If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine perfectly tender meatballs infused with savory seasonings, slow-cooked to juicy perfection in a luscious, velvety gravy that pools over mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. It’s the kind of classic American dish that brings a nostalgic smile and fills your home with irresistible aromas all day long. This recipe takes the beloved Salisbury steak flavor and transforms it into convenient meatballs that cook low and slow, leaving you with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to create the rich flavors and comforting texture of this dish. Each one plays a key role—from the beef that forms the hearty base, to the breadcrumbs that keep the meatballs tender, to the Worcestershire sauce that adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose a good-quality, preferably 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: They help keep the meatballs moist and tender as they cook.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture inside your meatballs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This brings that unmistakable savory tang that makes Salisbury steak so special.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle garlic punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Amplifies the onion flavor while keeping it smooth and even.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that brings out all the natural flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates the rich, creamy gravy that bathes the meatballs in flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything gently but thoroughly until evenly combined. This ensures every meatball is bursting with flavor and a perfectly tender texture.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Next, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Making them uniform in size helps them cook evenly. Set the meatballs aside on a plate or tray as you get ready to load them into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Arrange Meatballs in Slow Cooker
Place all the meatballs carefully into your slow cooker, spacing them slightly if possible. The slow cooker will do the magic of slow, gentle cooking, so you don’t need to brown them first.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This smooth mixture will thicken as it cooks, turning into the creamy gravy that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 5: Pour Gravy Over Meatballs and Cook
Pour the broth and cornstarch mixture gently over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook the meatballs on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the meatballs become incredibly tender, soaking up all the rich savory notes from the broth while the gravy thickens beautifully around them.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once the meatballs are tender and cooked through, they are ready to enjoy! Don’t forget to drizzle them with plenty of the creamy gravy from the slow cooker when plating.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley finely chopped adds a bright, green pop that complements the rich gravy beautifully. For a little extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a small dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish even more, adding a little tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is a dream served over creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of the gravy. You can also try it over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice, which provide a neutral base perfect for catching all that delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots offers a crisp, colorful contrast and a boost of freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the meatballs and gravy in a deep dish topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella and broil briefly for a melty, bubbly finish. Alternatively, turn these meatballs into a hearty sandwich by placing them in a soft hoagie roll with a little extra gravy and some sautéed onions for a fun twist on a classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making them just as delicious if not better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy separately if possible in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating slowly preserves the meatballs’ tenderness and sauce creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are leaner options that work well, but you may want to add a bit more moisture like a splash of olive oil or extra Worcestershire sauce to keep the meatballs juicy.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
Nope! This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, and slow cooking the meatballs straight away keeps them tender and cooks them evenly. Browning is optional but not necessary.
How do I make the gravy thicker if it’s too runny?
If your gravy isn’t thick enough after cooking, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes until it thickens up.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
What are the best side dishes to pair with these meatballs?
Classic mashed potatoes are a perfect match, but creamy polenta, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice also work beautifully. Adding some roasted or steamed veggies balances the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that combines convenience, comfort, and rich flavor in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, these meatballs deliver melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and comforting gravy that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become a new household favorite in no time!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy beef broth gravy. Perfect for an easy comforting meal, these meatballs are cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, making them juicy and packed with savory flavors. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate or tray while you prepare the gravy mixture.
- Place meatballs in slow cooker: Arrange the formed meatballs evenly in the slow cooker crock.
- Make the gravy mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps to ensure a silky gravy.
- Combine and cook: Pour the broth and cornstarch mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, covering them completely in the liquid.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to stay moist.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot with the creamy gravy from the slow cooker. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can mix in an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and cook on high for an extra 15 minutes.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding chopped fresh parsley to the meatball mixture can add a fresh flavor dimension.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the meatballs at 350°F (175°C) covered with gravy in a casserole dish for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
