Cozy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

My kitchen experiments with slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs always spark excitement among dinner guests.

Rich beef blends perfectly with savory seasonings in this classic comfort dish.

Hearty meatballs swimming in mushroom gravy promise pure satisfaction for hungry souls.

Each tender bite carries memories of traditional home-cooked meals that warm hearts.

Weekend meal planning becomes effortless with this simple yet delectable recipe.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical inside your trusty slow cooker.

Comfort awaits you in every delicious, gravy-coated morsel.

Tips to Elevate the Flavor of Your Meatballs

• Boost Flavor Depth: Brown meatballs before slow cooking to create a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Prevent Mushy Meat: Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat and maintain firm, juicy meatball consistency.
• Quick Gravy Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth, glossy gravy without clumping.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
• Meal Prep Magic: Double the recipe and freeze extra meatballs in gravy for convenient, ready-to-reheat meals within 3 months.

Keeping Salisbury Steak Meatballs Tasty After Day One

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and gravy to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently until thoroughly heated.

What to Plate With These Savory Meatballs

• Create a delightful dining experience with these perfect pairings.
• Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the hearty beef meatballs, matching the gravy's depth and richness.
• Pair the Salisbury steak meatballs with buttery mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles to soak up the delicious mushroom gravy, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Add a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meatballs, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the heavy flavors.

Flavor Boosts to Try in Your Next Batch

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure total allergy safety.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Maintain same seasoning proportions for consistent flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Create plant-based meatballs using Beyond Meat or lentil-based protein. Swap beef broth with vegetable stock and use mushroom-based gravy for rich umami taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip traditional starches and serve meatballs over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep carbohydrate content minimal.

Why Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Win Dinnertime

• This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients or adjust seasoning based on family preferences, making mealtime exciting and personal.
• Slow cooker method transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal with zero constant monitoring, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekends.
• Universally loved comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering tender meatballs in a savory gravy that everyone will enjoy without complicated preparation steps.

Ingredients for Rich, Meaty Salisbury Meatballs

• Ground Beef: The hearty foundation for tender, juicy meatballs with rich meaty flavor. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Essential for holding meatballs together and creating a soft, moist interior. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and prevent dense meatballs.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that provide depth and savory notes. Fresh ingredients preferred for more robust taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami and tangy undertones to boost meat flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste profile.

• Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base for rich, savory sauce. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of salt levels.
• Ketchup, Dijon Mustard: Provide subtle sweetness and sharp undertones to gravy.

• Cornstarch: Helps create smooth, glossy sauce texture.

• Mushrooms, Onions: Add extra layers of flavor and texture to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Slow Cook Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Ease

Step 1: Craft Hearty Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything until perfectly combined. Roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres about an inch wide.

Step 2: Develop Rich Flavor

Heat a skillet with a splash of oil over medium-high flame. Gently roll meatballs around until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious crusty exterior. This step adds depth but is optional for time-pressed cooks.

Step 3: Whip Up Savory Gravy

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard

Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Layer Slow Cooker Magic

Spread sliced onions and mushrooms across the bottom of your slow cooker. Nestle browned meatballs on top, then generously pour the gravy mixture over everything.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic. On low setting, cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Thicken Gravy Goodness

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry to create a luscious, clingy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with rich gravy and tender beef. Home cooks can easily craft this classic American dish that promises satisfaction in every savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Gravy Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Thickening and Texture Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the savory meatballs by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, crushed garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Enhance flavor development by gently searing meatballs in a hot skillet with a thin layer of oil, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
4. Whisk together a robust gravy combining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to create a rich, tangy liquid base.
5. Layer sliced onions and mushrooms across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the meatballs.
6. Carefully arrange the browned meatballs atop the vegetable layer, then generously pour the prepared gravy mixture over the entire contents.
7. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow meatballs to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, enabling flavors to meld and meat to become tender.
8. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce a cornstarch slurry to gradually thicken the gravy, stirring gently to incorporate without disrupting the meatballs.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
10. Plate the succulent meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy rice, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Enhance meatball texture by chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping, helping them hold together better during cooking.
• Experiment with ground meat blends like beef and pork for a richer, more complex flavor profile in your meatballs.
• Skip browning meatballs if you’re short on time, but know that this step adds depth and caramelization to the overall taste.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe low-carb and suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg