Learn how to make the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs filled with cozy comfort and rich flavor and made for busy days and relaxed dinners alike.

This easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe works beautifully for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering or a meal prep plan because it is hearty satisfying and deeply comforting. Like my favorite slow cooker meals it uses simple ingredients and a savory gravy that brings everything together and it cooks gently until the meatballs are tender and irresistible and ready to serve whenever you are.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always adjust based on taste or what you have on hand.

Frozen beef meatballs: These form the hearty base of the dish and save time while still soaking up all the gravy flavor.
Mushrooms: They add earthiness and a classic Salisbury steak feel to the sauce.
Onion: This brings sweetness and depth once it slowly cooks down.
Beef broth: The liquid foundation that creates a rich savory gravy.
Brown gravy mix: This thickens the sauce and delivers that signature Salisbury flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and enhances the beefy notes.
Garlic powder: Gives subtle warmth and background flavor.
Black pepper: Balances the richness with gentle spice.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy at the end for a silky finish.

Tools You’ll Need

Slow cooker: This does all the work by gently cooking the meatballs and sauce together until tender.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk the gravy ingredients smoothly before adding them to the cooker.
Whisk: Helps dissolve the gravy mix and cornstarch evenly with no lumps.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure balanced flavor and proper sauce consistency.
Serving spoon or ladle: Makes it easy to serve meatballs with plenty of gravy.

Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Slow Cooker

I start by lightly spraying the inside of my slow cooker with nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.

Step 2 Add the Meatballs and Vegetables

I add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker then scatter the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion evenly over the top so everything cooks together.

Step 3 Mix the Gravy

In a mixing bowl I whisk together the beef broth brown gravy mix Worcestershire sauce garlic powder and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4 Combine and Cook

I pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs and vegetables making sure everything is coated then cover and cook on low until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Step 5 Thicken the Sauce

Near the end I stir cornstarch with a little cold water then pour it into the slow cooker and gently stir and let it cook a bit longer until the gravy thickens perfectly.

Tips

I like to use baby bella mushrooms for deeper flavor and if you want extra richness I sometimes add a splash of heavy cream at the end and for a deeper onion taste I let the onions sit right on top of the meatballs so they melt into the sauce as it cooks.

Ways to Serve

I usually serve these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes so the gravy has something soft to soak into and they are also great over egg noodles rice or even toasted bread and for a lighter option I pair them with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.

Storage Instructions

I let leftovers cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave and they can also be frozen for future meals which makes them perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes I often make them a day ahead because the flavor gets even better after resting overnight.

Can I use homemade meatballs for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Absolutely homemade meatballs work great just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them.

How do I thicken the gravy for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

I use a simple cornstarch slurry added near the end and let it cook until thickened.

What sides go best with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Mashed potatoes rice noodles or buttered vegetables all pair perfectly.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs a try because they are comforting easy and always a crowd pleaser and if you make them I would love to hear how they turned out for you and feel free to save this recipe for later.

Happy Cooking!