-Friendly: These meatballs are not only super delicious but are also perfect for picky eaters. They’ll love the juicy meatballs and the rich gravy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Ground beef gives these meatballs the perfect texture and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Adds a little bulk and helps keep the meatballs moist.
Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together.
Onion Powder: For a mild, savory onion flavor.
Garlic Powder: A little garlic always makes meatballs taste better!
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor.

For the Gravy:

Beef Broth: The base of the gravy. It gives that rich, savory flavor we all crave.
Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This adds tons of flavor to the gravy and helps thicken it up.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This makes the gravy creamy and smooth, giving it that classic Salisbury steak taste.
Soy Sauce: Just a touch adds a little salty depth to the gravy.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how easy this recipe is to prepare:

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined (be careful not to overwork the meat). Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional): This step is optional, but if you prefer a bit of extra flavor, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step adds a nice depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Add to the Slow Cooker: If you browned the meatballs, transfer them to the slow cooker. If you skipped browning, just add the raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker.
Make the Gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and soy sauce until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be tender and the gravy will thicken as it cooks.
Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, give the gravy a little stir. Serve the meatballs with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 17g
Fat: 24g
Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Total Time: 3-7 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These meatballs are perfect with so many different sides! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: The gravy from the meatballs is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, making for a comforting, filling meal.
Rice: Serve the meatballs over white or brown rice for a simple and satisfying side.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles soak up the gravy wonderfully, making them the perfect pairing with these meatballs.
Roasted Vegetables: Try some roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced, delicious side.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make it a day or two ahead, and the flavors will only get better with time. Just store the meatballs and gravy in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the gravy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey works well, though it will have a slightly lighter flavor. Just make sure to add a little extra seasoning to keep the flavor rich.

Q2: Can I skip browning the meatballs?
A2: Absolutely! Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor, but it’s not necessary. You can add them directly to the slow cooker.

Q3: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A3: Sure! You can sauté fresh mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker along with some heavy cream or milk to mimic the creamy texture of canned soup.

Q4: Can I make this with a different type of gravy?
A4: Yes, you can use a different type of gravy base if you prefer, like a brown gravy mix or a homemade gravy made from beef stock.

Q5: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
A5: Yes! To make this in the Instant Pot, cook the meatballs with the gravy on high pressure for 8 minutes and use a quick release. It’s a quicker alternative if you’re short on time.

Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Yes! You can easily double the recipe, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra meatballs and gravy.

Q7: Can I use a different type of soup for the gravy?
A7: Yes, you could try using a different type of canned soup, like cream of onion or cream of celery, if you prefer.

Q8: How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
A8: If the gravy is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the gravy. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A9: Yes! You can add sliced onions, mushrooms, or even peas to the slow cooker for a complete, veggie-packed meal.

Q10: Can I use low-sodium ingredients?
A10: Definitely! You can use low-sodium beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and even a low-sodium onion soup mix to reduce the salt content.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are everything you want in a comforting, flavorful meal. The tender meatballs, rich gravy, and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and will fill your home with the most delicious aroma. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!