If you are craving a classic comfort food with a twist, this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs infused with savory seasonings and slowly simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy loaded with onions and mushrooms. This recipe transforms the beloved Salisbury steak into bite-sized perfection, using a slow cooker to develop deep flavors while making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, these meatballs deliver warmth and satisfaction in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe plays a crucial role. They come together to create meatballs that are not only succulent and deeply flavorful but also wonderfully textured, while the gravy adds the perfect savory finish.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef: Choose a good quality beef with a bit of fat for juicy meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and provides a tender texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs intact while cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami richness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the meat’s natural flavors with a mild onion note.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic layer of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Needed for browning the meatballs and developing a caramelized crust.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the savory base of the cooking liquid and gravy.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds tanginess and a slight sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Introduces brightness and a gentle tang.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the delicious gravy at the end.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and texture to the gravy.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Imparts earthiness and pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh garnish to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently just until everything comes together well; this ensures the meatballs stay tender and not tough.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Form your mixture into evenly sized 1 ½-inch meatballs for consistent cooking. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides without cooking them through. This step locks in the juices and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms on top—they will soften during cooking and infuse the dish with wonderful aroma and texture.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this rich sauce over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring each meatball gets bathed in flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, choose high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking will tenderize the meatballs beautifully and meld all those savory flavors together.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gently pour it into the slow cooker and stir well. This will thicken the sauce into a luscious gravy, coating those meatballs perfectly.
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders here, adding a pop of color and a bright, mild herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy. You can also consider some crispy fried onions for extra texture if you want to get creative.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the gravy beautifully. Egg noodles and fluffy rice are also excellent options, giving you a comforting base to accompany the meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on toasted hoagie rolls for a hearty Salisbury steak sandwich, topped with caramelized onions and extra sauce. Alternatively, layer them over a bed of roasted vegetables for a lighter but still satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the meatballs moist and the sauce silky.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked or raw meatballs for up to 3 months. If freezing raw, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen in the slow cooker, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a bit of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but cover the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well, just be sure to monitor cooking times as it can dry out faster; you might want to add a touch more oil or broth.
Do I have to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
While you can skip browning, searing the meatballs first adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps them hold together better during cooking.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown meatballs, then pressure cooking with the sauce for about 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
Flour works as a great alternative; mix it with cold water or broth to form a slurry before adding it to the slow cooker.
Is it okay to prepare the meatballs a day ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the meatballs in advance and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This also helps flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, packed with hearty, comforting flavors that nourish both body and soul. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at home, or for sharing with family and friends on a cozy evening. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your own kitchen favorites!
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Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal made with tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, these meatballs are slow-cooked to perfection with mushrooms and onions, making them juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust but are not cooked through. This step helps to lock in flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Top with sliced onions and mushrooms evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and continue cooking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and frozen either raw or cooked for convenience.
