I love this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe because it transforms the classic comfort food into a simple, hands-off meal. Juicy ground beef meatballs simmer slowly in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. It’s a cozy, hearty dish perfect for busy days when I want something delicious without spending hours cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m all about easy, comforting meals that don’t require a lot of effort, and this recipe nails it. The slow cooker does the work of melding the flavors while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy. The mushroom and onion gravy adds a classic Salisbury steak touch that feels both familiar and satisfying. Plus, it’s great for making ahead and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Bread crumbs
Egg
Onion (finely chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Mushrooms (sliced)
Beef broth
Soy sauce
Tomato paste
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Butter or oil (for sautéing)

Directions

In a large bowl, I mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined.
I shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
In a skillet over medium heat, I lightly brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, I sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter or oil until softened.
I add beef broth, soy sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits.
I pour the mushroom gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
I cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
If the gravy needs thickening, I mix cornstarch or flour with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker, cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. The slow cooker takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook the meatballs perfectly, making it ideal to prepare in the morning and come home to a ready meal.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of red wine to the gravy for extra richness.
For a lower-carb option, I replace bread crumbs with almond flour.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the gravy add a nice herbal note.
Serving the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice changes things up.
I occasionally add a little grated parmesan to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. These meatballs freeze well—just thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meatballs and then simmer them in the gravy on the stovetop for about 30-40 minutes until cooked through.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You can, but they may be less juicy. Adding moisture like grated onion or extra broth helps keep them tender.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

I gently mix the ingredients without overworking the meat. Egg and bread crumbs help bind them, and browning them before slow cooking keeps their shape.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! I often form and brown them the day before, then finish cooking them in the slow cooker when ready.

What sides go well with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or steamed vegetables all work well with the gravy.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are one of my favorite comfort dishes because they’re easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker lets the meatballs become tender while the mushroom gravy simmers to perfection. It’s a meal I love making ahead and enjoying any day I want a warm, hearty dinner without the fuss.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs