Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
A hearty, comforting, and easy weeknight meal
If you want a cozy, flavorful dish with minimal effort, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are perfect. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich, creamy gravy — ideal for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking… even though the slow cooker did all the work!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep – Simple ingredients, quick mixing, and the slow cooker handles the rest.
- Creamy, Savory Gravy – Velvety sauce that coats every meatball.
- Perfect Comfort Food – Warm, hearty, and family-friendly.
- Ideal for Busy Days – Hands-off cooking at its best.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon/spatula
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs (10 minutes)
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Form into 12 meatballs.
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs (5 minutes)
Heat olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides.
Transfer them to the slow cooker.
3️⃣ Build the Gravy Base (5 minutes)
Add beef broth to the same skillet.
Scrape up browned bits — this boosts flavor.
Pour broth over meatballs in the slow cooker.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
- 6–7 hours on LOW, or
- 3–4 hours on HIGH
Meatballs become tender and soak in flavor.
5️⃣ Thicken & Cream (20 minutes)
Mix cornstarch + water = slurry.
Add slurry + heavy cream to the slow cooker.
Cook 20 minutes more until the gravy thickens.
6️⃣ Serve
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Spoon plenty of gravy on top.
Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
Expert Tips
- Add herbs: Parsley, thyme, or a bay leaf can deepen the flavor.
- Extra rich gravy: You can use beef bouillon for stronger flavor.
- Make ahead: Form/brown meatballs the night before.
- Super creamy: Add more heavy cream or 1–2 tbsp cream cheese.
Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 6–7 hr (low)
- Total: ~6 hr 15 min
