Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or meal prep, this slow cooker recipe fills your home with inviting aromas and offers a delicious, family-friendly meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free Option
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mushroom Gravy Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: thyme or parsley
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined to keep the meatballs tender after cooking.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step seals in flavors and adds a caramelized color before slow cooking.
- Prepare the Mushroom Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion until golden and fragrant. Stir in the flour to absorb the butter and mushrooms, then gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture thicken slightly on the stove.
- Combine and Slow Cook: Place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker, pour the mushroom gravy evenly over them, and cover. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked.
- Final Touches and Serve: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs to add essential flavor and prevent them from falling apart during slow cooking.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor in the gravy; canned mushrooms can be used if needed.
- If the gravy is too thin after cooking, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy to thicken quickly.
- Add salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning, as broth and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt.
- Form meatballs evenly sized for consistent cooking and better presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, salisbury steak, meatballs, mushroom gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal