If there’s one slow cooker meal that never fails to bring big smiles to the dinner table, it’s Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs with comforting flavors, simmered low and slow in a rich, savory mushroom gravy that clings to every bite. This dish is equal parts nostalgic and fresh, and it’s exactly what you want at the end of a long day—hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or simply crave a cozy meal, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is that the ingredients are simple and unfussy, but each one serves a key purpose for the ultimate comfort food experience. Here’s how they all come together to shape the taste, texture, and color of this beloved dish:

Ground beef: The star of the show; go for 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
Bread crumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them extra tender.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
Finely chopped onion: Brings a sweet aromatic depth to every bite.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory, umami richness that’s signature to Salisbury dishes.
Garlic powder: Lends a gentle, mellow garlic flavor throughout the meatballs.
Onion powder: Adds an extra layer of subtle, savory warmth.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to taste if you’re watching sodium.
Black pepper: Offers a mild, peppery kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Olive oil (for browning): Just a touch to give the meatballs a gorgeous, golden sear.
Beef broth: Forms the beautifully savory, beefy base for our gravy.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates the velvety texture and earthy flavor in the sauce.
Ketchup: A surprising but essential touch for just the right hint of sweetness and tang.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the gravy to creamy perfection near the end.
Cold water: Used to make a slurry with the cornstarch so it blends in smoothly without lumps.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Roll up your sleeves and mix everything together until just combined—hands work best for this! Then, scoop out the mixture and gently roll it into roughly 20 meatballs. Keeping the meatballs the same size helps them all cook evenly and soak up maximum flavor during their slow simmer.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and let them brown on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch. The goal here isn’t to cook them through, just to give them that irresistible, golden crust that adds both flavor and texture to your Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This extra step is totally worth it!

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and ketchup in a bowl until smooth. This simple yet magical combo forms the creamy, robust sauce that will simmer and thicken as the meatballs cook. Don’t skip the ketchup—it gives that subtle tang that makes every spoonful extra special.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Transfer your browned meatballs gently to the slow cooker, then pour the prepared sauce entirely over the top. Set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. While it cooks, the aroma will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for those perfectly tender, flavor-infused meatballs nestled in creamy gravy.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and give everything a gentle stir. Leave the lid off now and let the gravy simmer until it thickens into that luscious, stick-to-your-ribs consistency you crave from Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is beautifully thickened and the meatballs are tender, they’re ready to serve! Plate them over a mound of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up every drop of gravy. The result is nothing short of pure comfort in a bowl.

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a touch of freshness to these rich, savory meatballs. If you love a bit of extra flavor, try a crack of black pepper on top or even a small handful of crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish—always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

The classic pairing is fluffy mashed potatoes, but Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are just as delicious over buttery egg noodles or a bed of steamed white rice. Serve with simple sides like steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp salad to round out the meal and add color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pile the meatballs into a serving dish with toothpicks for an easy, saucy appetizer. Spoon them into hoagie rolls for hearty Salisbury steak subs, or toss with cooked pasta for a cozy twist on spaghetti and meatballs—there are so many ways to enjoy this dish beyond the classic plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply store them in an airtight container with all of the gravy—they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer as they sit!

Freezing

For longer storage, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date your containers for easy meal planning.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring now and then until warmed through. A splash of beef broth or cream can bring the sauce back to its original, creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork both work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey is a bit leaner, so you might want to add an extra splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of milk to the mix for added moisture.

Should I brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

While you can technically skip this step, browning really deepens the flavor and gives the meatballs a great texture. That lovely golden crust also helps them hold together during slow cooking, so it’s highly recommended!

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free and just as tasty.

How can I make the sauce even creamier?

If you want an extra indulgent sauce, simply stir in a splash of heavy cream about 10 minutes before serving. It makes Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs taste extra rich and comforting!

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, and keep your meatballs the same size so they cook evenly. Browning them before adding to the slow cooker also helps them keep their shape beautifully, even after hours of simmering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both retro and totally satisfying, Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will win over everyone at your table. Their hearty sauce and melt-in-your-mouth texture make dinner feel special without any fuss. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a new staple in your kitchen!

Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comfort of tender meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy gravy with this easy slow cooker Salisbury steak meatball recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

Gravy:

2 cups beef broth
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water

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Instructions

Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into meatballs.
Brown Meatballs: Sear meatballs in olive oil until lightly browned.
Slow Cook: Transfer meatballs to slow cooker. Mix beef broth, mushroom soup, and ketchup; pour over meatballs. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Thicken Gravy: In a slurry of cornstarch and water, thicken gravy in slow cooker until desired consistency.
Serve: Enjoy warm over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.