Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Easy, Comforting Dinner Recipe

These Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect combination of hearty, savory beef, tender texture, and rich mushroom gravy. Slowly cooked in a flavorful broth, these meatballs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of classic American comfort flavors. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal hands-on prep while delivering maximum flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about Salisbury steak, and turning it into meatballs makes it even easier to enjoy at home. With these Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you can have a cozy, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort. The ground beef meatballs absorb all the richness of beef broth and mushroom gravy as they slow cook, resulting in tender, juicy bites every time. This dish is perfect for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone craving classic comfort food without the fuss. Garnished with fresh parsley, these meatballs are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a centerpiece for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it: Minimal prep with slow cooking doing all the work.
• Tender and juicy: Slow-cooked meatballs absorb all the flavors of the gravy.
• Rich, savory flavor: Classic mushroom gravy enhances the beef without overpowering it.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile serving options: Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
• Beginner-friendly: Easy instructions ensure a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4
Calories: 350 per serving

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup mushroom gravy
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein.
• Bread crumbs and milk: Keep meatballs tender and moist.
• Garlic powder & Worcestershire sauce: Infuse the meatballs with savory depth.
• Mushroom gravy & beef broth: Create a rich, comforting sauce that coats every bite.
• Cornstarch & water: Optional thickener for extra luscious gravy.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet (optional, for browning)
• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks or spatula for mixing
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry if thickening)
• Spoon or ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, ½ cup bread crumbs, ¼ cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Shape Meatballs
   Form the mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
3. Optional Browning
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides for extra flavor. This step is optional but recommended.
4. Add to Slow Cooker
   Place the browned meatballs—or raw if skipping browning—into the slow cooker.
5. Add Sauce
   Pour 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup mushroom gravy over the meatballs.
6. Cook Slowly
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
7. Optional Thickening
   About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
8. Serve
   Serve meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Sauté additional mushrooms or onions in the skillet before adding meatballs to enhance gravy.
• Vegetable Boost: Serve with steamed green beans, carrots, or peas for a balanced meal.
• Gravy Variation: Use a creamy mushroom sauce instead of classic mushroom gravy for richer flavor.
• Make Ahead: Form meatballs and store in fridge for up to 24 hours before slow cooking.

Flavor Profile

These Salisbury steak meatballs are tender, juicy, and richly flavored. The mushroom gravy adds deep umami notes, while the slow-cooking process infuses the meatballs with savory broth. Garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce provide subtle complexity. The result is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for colder evenings or any family dinner.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, family-friendly, gluten-adaptable (use gluten-free bread crumbs and gravy).

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Mix and form meatballs ahead of time; store in fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Assemble in slow cooker and refrigerate; cook the next day.
• Leftover meatballs store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth or gravy if needed.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the meatballs?
Yes, but browning enhances flavor and creates a slightly firmer texture.

Can I freeze leftover meatballs?
Yes, store cooked meatballs with gravy in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with these meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully.

Can I make smaller or larger meatballs?
Yes, adjust cooking time slightly for size. Larger meatballs may require additional 30–60 minutes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but meatballs may be less rich in flavor. Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	5–6 hours LOW / 3–4 hours HIGH	5 hours 15 minutes	4

Serving Suggestions

• Top with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles.
• Use leftover gravy over rice for a comforting lunch.

Recipe Variations

1. Mushroom Lovers: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the gravy before slow cooking.
2. Onion Twist: Caramelize onions in skillet and add to slow cooker for sweeter flavor.
3. Cheesy Meatballs: Stir ½ cup shredded cheese into meatball mixture for a richer texture.
4. Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beef broth and mushroom gravy; adjust salt to taste.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

Provides protein and rich flavor, forming the base of tender, juicy meatballs.

Mushroom Gravy

Adds savory depth and moisture, keeping meatballs flavorful throughout the long cook.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown meatballs lightly for best flavor and appearance.
• Avoid overfilling slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
• Use a cornstarch slurry to adjust gravy thickness at the end.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze cooked meatballs with gravy up to 2 months.
• Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently to maintain tenderness and prevent gravy separation.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Carbs	15g
Fat	18g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, family-friendly, adaptable to gluten-free diets.

Expanded Conclusion

Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food: tender, flavorful, and effortless. The slow cooker allows the beef to soak up all the richness of beef broth and mushroom gravy, resulting in meatballs that melt in your mouth. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. With optional variations and tips for extra flavor, it’s an adaptable, stress-free recipe that will become a family favorite. Once you try these meatballs, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation.

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