Get ready to fall in love with a nostalgic classic made easier and cozier than ever: the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. With tender, savory meatballs swimming in the richest brown gravy, this comforting dish is your weeknight hero and weekend comfort all rolled into one. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing each bite with incredible flavor while leaving your kitchen smelling like pure happiness.

Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is how simple yet purposeful each ingredient truly is. Every component adds its own delicious layer of flavor, texture, or color, ensuring your finished meal tastes and looks as inviting as it smells.

Ground beef (2 pounds): Opt for an 80/20 blend for the ideal balance of juicy and tender meatballs.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These help bind everything together for perfect meatball structure and softness.
Milk (1/4 cup): Ensures your meatballs are moist and never dry.
Egg (1): The ultimate binder to hold your meaty bites intact during slow cooking.
Onion, finely minced (1/4 cup): Provides sweet savoriness and texture throughout the meatballs.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives an umami punch and subtle tang, both in the meatballs and the gravy.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens and balances every other flavor in the recipe.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint of gentle spice to wake up your taste buds.
Beef broth (2 cups): The savory base for your irresistibly rich gravy.
Onion soup mix (1 oz package): This shortcut packs in layers of flavor with zero effort.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons, for gravy): Doubles up on flavor for the most mouthwatering results.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle sweetness and color to the sauce.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons) mixed with water (3 tablespoons): Thickens your gravy to luscious perfection at the end.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): A pop of green freshness makes everything look extra inviting.

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a fork, being careful not to overwork the mixture—this ensures your meatballs stay fluffy and tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once mixed, scoop out portions and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Lining them on a tray as you go keeps things neat. Tip: if you like a richer flavor and have an extra minute, quickly brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. It’s not necessary, but it turns up the savoriness!

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. This combination will transform into a savory, slightly tangy gravy that hugs every meatball as it cooks.

Step 4: Layer and Cook

Gently place all the meatballs into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the top so every meatball gets its fair share of flavor. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Throughout the day, your kitchen will fill with one of the most comforting aromas imaginable.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). This clever little trick thickens the gravy, giving you that classic Salisbury steak, smothered effect that everyone goes crazy for.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon those glorious meatballs and that rich, glossy gravy over your favorite side—mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a kiss of freshness. Every bite of your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe will taste like home.

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley uplifts the deep flavors and adds a touch of brightness. For even more flair, a scatter of chives or a light crack of black pepper will do the trick. Don’t underestimate how much a little green makes the plate pop!

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something creamy underneath: fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a scoop of steamed rice. To round out the meal, add a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic green beans. Each side soaks up the savory gravy in its own tasty way.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve the meatballs in a shallow bowl with plenty of gravy and sides. If you’re entertaining, spear each meatball with a cocktail pick for a fun appetizer, or layer them on toasted slider buns for Salisbury steak meatball sandwiches. However you serve them, the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any remaining meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even deeper and more delicious as they sit—a bonus for next-day lunches!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is hot and bubbly. For a quick single serving, pop them in the microwave, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work, making your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe a bit lighter while still delivering that comforting flavor. Just watch the cooking time—leaner meats may cook a tad faster.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Not at all. Browning is totally optional, but it does add an extra layer of flavor and a richer color. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it and still end up with deliciously tender meatballs.

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Be gentle when mixing and shaping the meatballs—overworking can make them tough and prone to crumbling. The breadcrumbs, egg, and milk create a reliable binder so they hold together perfectly as they cook.

Can I double the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

Definitely! For parties or family gatherings, feel free to double the ingredients. Just ensure your slow cooker is big enough, or use two separate slow cookers to fit all the meatballs evenly without overcrowding.

How can I make the gravy extra thick or thin?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add a little more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, stir in extra beef broth a splash at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings both comfort and applause to your table, the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is about to become your go-to. It’s hearty, effortless, utterly delicious, and sure to warm hearts (and bellies!). Give it a try—you’ll be craving the leftovers before you’ve even finished the first serving!

Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Salisbury steak with this easy slow cooker meatball recipe. Tender meatballs in a rich gravy, served over your choice of side, make for a hearty and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the gravy:

2 cups beef broth
1 package (1 oz) onion soup mix
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional garnish:

fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook in the slow cooker: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Mix beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a bowl, then pour over the meatballs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Thicken the gravy: Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with parsley, over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.