If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, then Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are an absolute must-try. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen but still want to serve your family something comforting and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that is not only flavorful but also perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, from the ingredients to the cooking process. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to make this fantastic dish and maybe even some variations to suit your personal taste. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
To prepare this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe, as they cook evenly and absorb the delicious gravy flavor.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: The mushrooms add an earthy richness to the dish and a bit of texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This sauce is a key ingredient in creating the savory, slightly tangy flavor that is characteristic of Salisbury steak.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle hint of onion flavor complements the gravy, giving the dish depth without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a wonderful savory note to the recipe and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- 2 packages (0.87 ounces each) brown gravy mix: This is the base for your rich and flavorful gravy. The gravy mix ensures that the sauce thickens properly and has the perfect consistency.
- 1¾ cups water: Used to dissolve the brown gravy mix and create the sauce.
These simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering meal your entire family will love. What’s even better is that everything cooks together in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing the frozen meatballs and sliced mushrooms directly into your slow cooker. You don’t need to thaw the meatballs; they can go in straight from the freezer. The mushrooms will release moisture as they cook, making the sauce even more flavorful.
Next, sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder over the meatballs and mushrooms. These ingredients will add the perfect aromatic base for your gravy.
Lastly, drizzle the Worcestershire sauce on top. This sauce gives the dish that signature tangy flavor that makes Salisbury steak so beloved. The combination of Worcestershire sauce with the garlic and onion powders creates a savory, rich base for the meatballs.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix and water until smooth. The gravy mix will thicken as it cooks, creating a rich sauce that coats the meatballs and mushrooms perfectly.
Once the gravy mix is dissolved and smooth, pour it over the meatballs and mushrooms in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well-coated. The gravy will cook down and infuse the meatballs with flavor, making each bite savory and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Dish
Now it’s time to cook the Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
The long cooking time on low allows the meatballs to absorb all the flavors of the gravy, while the mushrooms soften and release their natural juices into the sauce. The result is a perfectly cooked dish that’s tender and packed with flavor.
As the slow cooker works its magic, the sauce will thicken, and the meatballs will become infused with the savory flavors of the gravy. If you’re using the high setting, you’ll have a delicious meal in just a few hours, but the low setting will give you more tender results if you have the time.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Salisbury steak meatballs are cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir. The meatballs should be heated through, and the sauce should have thickened beautifully.
Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, as desired. Each of these options makes for a wonderful base to soak up the rich, savory gravy.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, and it also makes great leftovers. The flavors continue to develop as it sits in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- Use High-Quality Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, using higher-quality ones, such as those made with lean beef or turkey, will result in a better-tasting dish.
- Add Extra Vegetables: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding additional vegetables like carrots or peas during the last hour of cooking. This adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Use Homemade Gravy: For a truly elevated version, you can make your own gravy using beef broth, flour, and seasonings. This will give you a more complex flavor and control over the seasoning.
- Make It Spicy: If you prefer a little heat in your dishes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for an extra kick.
- Thickening Tips: If you find that the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the gravy reach the perfect consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: While Salisbury Steak Meatballs are delicious with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, you can also serve them alongside steamed vegetables or a side salad for a more balanced meal.
Nutritional Information:
While the exact nutritional values can vary based on the brand of meatballs and gravy mix used, here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- Calories: 300-350 per serving (depending on serving size)
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
To reduce the calorie count, you can opt for leaner meatballs or low-sodium gravy mix.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender meatballs, savory gravy, and earthy mushrooms creates a dish that is warm, satisfying, and simple to prepare. The fact that it’s made in a slow cooker makes it the perfect dish for busy people who still want a hearty, home-cooked meal. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish will surely be a hit with your family.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes, whether by adding more vegetables, changing the type of meatballs, or adjusting the seasonings. It’s a great meal prep option and works wonderfully as leftovers too. If you’ve never tried Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs before, this easy-to-follow recipe is the perfect introduction to a comforting classic!
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a favorite for so many home cooks!