Slow Cooker Salisburу Steak Meatballs are a tasty spin on the old Salisbury steak , a classic American meal from the late 1800s . Back then people made beef patties and poured gravy over them . Now we roll the beef into meatballs so its easier to serve . These meatballs stay juicy and soak up a rich , brown sauce . They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or family get - togethers .
One of the best parts is using a slow cooker . This handy appliance lets you set it and forget it , so you dont have to watch the pot . As the meatballs cook low and slow , the flavors get stronger and the meat turns super tender . By dinner time you’ve got a warm , comforting dish without much work . Serve them over mashed potatoes , rice , or veggies for a full meal the whole gang will enjoy .
What Are Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are just meatballs made with the same flavors as Salisbury steak , only they’re shaped differently . Instead of flat patties you get round bites that cook faster and look nicer on a plate . They still use ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs , onion , egg , and seasonings then smothered in a gravy - style sauce . It’s a simple update that makes serving easier and funnier for kids .
You can bake them , pan - fry them , or toss them in the slow cooker . No matter which way you choose , they keep all that classic gravy taste but with less fuss .
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Making these meatballs in a slow cooker is great for busy days . Once you mix everything and drop the meatballs in , you just turn it on low and walk away . You dont need to stir or check the stove .
As they cook , the sauce thickens and clings to every meatball . The slow heat also makes the beef extra tender so each bite almost melts in your mouth . When you’re ready , dinner’s already done — just scoop and serve .
Ingredients
To make these Slow Cooker Salisburу Steak Meatballs you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef: The base of the meatballs , gives flavor and protein.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds texture.
- Onion: Gives a savory bite . Finely chop or grate it .
- Garlic powder: Quick way to add garlic taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth .
- Egg: Binds the mix so the balls dont fall apart .
For the Sauce
- Beef broth: Keeps the meatballs moist and adds beefy flavor .
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and extra umami .
- Cream of mushroom soup: Makes the sauce creamy and earthy . You can use canned or homemade .
- Onion soup mix: Gives a punch of seasoning .
Directions
Follow these steps to get your Slow Cooker Salisburу Steak Meatballs ready:
- Prep the Meatballs:
- In a big bowl , mix ground beef , breadcrumbs , chopped onion , garlic powder , Worcestershire sauce , and egg . Stir until just combined . Dont overmix or they get tough .
- Shape the mix into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide .
- Make the Sauce:
- In another bowl , whisk beef broth , soy sauce , mushroom soup , and onion soup mix until smooth .
- Cook in Slow Cooker:
- Place meatballs in one layer if you can .
- Pour the sauce over them so they’re all covered .
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours , until meatballs are cooked through and tender .
- Serve:
- Put meatballs on mashed potatoes , rice , or with steamed veggies for a full meal .
Tips and Tricks
- Swaps: Try ground turkey for a leaner option or gluten - free breadcrumbs if needed . For vegan balls , use lentils or a plant - based meat substitute .
- Storing: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to 3 days . You can freeze them too — just cool completely first .
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme , or spices such as paprika or red pepper flakes for extra zing .
FAQs
What is Salisbury steak usually made of?
It’s ground beef patties mixed with seasonings , breadcrumbs , and egg , then served in a brown gravy .
How long in a slow cooker?
About 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high .
Can I prep ahead?
Yes ! Make the meatballs early and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to cook .
Good sides?
Mash potatoes , rice , noodles , or a fresh salad all go great .
Are they healthy?
Depends on what meat you use and your portion sizes . Choosing lean beef or turkey helps .
Recipe Variations
Italian Style
Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning like oregano and basil . Serve with spaghetti or garlic bread .
Spicy BBQ
Mix in BBQ sauce and jalapeños for heat . Serve with coleslaw or cornbread .
Vegetarian/Vegan
Use lentils , chickpeas , or plant - based meat and make a veggie gravy with broth and spices .
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Salisburу Steak Meatballs are a simple , comforting dinner that everyone will like . They’re easy to make and you can tweak the flavors any way you want . Enjoy !
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 skillet optional for browning meatballs
- 1 serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushroom soup (canned)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Optional, for thickening the gravy.
- for garnish fresh parsley Optional.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield approximately 18-20 meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides for added flavor (optional).
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In another bowl, mix together the beef broth and mushroom soup. Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- If you desire a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently and let it cook until thickened.
- Once cooking is complete, serve the meatballs with the gravy, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
