Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

If you’re looking for a cozy, comfort food dish that’s both hearty and easy to make, then Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is the answer. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a rich, savory gravy, slowly simmering away in your slow cooker until they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfect. This dish gives you all the delicious, classic Salisbury steak flavor but with a twist, making it both a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these meatballs are the definition of comfort food, and the slow cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! process makes them so tender you won’t believe it. You’re about to fall in love with this easy, weeknight-friendly dinner!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Trust me when I say that this recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight meals. Here’s why:

Set It and Forget It: The beauty of this recipe is that the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Just throw everything in, and let it simmer for a few hours while you go about your day.

Savory Comfort: With its rich, savory gravy and tender meatballs, this dish delivers ultimate comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! for your family, a group of friends, or just yourself, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. The sauce is packed with flavor, and the meatballs are so tender they practically melt in your mouth.

Versatile: You can serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. The possibilities are endless, making it a great dish for any occasion or craving.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both affordable and delicious.

Ingredients

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are made with everyday ingredients that create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef: The main protein for these meatballs, offering the perfect texture and flavor.
• Bread crumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them nice and tender.
• Egg: Adds moisture and helps hold everything together.
• Onion powder: A touch of onion flavor to enhance the meatballs.
• Garlic powder: For that extra layer of savory goodness.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, for seasoning the meatballs.

For the Gravy:

• Beef broth: The base for the gravy, giving it a deep, savory flavor.
• Onion soup mix: This secret ingredient adds tons of flavor to the sauce without the need for extra spices.
• Worcestershire sauce: A little splash of Worcestershire sauce brings a delicious, savory depth to the gravy.
• Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the gravy.
• Dijon mustard: For a slight tang and extra flavor to balance out the gravy.
• Olive oil: For browning the meatballs before slow cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! (optional, but adds extra flavor).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined – be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the meatballs could become tough. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to soak up all the rich flavors of the gravy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are done, give them a gentle stir to coat them in the gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of this dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 620mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker time)
Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:

Mashed Potatoes: The gravy from the meatballs is perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes. It makes a classic, comforting pairing that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Rice or Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something different, serve these meatballs over rice or egg noodles. The gravy is so flavorful, and it works wonderfully with these sides.

Green Vegetables: Pair the meatballs with a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up that delicious gravy – it’s the perfect addition to this comfort food classic.

Additional Tips

• Freezing: These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals on busy days.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the gravy if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Double the batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure your slow cooker can accommodate the extra ingredients.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Just make sure not to overcook it to keep it tender.

Q2: Do I need to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
A2: Browning is optional but recommended as it adds extra flavor and color to the meatballs. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just add the raw meatballs to the slow cooker.

Q3: Can I use fresh onions instead of onion soup mix?
A3: You can use fresh onions, but the onion soup mix adds a unique flavor and convenience. If you prefer fresh onions, sauté them before adding them to the slow cooker for the best result.

Q4: Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
A4: Yes! You can cook these meatballs in a pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot) on high for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for the best results.

Q5: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
A5: The meatballs should be firm and cooked all the way through. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C).

Q6: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can! The gravy can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it before pouring over the meatballs.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q9: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A9: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q10: What side dishes go best with this meal?
A10: Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables like carrots and green beans are great choices to pair with these Salisbury steak meatballs.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are an absolute must-try! They’re full of rich flavor, perfectly tender, and make an easy, comforting meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So grab your slow cooker, get those meatballs ready, and enjoy a hearty, savory meal that’s as simple as it is delicious!

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