These creamy slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are the perfect comforting dish. With juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich and savory gravy, this meal is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal option for busy days when I want a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The meatballs are moist, flavorful, and tender, while the creamy gravy brings everything together in the most delicious way. This dish has a perfect balance of savory, rich flavors, and it’s versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. The best part? It makes for great leftovers, so I always look forward to enjoying it the next day.
Ingredients
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
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside.
Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the broth mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Once the meatballs are done, serve them with the creamy gravy from the slow cooker, over mashed potatoes or rice if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store any leftovers, I place the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, I recommend microwaving them in a covered dish or heating them gently on the stovetop. If the gravy thickens too much, I add a little extra beef broth to reach the desired consistency.
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FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if I want a lighter version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly different, but the recipe will still work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I can make the meatballs and gravy a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I just reheat them in the slow cooker for a couple of hours on low.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, the meatballs and gravy can be frozen. I store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the slow cooker.
Can I make this without cornstarch?
If I don’t have cornstarch, I can substitute it with an equal amount of flour. Just be sure to whisk it well into the beef broth to avoid lumps before adding it to the slow cooker.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If I want a thicker gravy, I can mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the gravy towards the end of the cooking time. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Conclusion
This creamy slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food with minimal prep time. The tender meatballs, rich gravy, and ease of cooking make this dish a go-to for busy nights or whenever I want a hearty meal without the hassle. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and easy meal with juicy meatballs simmered in a savory gravy. Perfect for busy nights, this slow cooker recipe brings together rich flavors and minimal effort. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
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
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Once done, serve with the creamy gravy from the slow cooker, over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and gravy a day in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours.
Freeze the leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker.
No cornstarch? Substitute with flour, whisked well into the beef broth to avoid lumps.
To thicken the gravy, mix additional cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy at the end of the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
