Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Salisbury steak, known for its rich, savory flavors and comforting appeal, gets a fresh twist in this recipe by using hearty meatballs instead of traditional ground beef patties. By pairing Salisbury steak flavors with convenient frozen meatballs and the ease of slow cooking, this dish promises a flavorful, easy-to-make family meal. With a robust gravy that slowly infuses each meatball with rich taste, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs: Save time without compromising flavor. Frozen meatballs offer consistent size, texture, and ease in preparation.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A must-have for adding deep, savory notes with its tangy blend of vinegar, molasses, and anchovies.
- Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms add texture and soak up the gravy, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- Brown Gravy Mix: Delivers a rich, smooth sauce in minutes, thickening the gravy perfectly.
- Powdered Onion and Garlic: Pantry staples that effortlessly incorporate essential aromatics.
- Water: Acts as the gravy base, ensuring a sauce that fully coats the meatballs and mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing Ingredients
- Gather Ingredients: Have your frozen meatballs, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, powdered onion and garlic, brown gravy mix, and water ready.
- Slice the Mushrooms: For even cooking, slice mushrooms into uniform ¼-inch pieces.
2. Assembling the Slow Cooker
- Layer Meatballs and Mushrooms: Arrange frozen meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker, then add mushrooms.
- Prepare Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together 1½ cups water, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, powdered onion, powdered garlic, and two brown gravy mix packets until smooth.
- Add and Stir: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and mushrooms, stirring gently to ensure even coating.
3. Cooking Instructions
- Set the Slow Cooker: For tender results, cook on low for 4-6 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours if short on time).
- Stir Midway: Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Meatballs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
4. Final Touches and Serving
- Season as Needed: Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Suggestions: Enjoy over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Recipe Variations
- Homemade Meatballs: Make your own by combining ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
- Dietary Options: Substitute with gluten-free or low-sodium options as needed, or use vegetarian meatballs for a plant-based alternative.
Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor cooking time to prevent dry meatballs or thin gravy.
- Enhance Flavor: Try adding a splash of red wine or fresh herbs like thyme.
- Scaling Up: Double the recipe as needed; it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh meatballs? Yes, adjust cooking time to 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Mushroom Alternatives? Substitute with diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatball recipe combines comfort and convenience for a cozy, home-cooked meal. Adaptable and versatile, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Salisbury steak, known for its rich, savory flavors and comforting appeal, gets a fresh twist in this recipe by using hearty meatballs instead of traditional ground beef patties. By pairing Salisbury steak flavors with convenient frozen meatballs and the ease of slow cooking, this dish promises a flavorful, easy-to-make family meal. With a robust gravy that slowly infuses each meatball with rich taste, this recipe is perfect for busy nights
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. This slow-cooked twist on the classic Salisbury steak is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Slow cooker
- Skillet (for browning, optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter optional, for browning
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20 meatballs).
- (Optional) Brown the meatballs:
- For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or butter, and brown the meatballs on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the gravy:
- In the slow cooker, add the sliced onions and mushrooms.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker:
- Place the meatballs on top of the gravy and vegetables. Gently stir to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the gravy:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the slow cooker and stir gently. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens.
- Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To add more flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy mixture.
- If you prefer not to use cornstarch, flour can be used as a thickener instead.
