If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy recipe has got you covered. It brings together juicy meatballs nestled in a rich, savory mushroom gravy, slow-cooked to perfection so every bite bursts with flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious, warm comfort food without the fuss. Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you during the day.
Comfort Food Classic: Combines the nostalgic flavors of Salisbury steak with the convenience of meatballs.
Mushroom Magic: The creamy mushroom gravy adds a luscious texture and earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully, saving time in the future.
Family-Friendly: Mild but flavorful, this recipe appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, making this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy both hearty and inviting.

Ground Beef: Use quality 80/20 ground beef for juicy, tender meatballs.
Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami flavor and adds a savory punch.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide earthiness and texture in the gravy.
Beef Broth: Creates a rich base for the mushroom gravy.
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and tang to the gravy for richness.
Flour or Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to a silky consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.

Variations for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or explore new flavors based on what you have at home. Adapting this dish is simple and rewarding, giving you plenty of room to experiment.

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner twist, swap out beef with ground turkey or chicken meat.
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant boost.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and cornstarch to accommodate dietary needs.
Spicy Kick: Add a bit of cayenne or smoked paprika to the meatballs for subtle heat.
Cheesy Variation: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meatballs for extra gooeyness.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Made Easy

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step seals in juices and adds a rich flavor but can be skipped for a quicker option.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Gravy Base

In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms until tender. Add beef broth, sour cream or cream cheese, and flour or cornstarch to create a smooth gravy. Stir well to avoid lumps and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook

Place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the mushroom gravy over them. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to coat the meatballs fully in gravy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender.
Browning Adds Flavor: Searing meatballs before slow cooking delivers deeper flavor.
Low and Slow: The slow cooker’s gentle heat breaks down collagen for perfectly tender meatballs.
Thickening the Gravy: Mix flour or cornstarch with a little cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
Fresh Mushrooms Matter: Using fresh mushrooms makes a noticeable difference in gravy richness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve the meatballs over baked sweet potatoes or inside sandwich rolls for Salisbury steak subs with a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for a quick reheat meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully; portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the meatballs?

Yes, browning is optional but recommended as it adds extra flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape during slow cooking.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy creaminess in the mushroom gravy.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the meatballs but still pourable, similar to a rich sauce consistency.

Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes with natural pressure release.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap ground meat for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth; you may want to add more herbs for extra depth.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy recipe is a timeless, comforting dish that hardly ever fails to satisfy. Its simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and easy preparation make it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty home-cooked meals. Give it a go and watch it transform busy evenings into warm, memorable family dinners.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Print Recipe

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy recipe features juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers classic comfort food flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, and leftovers, this dish satisfies with hearty texture and savory depth.

Author: Emilly
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 50 minutes (high)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread crumbs and cornstarch are used)

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb (450g) 80/20 Ground Beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Mushroom Gravy

8 oz (225g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef broth (can use low sodium)
1/3 cup sour cream or cream cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (gluten-free option)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step seals in juices and adds rich flavor but can be skipped to save time.
Make the Mushroom Gravy Base: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender. Add the beef broth, sour cream or cream cheese, and flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to avoid lumps. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine and Slow Cook: Place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the mushroom gravy over them. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Serve: Once cooked, gently stir to fully coat the meatballs in gravy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
Browning the meatballs adds extra depth of flavor.
Cook low and slow to break down collagen for tender meatballs.
Mix flour or cornstarch with cold water before adding to gravy to prevent lumps.
Use fresh mushrooms for a richer, more flavorful gravy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

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