25 Irresistible Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs You’ll Crave

Name: 25 Irresistible Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs You'll Crave
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water

Author: lia

Published: July 30, 2025

Updated: July 30, 2025

Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the rich, savory aroma of slow-cooked comfort food—especially when it requires barely any effort! I still remember coming home after school to the smell of my mom’s Salisbury steak filling the house, that tender beef swimming in gravy. Now, as a busy adult, I’ve perfected my own lazy-day version: these tasty slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs that practically cook themselves while I tackle life. Just dump, set, and forget—no fancy skills needed. They’re everything I love about classic Salisbury steak (hello, nostalgia!) but in adorable, sauce-ready meatball form. Trust me, your slow cooker was made for this recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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Listen, I know what you’re thinking—another meatball recipe? But trust me, these aren’t just any meatballs. They’re little bites of pure comfort that’ll have you sneaking extras straight from the pot. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation:

Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Just 15 minutes of prep, then let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day
That rich, nostalgic flavor: All the savory goodness of classic Salisbury steak, but in adorable, sauce-ready meatball form
Weeknight hero: Comes together with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required
Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and stash some for those “I can’t even” days
Crowd-pleaser: Kids devour them, adults rave about them—total win-win

The best part? That gravy. Ohhh, that gravy. It’s so good you’ll want to drink it with a straw (no judgment here).

Ingredients for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy little flavor bombs—I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together in your slow cooker.

1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juicy meatballs)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style both work)
1 egg (our trusty binder)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (that secret umami kick)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (the gravy starter)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (our gravy thickener)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

No ground beef? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully—just add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Gluten-free? Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or crushed gluten-free crackers. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley make gorgeous garnishes if you’re feeling fancy. And if cream of mushroom isn’t your thing, cream of celery or golden mushroom soup make tasty alternatives!

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Don’t let the deliciousness fool you—this is one of those “looks fancy but couldn’t be easier” recipes. Here’s how we transform simple ingredients into magic:

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

First, roll up your sleeves and get messy! In a big bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and all those beautiful seasonings. I like to use my hands for this—it’s oddly therapeutic. Once combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a ping pong ball). No need to be perfect here!

Next, place those beauties right into your slow cooker. In another bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup until smooth, then pour this heavenly liquid over the meatballs. Pop the lid on and let it work its magic—4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Your house will smell incredible!

About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken that glorious gravy. The wait might kill you, but trust me—it’s worth it!

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Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Want restaurant-quality results? Try browning the meatballs in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before slow cooking—it adds amazing flavor! If you’re sensitive to salt, use low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt. And here’s my secret: let the meatballs sit in the gravy for 10 minutes after cooking—they’ll soak up even more flavor. Pro tip: double the gravy—you’ll thank me later when you’re mopping it up with bread!

Serving Suggestions for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Now for the best part—how to serve these saucy little wonders! My favorite way? Piled high over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes—the gravy soaks right in and creates pure magic. But honestly, they’re delicious with just about anything. Try them over:

Buttery egg noodles (my second favorite!)
Fluffy white rice (perfect for soaking up gravy)
Roasted garlic cauliflower mash (for low-carb lovers)
A simple green veggie like steamed green beans or roasted carrots

Want to fancy it up? Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme leaves—the green makes everything look prettier!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These meatballs keep beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days—the flavors actually get better as they sit. Freeze extras (with gravy!) for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the gravy. Perfect for quick meals!

Nutritional Information for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Each hearty serving of these meatballs (about 4-5 meatballs with gravy) clocks in at roughly 320 calories. Now, I’m no nutritionist—these numbers are just estimates based on my ingredients. Your exact count might vary depending on your beef’s fat content or breadcrumb choice. What I can promise? You’re getting a solid 25g of protein per serving to keep you full and satisfied. Just remember, those glorious gravy-soaked mashed potatoes on the side? They’re extra—but oh so worth it!

FAQs About Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

I get asked about these meatballs all the time—here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox!

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! These are a freezer hero. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container with gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—they taste just as good as fresh!

How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones (or crushed gluten-free crackers). Use cornstarch as your thickener (it’s naturally gluten-free), and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and cream of mushroom soup are GF versions. Bob’s Red Mill makes great GF breadcrumbs!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
You bet! Lean ground turkey works—just add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for that rich umami flavor. The meatballs might be slightly less juicy, so don’t skip the gravy!

My gravy is too thin—how can I thicken it more?
No worries! Mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, stir it in, and let it bubble for 10 more minutes. Pro tip: take the lid off for the last 30 minutes—the steam escaping helps thicken things up beautifully.

Did you make these saucy little wonders? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below with your tweaks, tips, or just how many times you went back for seconds—no judgment here!

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