Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs that melt in your mouth.

These tender, juicy morsels swim in a rich, savory gravy that promises pure satisfaction.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, the dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Ground beef blends perfectly with herbs and spices, creating a meal that speaks to classic American cuisine.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic punch of home-cooked goodness that reminds you of grandma’s secret recipes.

The slow cooker method ensures maximum tenderness and deep, developed flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary experience.

Salisbury Steak Meatball Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a super convenient protein that adds hearty flavor to the dish.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring an earthy and rich depth to the slow cooker meal.

• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complex flavor.
• Brown Gravy Mix: Provides a rich and savory base for the sauce.
• Water: Essential liquid for creating the gravy consistency.

• Powdered Onion, Powdered Garlic: Dried seasonings that add concentrated flavor without extra moisture.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for adjusting final taste.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh visual pop.

• Egg Noodles, Rice, Mashed Potatoes: Comforting base options that soak up the delicious gravy.

How To Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Mushroom Magic

Grab your mushrooms and slice them into delicate, thin pieces.

These fungi will melt into the gravy, creating a luxurious background flavor that dances with the meatballs.

Step 2: Set Up Slow Cooker Base

Toss the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.

Spread the sliced mushrooms around and between the meatballs, creating a flavorful foundation for your meal.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Worcestershire sauce
• Powdered onion
• Powdered garlic
• Brown gravy mix
• Water

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and the gravy mix completely dissolves.

Step 4: Bathe Meatballs in Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and mushrooms.

Gently stir to ensure every morsel gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 4 to 6 hours
• High setting: 2 to 3 hours

The low and slow method creates deeper, richer flavors.

Step 6: Occasional Stirring

Give the meatballs a gentle stir every couple of hours.

This helps distribute the sauce and ensures even cooking.

Step 7: Temperature Check

Confirm meatballs are fully cooked by checking they reach 165°F internal temperature.

The sauce should be bubbling and rich.

Step 8: Final Flavor Tuning

Taste the sauce and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed.

Make it sing with your personal flavor preference.

Step 9: Delicious Serving

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fluffy egg noodles
• Steamed white rice

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Slice mushrooms ahead of time to reduce cooking stress and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to dissolve gravy mix completely, creating a rich, smooth coating for meatballs.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to keep meatballs evenly coated and prevent sticking or uneven heating.
• Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking, adding salt and pepper to match your family's flavor preferences.
• Choose complementary sides like egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy and create a complete meal.

How To Keep Salisbury Steak Meatballs Fresh

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer meatballs and gravy to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. These can be safely frozen for up to 2 months without losing taste or texture.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying and help restore moisture to the sauce.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

What To Serve With Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Creamy Comfort Pairing: Serve meatballs over buttery mashed potatoes to create a classic comfort food combination that soaks up the rich gravy perfectly.
• Wine Harmony Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which complements the savory meatballs and cuts through the rich sauce with balanced acidity.
• Crisp Green Sidekick: Add steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to provide a fresh, light contrast against the hearty meatballs and add nutritional balance to the meal.
• Bread Buffer: Offer crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to help diners soak up every delicious drop of the flavorful gravy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Ways To Change Up Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Gravy Option: Replace brown gravy mix with gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken sauce for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Substitute frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce and a reduced-sodium gravy mix to create a heart-healthy adaptation of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, dairy-free meal option.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh meatballs. Just ensure they are fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and adjust cooking time slightly since fresh meatballs might cook faster than frozen ones.

• Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the brown gravy mix with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Many stores now carry gluten-free gravy mixes that work perfectly in this recipe.

• Can I prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the pre-mixed sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

• What if I don't have powdered onion or garlic?

No problem. You can substitute with fresh minced onion and garlic or use garlic and onion salt. Just adjust the quantities to maintain the flavor profile of the original recipe.

Why Salisbury Steak Meatballs Are A Hit

• Convenience Champion: Frozen meatballs and a handful of pantry staples transform into a hearty meal with almost zero preparation, making it perfect for busy families and lazy cooking days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich, savory flavors and a classic gravy that appeals to all ages, this dish brings everyone together around the dinner table with its nostalgic, home-cooked goodness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different sides like egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this recipe offers flexibility for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver classic comfort with a modern twist. Savory beef meatballs swimming in rich gravy promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 bag frozen meatballs (25 ounces/709 grams)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 packets brown gravy mix (1.74 ounces/49 grams total)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process, ensuring a smooth culinary experience.
2. Slice mushrooms into uniform thin pieces to facilitate even cooking and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
3. Transfer frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, creating a foundation for the savory meal.
4. Craft the gravy by whisking together Worcestershire sauce, powdered onion, powdered garlic, brown gravy mix, and water until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
5. Carefully drizzle the prepared sauce over the meatballs and mushrooms, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive coating and flavor distribution.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and select your preferred cooking method: low setting for 4-6 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints and desired texture.
7. Periodically stir the contents to promote even cooking and prevent potential sticking or uneven sauce coverage.
8. Verify meatball doneness by checking that they are thoroughly heated and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the dish’s overall flavor complexity.
10. Present the meatballs atop egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that promises comfort and deliciousness.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by searing frozen meatballs in a skillet before adding to slow cooker for deeper caramelization and richer taste profile.
• Swap brown gravy mix with homemade mushroom or beef stock for healthier, lower-sodium alternative that controls ingredient quality.
• Keep meatballs moist by avoiding overcooking; check internal temperature and remove immediately when reaching 165°F to prevent drying out.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of gravy mix and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg