Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy
Description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Juicy seasoned meatballs slowly simmer in a rich, savory mushroom gravy made with cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh mushrooms. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to become incredibly tender while soaking up every bit of the flavorful gravy. This hearty recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice for a satisfying meal that tastes like it has been cooking all day. With simple pantry ingredients and very little hands-on work, this slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients For the Meatballs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Mushroom Gravy
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Mix Gently
Mix just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 18–20 evenly sized meatballs.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs for about 2 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
Step 6: Add the Mushrooms
Spread the sliced mushrooms evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 7: Arrange the Meatballs
Place the browned meatballs on top of the mushrooms.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and dried parsley until smooth.
Step 9: Pour Over the Meatballs
Pour the mushroom gravy evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are fully coated.
Step 10: Cover
Place the lid on the slow cooker.
Step 11: Cook
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Step 12: Stir Gently
About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the gravy to combine all the flavors.
Step 13: Taste
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 14: Garnish
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Step 15: Serve
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or with warm dinner rolls.
Tips & Notes
- Browning the meatballs first adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Baby bella mushrooms provide a deeper flavor than white mushrooms.
- Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for an even richer gravy.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy for easy future meals.
Q&A
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes. Frozen fully cooked meatballs work well. Simply add them directly to the slow cooker and reduce the cooking time slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Servings
6–8 servings
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is a hearty, comforting meal featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Easy to prepare and full of classic homestyle flavor, it’s the perfect dinner for busy families, cozy weekends, or meal prep, delivering satisfying comfort in every bite.