Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, savory gravy, all cooked to perfection in your crock pot. No babysitting, no fuss—just set it and forget it. Salisbury steak gets a glow-up with this meatball twist, and your taste buds won’t know what hit them.
Why settle for dry, overcooked patties when you can have bite-sized flavor bombs? Your weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade. Trust us, your family will ask for this on repeat.
And the best part? You’ll spend less time cooking and more time pretending you’re a gourmet chef.
Why This Recipe Slaps
First, it’s stupidly easy. Dump everything in the crock pot, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you labored for hours.
Second, the meatballs stay insanely moist thanks to the slow cooker’s magic. No more hockey-puck textures. Third, that gravy?
It’s next-level—thick, flavorful, and perfect for drowning mashed potatoes. Lastly, it’s versatile. Serve it over noodles, rice, or straight out of the pot like a savage.
You do you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the meatballs: Ground beef (80/20 for maximum juiciness), breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- For the gravy: Beef broth, cream of mushroom soup (yes, the canned stuff—embrace it), ketchup (trust us), mustard powder, and cornstarch to thicken.
- Optional but highly recommended: Sliced mushrooms and onions for extra flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Mix the meatball ingredients in a bowl. Don’t overwork the meat—gentle hands make tender meatballs.
- Form into 1.5-inch balls. Pro tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
- Sear the meatballs in a skillet for 2 minutes per side.
Skip this if you’re lazy, but it adds flavor.
- Whisk the gravy ingredients in the crock pot. Add the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4. The longer, the better.
- Serve over mashed potatoes and pretend you’re fancy.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any)
Let the meatballs cool, then toss them in an airtight container.
They’ll last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the gravy. For freezing, store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
It’s meal-prep friendly, kid-approved, and tastes like comfort food on steroids. The crock pot does all the work, so you can binge your favorite show guilt-free. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—ground beef won’t break the bank.
And let’s be real, anything smothered in gravy is an automatic win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat: Tough meatballs are a crime. Mix just until combined.
- Skimping on fat: Lean beef = dry meatballs. 80/20 is your friend.
- Adding too much cornstarch: Your gravy shouldn’t resemble cement. Start with 1 tablespoon.
- Ignoring the sear: Browning = flavor.
Don’t skip it unless you’re in a hurry.
Swaps and Subs (Because Life Happens)
No beef? Use ground turkey or chicken (but add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist). Hate mushrooms?
Leave ’em out. Vegan? Try plant-based ground meat and mushroom gravy—though we can’t vouch for the magic.
No crock pot? Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then simmer in gravy on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Sure, if you’re into shortcuts. Just thaw them first, or adjust cooking time (add an extra hour on low).
The texture won’t be as good, but we won’t judge.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yep! Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and use a GF cream of mushroom soup. Check labels—some broths have hidden gluten.
Why ketchup in the gravy?
It adds a hint of sweetness and tang.
Don’t knock it till you try it. If you’re anti-ketchup, use tomato paste instead.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, but make sure your crock pot isn’t overcrowded. Meatballs need room to swim in that gravy.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is the lazy cook’s dream—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
It’s comfort food without the guilt (or the hassle). Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing your in-laws, these meatballs deliver. So grab your crock pot and get ready for the easiest dinner win of your life.
You’re welcome.