Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Comforting and Easy Dinner Recipe

Salisbury steak is one of those classic comfort foods that bring a sense of home to any meal. Traditionally made with ground beef and served with a rich brown gravy, it’s a dish that hits the spot, especially during colder months. But what if you could make it even easier, without compromising on flavor? Enter the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

These tender meatballs, coated in a savory, rich gravy, are made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The combination of ground beef, hearty gravy, and simple ingredients make this dish one that your entire family will love. Not only is it an ideal comfort meal, but it’s also a time-saver—perfect for busy days when you want a warm and satisfying dinner without all the fuss.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, and even some helpful tips and variations, you’ll be ready to make this comforting dish in no time. Let’s get started!

What are Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Before we get into the specifics of the recipe, it’s helpful to understand what Salisbury steak meatballs are and why they are a fantastic twist on the traditional Salisbury steak dish.

Traditionally, Salisbury steak is made by shaping seasoned ground beef into patties, then pan-frying and serving with a gravy made from beef broth, onions, and seasonings. The Salisbury Steak Meatballs version takes those same delicious flavors and turns them into meatballs, which are easy to make and even easier to serve.

The real magic of this dish lies in the use of a slow cooker. By allowing the meatballs to simmer in the savory gravy for hours, the flavors develop even further, creating a meal that’s not only flavorful but incredibly tender. Plus, the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare dinner in advance.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

The ingredients for this recipe are simple, but they come together to create a deeply flavorful dish. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

For the Meatballs:

1. 1 lb ground beef: The star of the dish. Use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or opt for a fattier blend for a richer, juicier meatball.
2. 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs, as well as a subtle sweetness.
3. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds a little texture.
4. 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
5. 1 egg: Another binding ingredient that holds everything together.
6. 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
7. 1 tsp dried parsley: A little herb to enhance the overall taste and add color to the meatballs.
8. Salt and pepper to taste: The perfect seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
9. 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the meatballs (optional but recommended to enhance flavor and texture).

For the Gravy:

1. 1 packet onion soup mix: This is the secret to a deeply flavorful and easy gravy. It contains a blend of seasonings that work perfectly with the beef and give the gravy its signature taste.
2. 1 cup beef broth: The base of the gravy. You can use homemade or store-bought beef broth depending on what you have available.
3. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor to the gravy, balancing the onion and beef flavors.
4. 1 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances the savory depth of the gravy and complements the beef.
5. 1 tsp garlic powder: Amplifies the savory notes in the gravy.
6. 1/2 tsp dried thyme: An aromatic herb that gives the gravy an earthy, comforting flavor.
7. Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started with the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. These steps are straightforward, and with just a little prep, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.

Once the mixture is ready, roll it into meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12 to 15 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate as you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)

While browning the meatballs is not strictly necessary (you can add raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker), it adds extra flavor and helps develop a nice texture on the outside of the meatballs.

To brown the meatballs, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown each side of the meatballs for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they are golden brown. Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the rich and savory gravy that the meatballs will cook in.

Once the gravy is mixed, pour it over the meatballs in the slow cooker. The gravy should cover the meatballs completely. If needed, give the meatballs a little stir to make sure they’re evenly coated in the gravy.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are fully cooked and tender, with the gravy thickened and flavorful. The long cook time ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Once the meatballs are done, serve them hot with a generous spoonful of gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. These sides soak up the delicious gravy, making each bite a comforting experience.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

While the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is pretty simple, here are a few tips that will help you get the best results:

1. Don’t skip browning the meatballs: While it’s optional, browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor and texture of the meatballs. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
2. Use lean beef for a lighter option: If you’re watching your fat intake, opt for lean ground beef. If you prefer a juicier meatball, you can use a higher-fat blend.
3. Add some veggies: For a more complete meal, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. They’ll cook right alongside the meatballs and add extra flavor.
4. Thicken the gravy: If the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the gravy at the end of the cooking process.
5. Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs and gravy the night before, store them in the fridge, and then cook them in the slow cooker the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make the Salisbury steak meatballs with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor will be a little lighter, so you may want to add extra seasoning to the meatballs.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra beef broth if needed.

Q3: Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave.

Q4: What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes are the classic side dish to serve with Salisbury steak meatballs, but you can also pair them with rice, egg noodles, or vegetables like green beans or peas.

Q5: Can I skip the onion soup mix?

If you prefer not to use the onion soup mix, you can make your own gravy by using dried onion powder, beef broth, and additional seasonings like garlic powder and thyme.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a perfect blend of savory, comforting flavors. It’s an easy-to-make meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite. With tender meatballs, a rich gravy, and plenty of flavor, it’s a meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.

So, why not give it a try? Set it and forget it in the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to enjoy!

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