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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, oniony mushroom gravy—all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This family-friendly comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or regular, or gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred, or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined.
  2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball and gently roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet or plate (makes about 20-24 meatballs).
  3. Scatter sliced onions and mushrooms evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
  5. Gently place the meatballs on top of the veggies and gravy base.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Skim any fat from the surface if needed.
  7. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes until the gravy is thickened.
  8. Gently stir to coat meatballs in the gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker, but it’s not required. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free, use non-dairy milk. If the gravy is too thin, cook uncovered to reduce; if too thick, add a splash of broth. Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs, family dinner, comfort food, easy, crockpot, beef, gravy, meal prep

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/slow-cooker-salisbury-steak-meatballs-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/