Hello everyone! Imagine coming home after a long day to the wonderful aroma of tender meatballs simmering in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. These slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs combine all the classic flavors of traditional Salisbury steak with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. They’re incredibly tender, packed with flavor, and swimming in a gravy so good you’ll want to savor every last drop.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | Total Time: 6-8 hours
Calories: 320 kcal per serving | Serves: 4 generous portions
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works perfectly)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg (large)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the Rich Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (baby bella or white button)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Your Perfect Meatballs
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands (this is really the best tool for the job!), mix everything together gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – this can make the meatballs tough rather than tender.
Step 2: Now for the fun part – forming your meatballs! Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to create balls about 1 inch in diameter – roughly the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, try dampening them slightly with water. You should get about 16-20 meatballs from this amount. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
Browning for Maximum Flavor
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add your meatballs to the pan – work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. You’re not cooking them through at this stage; you’re just creating a beautiful golden crust that adds incredible depth of flavor. Use tongs to turn them gently.
Step 4: As each batch finishes browning, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker. Don’t worry if they’re still pink inside – they’ll finish cooking perfectly in the slow cooker over the next few hours.
Building the Rich Mushroom Gravy
Step 5: Don’t clean that skillet! All those browned bits on the bottom are pure flavor. In the same skillet, add your sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and have released some of their moisture. The mushrooms will pick up all those delicious browned bits from the meatballs.
Step 6: Pour in the beef broth, then add the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any remaining browned bits. This creates the foundation of your flavorful gravy. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Pour the entire mushroom gravy mixture over the meatballs in your slow cooker. Make sure the liquid covers the meatballs at least halfway – give everything a gentle stir to distribute the mushrooms evenly.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Step 8: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to your preferred cooking time. For low and slow cooking that results in incredibly tender meatballs, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. If you’re shorter on time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Both methods produce delicious results, though the low setting allows the flavors to develop even more deeply.
Step 9: About 30 minutes before serving, check your gravy’s consistency. If you prefer a thicker, more luxurious gravy (highly recommended!), mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small cup until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes. The gravy will thicken beautifully.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Step 10: When your meatballs are wonderfully tender and the gravy is rich and thick, it’s time to serve! Spoon the meatballs and generous amounts of that incredible mushroom gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. The potatoes or noodles soak up all that delicious gravy perfectly. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty meatballs are a complete comfort food experience when served over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. For a well-rounded meal, add a side of steamed green beans, buttered corn, or a crisp garden salad. The rich gravy makes everything taste incredible, so don’t be shy about making extra mashed potatoes to soak it all up!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this recipe lies in the combination of browning the meatballs first (which creates deep, caramelized flavor) and then slow cooking them in that savory gravy (which makes them incredibly tender). The onion soup mix adds layers of flavor without requiring you to chop onions, and the mushrooms provide an earthy richness that’s absolutely classic in Salisbury steak dishes.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the Best Results:
- Don’t skip the browning step – it adds essential flavor depth
- Use fresh parsley if possible; dried can be used but reduce to 1 tablespoon
- If your meatballs are breaking apart, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the mixture
- The gravy will thicken as it cools, so it may seem thin in the slow cooker but will be perfect when served
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- These meatballs freeze beautifully – make a double batch!
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- The flavor actually improves the next day as everything melds together
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
These slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Set them up in the morning, and come home to a warm, satisfying meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. Enjoy every tender, flavorful bite!
