Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want comforting, hearty flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It delivers tender meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

I started making these after wanting to free up time on busy days and now they are a family favorite for comfort food nights

Ingredients

• Ground beef 80/20: gives juicy meatballs with the right fat balance so they stay tender throughout cooking
• Breadcrumbs: soak up the milk and keep meatballs from drying out choose plain or Italian style depending on flavor preference
• Minced onion and garlic: add foundational aroma and savory notes use fresh garlic for the best flavor punch
• Worcestershire sauce: enhances meaty depth and adds a touch of tang look for the classic brand for consistent results
• Beef broth: for the gravy provides richness and layers of flavor opt for low sodium if you want to control salt levels
• Mushrooms: add earthiness and texture use cremini or white button for everyday availability and taste
• Cornstarch slurry: thickens the sauce to that perfect gravy consistency stir it well to avoid lumps
• Ketchup: brings subtle sweetness and balances acidity for that classic Salisbury steak flavor

Instructions

Build The Meatball Mixture:

In a large bowl gently mix ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg finely minced onion minced garlic Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper until just combined. Overmixing will make the meat tough so use your hands to fold ingredients together carefully. Form into balls about 1.5 inches wide for even cooking and juicy results.

Optional Browning For Texture:

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This step adds caramelized flavor and helps meatballs hold shape but you can skip it if short on time.

Sauté Onions And Mushrooms:

Using the same skillet now cook thinly sliced onion until it softens and becomes translucent about 5 minutes then add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated. This builds a rich flavor base for the gravy.

Combine Ingredients In Slow Cooker:

Transfer sautéed onions mushrooms ketchup Worcestershire sauce and beef broth into the slow cooker. Nestle meatballs gently into the mixture to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Slow Cook To Perfection:

Set slow cooker to low and cook 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. This long slow cooking tenderizes the meatballs and melds the savory flavors into a satisfying gravy.

Thicken The Gravy:

Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for 20 more minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking. Be sure to stir occasionally so the sauce is smooth and coats the meatballs well.

Adjust Seasoning And Serve:

Taste the gravy and adjust salt or Worcestershire sauce if needed. Serve these meatballs warm over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a classic homey meal.

This dish reminds me of family dinners growing up when comfort meant a hearty plate of meat and potatoes with rich gravy.

Storage Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stove or microwave to maintain moisture. Meatballs and gravy freeze well so portion and freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version but keep 80 20 fat for moisture. For gluten free use gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Mushrooms can be omitted or substituted with diced bell peppers if preferred.

Serving Ideas

Try serving the meatballs with buttered egg noodles mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta. Add a simple green vegetable or salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a nice tang contrast.

This recipe is a comforting weeknight go to that combines ease with classic flavor perfectly.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef is best for meatballs?

Ground beef with about 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best, providing juicy and flavorful meatballs.

→ Can I brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Yes, browning meatballs briefly in a hot skillet enhances their texture and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

→ How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

Slow cooking for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high ensures the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

→ What thickens the gravy in this dish?

A cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch with cold water is stirred in near the end to thicken the gravy perfectly.

→ What sides pair well with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes or egg noodles complement the rich gravy and tender meatballs beautifully for a balanced meal.