Slow Cooker Salisbury steak Meatballs

cover shot by Shoshi Sirkis, styled by Anat Lobel.

These salisbury steak meatballs are our new favorite! The slow cooker makes them so easy to prep and the umami flavor of mushrooms simmering in a hearty stock is heavenly. This is a crockpot dinner you want to come home to!

If you aren’t sure what Salisbury Steak tastes like, let me ask: have you ever tried the meatballs in gravy from the Ikea food court? If yes, thats what we’re going for here. If no…just try them okay?! 

I was recently asked by a magazine to create a spread featuring easy crockpot recipes. Everything we made was delicious(and the magazine was lovely!), but i was especially impressed by theses meatballs. 

One reader wrote in to tell us “everyone in my family agrees that these are the SOFTEST meatballs and they taste just like the ones we love from Ikea- without all the additives!”

Try these and they will soon be on your weekly dinner rotation, along with our One Pan Chicken and Rice, and Skillet Honey Dijon Salmon, both family- pleasers!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy 

This is a really simple recipe to follow and we made it a little healthier too! Use a lean cut of ground meat and lots of fresh mushrooms to make a homecooked meal your family will love.

After mixing together the meat with panko crumbs and spices, arrange the meatballs on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then we add chicken stock and worcestershire sauce and sprinkle the mushrooms on top.

Keeping the mushrooms on top of the meatballs lets them steam in the heat the slow cooker creates and retain their shape. They look extra pretty like this!

For the gravy, when the meatballs are almost done cooking, add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the slow cooker and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This will thicken the juices and give you a perfect gravy for adding over your mashed potatoes.

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are best served with something to soak up the yummy gravy. So- rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes, and for something green try green beans or steamed broccoli!

I’ve included my recipe for the easiest mashed potatoes so you can make a full meal without leaving the page.

Questions and Substitutions

Can i use something other than beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. I have tried these with ground lamb as well and they were delicious, but lamb has a lot more fat. If using lamb, dont add cornstarch at the end.

What is a good substitute for panko crumbs?

Panko crumbs are japanese breadcrumbs. If you dont have these, use golden breadcrumbs, and if you dont have those, you can rip up a small piece of white bread into tiny pieces to use instead.

Can i use canned mushrooms in place of fresh mushrooms?

Yes. Use a can of mushrooms, without the juices, in place of fresh.

Slow Cooker Salisbury steak Meatballs

Estee

Easy to prep, these are the BEST salisbury steak meatballs made in the slow cooker.

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 4 hrs

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs Lean ground beef
• 3 Tbs Breadcrumbs
• ½ Onion chopped
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper

For the sauce:

• 2 Tbs worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ cup stock chicken or meat stock is best
• 1 tsp mustard
• 2 sprigs thyme leaves only
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 handfuls of fresh mushrooms sliced with the stems
• 1 tsp olive oil

To finish:

• 1 Tbs cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbs water
• Parsley to garnish
• Mashed potatoes to serve

My easy mashed potatoes

• 5 potatoes
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• drizzle of dairy free creamer OR a knob of vegan butter

Instructions

 

Make it:

• Add ground beef to a large bowl and add breadcrumbs, onion, and spices. Mix to combine well and shape into small meatballs.
• Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Whisk together stock with worcestershire sauce and mustard and pour over the meatballs.
• Add herbs and sliced mushrooms. I like to sprinkle the mushrooms on top where they gently steam and retain their shape- they look very pretty when served like this.
• Drizzle over olive oil.
• Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
• In a small bowl whisk together cornstarch with water and drizzle around the meatballs(not on top of them).
• Cover, and cook another 20 minutes.
• Serve over mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of parsley, and enjoy!

Mashed Potatoes

• When the meatballs are almost done cooking, prepare these simple mashed potatoes.

  (peel potatoes or leave the skins on for a more rustic dish)

  Add potatoes to a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cook until fork tender.

  drain and mash potatoes.

  season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder(taste as you go), and add a healthy drizzle of dairy free creamer and/or a knob of vegan butter.

  Then, and heres the trick: "whip" the potatoes bu mixing them quickly in one direction with a regular spoon.

Keyword crockpot, meatballs, salisbury steak, slow cooker