Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and savory meal that combines juicy meatballs with a rich, flavorful mushroom gravy. These meatballs are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with the family. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the meatballs to soak up the delicious flavors of the gravy as they cook, resulting in tender, juicy bites that are bursting with taste. Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Gravy
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz 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 black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Sear the Meatballs (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the meatballs for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned. This step adds extra flavor but is optional.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Arrange the meatballs on top of the vegetables.
- Make the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Cover and continue cooking until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Use a Mix of Ground Meats: For extra juicy meatballs, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. This combination adds more flavor and keeps the meatballs tender.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor to the final dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy at the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. A bit of extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply omit them. You can add extra onions or bell peppers instead.
- Creamy Gravy: For a creamier gravy, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or gravy for a bit of heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor might differ slightly compared to homemade meatballs.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Salisbury steak meatballs?
A: Absolutely! Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The tender meatballs, rich mushroom gravy, and savory seasonings make this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, these meatballs are sure to please. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal without all the hassle. Give this recipe a try and savor the rich flavors of Salisbury steak in every bite!