Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe is just the ticket. Tender meatballs simmer in a luscious mushroom gravy that is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become a favorite around your dinner table!

There’s something special about coming home to the rich aroma of this dish, and knowing that dinner is ready and waiting for you is such a relief. Imagine serving these savory meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or steaming noodles—it’s pure comfort food bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves meatballs! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prepping, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Rich flavors: The combination of beef and mushroom gravy creates a savory experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delightful meal. Gather these items to get started on your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

For the Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Optional Thicker Gravy

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

To Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor if you like a little heat.
• Change the base: Serve over rice pilaf or quinoa instead of traditional sides for a fun twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make your meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs—aim for about 20-24 meatballs total. Keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly!

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. This step enhances their flavor and texture by creating a nice crust.

Step 4: Cook Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet (or a clean one), add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly browned—about 5-7 minutes will do. Then add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; cook until mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

Step 5: Create the Roux

Sprinkle flour over your onion and mushroom mixture and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps thicken your gravy later on.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring this delicious gravy to a simmer; it should slightly thicken after about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour a thin layer of gravy into your slow cooker’s bottom. Arrange those seared meatballs in a single layer over this base of gravy. Pour any remaining gravy over them until they are mostly submerged—this keeps them moist during cooking.

Step 8: Slow Cook Your Dish

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be thoroughly cooked through and tender by this time.

Step 9: Thicken If Needed

If you’d like thicker gravy at any point during cooking time—especially during the last half hour—whisk together cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into your slow cooker; cover again until it thickens nicely.

Step 10: Serve with Love

Serve those gorgeous Salisbury steak meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice! Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired—it adds color and freshness.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal with family or friends!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Creating the perfect slow cooker meal is all about a few key techniques. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Salisbury steak meatballs turn out delicious every time!

• Use a good quality ground beef: Starting with an 80/20 blend of ground beef ensures a juicy and flavorful meatball. The fat content helps keep the meatballs moist during the slow cooking process.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing: Searing the meatballs in batches prevents steaming and allows for that delightful browning, which adds depth of flavor to your dish.

• Let the gravy simmer: After adding the beef broth and other ingredients to the skillet, allow it to simmer before pouring over the meatballs. This step enhances the flavors and creates a rich, savory sauce.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Taste the gravy before pouring it over the meatballs and adjust seasonings as necessary to achieve your perfect flavor profile.

• Thicken if desired: If you prefer a thicker gravy, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. This simple trick helps you achieve that luscious, velvety texture that clings perfectly to your meatballs.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

This dish is not only comforting but can also be presented beautifully for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some ideas on how to serve this mouthwatering meal!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and an extra crunch that complements the savory gravy wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Salisbury steak meatballs, soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Egg noodles: Tender egg noodles serve as an excellent base for the meatballs, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Steamed vegetables: Brightly colored steamed broccoli or green beans offer a nutritious balance to this rich dish while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice provides another great option for soaking up that delightful gravy, making each bite truly satisfying.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress friends and family with this comforting meal! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, and even freeze some for later. Here’s how to keep your delicious meatballs fresh and ready to enjoy:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it for storage.

Freezing

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a slow cooker on low until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first before using your preferred method.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs that you might find helpful!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still yield delicious results. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey may cook faster.

How do I make my Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

These meatballs are wonderfully versatile! They’re fantastic served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also pair them with steamed veggies or a side salad.

How long should I cook the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

You can cook them on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they’ll become.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! Their tender texture paired with that rich mushroom gravy makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone around your table. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving up a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are a winner. Happy cooking!

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