Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe that delivers rich, hearty flavors in every single bite.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with savory seasonings, creating mouthwatering meatballs that melt in your mouth.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing each morsel with deep, robust gravy that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Onions and mushrooms add layers of depth and complexity to this classic dish.

Minimal prep time means maximum flavor, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Serve these succulent meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this comforting recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Ingredient Breakdown

For Protein Base:
  • Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made, tender protein that provides hearty texture and saves significant cooking time, selecting a high-quality brand ensures rich flavor and consistent size.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, tangy complexity with umami undertones that elevates the meat's natural richness.
  • Powdered Onion, Powdered Garlic: Concentrated seasonings that infuse robust aromatics and depth without adding extra moisture, ensuring intense flavor profile.
For Gravy and Liquid Components:
  • Brown Gravy Mix: Convenient thickening agent that creates silky, savory sauce with consistent texture and professional-level taste.
  • Water: Provides essential liquid for slow cooker process, helping to create smooth gravy and prevent ingredient burning.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy, tender vegetable that absorbs surrounding flavors, adding nutritional value and creating delightful textural contrast in the dish.

What You’ll Need to Roll and Cook Right

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for effortless cooking and keeping meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining gravy ingredients and creating a smooth sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring meatballs and mixing sauce without scratching the slow cooker.
  • Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for checking meatballs reach safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooking the Perfect Meatballs

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooking the Perfect Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Preparation

Gather your favorite comfort food companions for a hearty meal that’ll warm everyone’s heart. Your trusty slow cooker will transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that feels like a culinary hug.

  • Flavor Foundation

Mix the magical liquid blend that will infuse your meatballs with rich, savory goodness. Whisk together the sauce with care, creating a flavor symphony that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Cooking Transformation

Let your slow cooker work its magic, gently coaxing the meatballs and mushrooms into tender perfection. The low and slow method ensures each bite is packed with incredible depth and warmth.

  • Serving Celebration

When the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know something spectacular is waiting. Ladle the succulent meatballs and glossy sauce over a bed of creamy comfort – whether it’s silky noodles, fluffy rice, or cloud-like mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds the final touch of love to this soul-satisfying meal.

Tips for Gravy, Texture & Flavor

Tips for Gravy, Texture & Flavor
  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Replace frozen meatballs with homemade beef or turkey meatballs for a personal touch and fresher flavor profile.
  • Mix different gravy packets like mushroom and beef to create a more complex, layered sauce that elevates the entire dish.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini chunks to increase nutrition and make the meal more filling and colorful.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning into the gravy for a subtle kick that transforms the traditional recipe into something more exciting.

Ideas to Plate This Comfort Classic

Ideas to Plate This Comfort Classic
  • Comfort Plate Companion: Serve these savory meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
  • Noodle Nest Delight: Spread the meatballs and rich gravy over buttery egg noodles, creating a texture-packed dish that combines soft noodles with tender meat and rich sauce.
  • Rice Bowl Upgrade: Transform plain white or brown rice into a gourmet experience by topping it with these delicious Salisbury steak meatballs, letting the gravy soak into each grain.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a light, fresh contrast to the rich, meaty flavors of the dish.

Make-Ahead Tips & Leftover Storage Plan

Make-Ahead Tips & Leftover Storage Plan
  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. These meatballs taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and blend.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the meatballs completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, making emergency meals a breeze when unexpected hunger strikes.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm leftover meatballs gently in the microwave or slow cooker, adding a splash of water or extra gravy to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Versatile Leftover Transformations: Shred remaining meatballs and toss into pasta, stuff into sandwiches, or create a hearty meatball pizza topping for exciting meal variations that prevent food waste and keep dining interesting.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Salisbury steak meatballs simmer slowly in a rich, savory gravy that brings comfort to dinner tables. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this dish will satisfy hungry family members seeking a classic American comfort meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag frozen meatballs (25 oz / 709 g)
  • 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
  • ½ tsp powdered onion
  • ½ tsp powdered garlic
  • 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2 packets brown gravy mix (1.74 oz / 49 g total)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine frozen meatballs and sliced cremini mushrooms in the slow cooker ceramic insert, distributing evenly across the base.
  2. Gravy Creation: Vigorously whisk Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, brown gravy mix, and water in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Cooking Setup: Pour gravy mixture over meatballs and mushrooms, gently coating each piece thoroughly. Configure slow cooker to low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, stirring periodically to prevent adhesion.
  4. Temperature Verification: Use digital meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 165°F (74°C), ensuring mushrooms are tender and gravy develops a rich, glossy consistency.
  5. Seasoning Refinement: Taste and adjust with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance flavor profile.
  6. Plating: Transfer meatballs and mushrooms over warm egg noodles, white rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous notes.

Notes

  • Prevent Meatball Clumping: Gently stir every hour to ensure even cooking and prevent meatballs from sticking together or burning at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Temperature Precision: Always use a digital meat thermometer to verify meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal texture.
  • Gravy Consistency Tip: Whisk the gravy mix thoroughly to eliminate powder lumps, creating a smooth, rich sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Taste and adjust seasoning near the end of cooking, adding a pinch of salt or pepper to balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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