Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Sounds divine, right? This isn’t your average meatball recipe; it’s a comforting classic reimagined for the modern cook. We’re taking the beloved flavors of Salisbury steak and transforming them into bite-sized delights, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

Salisbury steak itself has a fascinating history, originating in the late 19th century with Dr. James Salisbury, a physician who advocated for a meat-centric diet. While his dietary theories might be outdated, his namesake dish has endured, becoming a symbol of hearty, home-style cooking. The combination of ground beef, onions, and a flavorful gravy has always been a crowd-pleaser.

But why do people adore Salisbury steak, and by extension, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs? It’s the perfect blend of savory and comforting. The umami-rich gravy, often featuring mushrooms and onions, coats the tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it! Come home to a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to experience a new level of meatball deliciousness!

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing, optional)
• For the Salisbury Steak Gravy:
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream (for added richness)

Preparing the Meatballs:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our dish – the meatballs! This is where we build the flavor foundation, so pay attention to the details. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands (they’re the best tools!) to gently incorporate everything until just combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Now, it’s time to shape those delicious meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop (about 1.5-inch diameter) to ensure they’re all uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker. Roll the mixture between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
3. Sear the Meatballs (Optional): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for added flavor and texture. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; we just want to get a nice crust on them. Searing adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get without it. Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Salisbury Steak Gravy:

Next up, we’re crafting the rich and savory gravy that will envelop our meatballs. This gravy is the key to that classic Salisbury steak flavor, so let’s get it right!

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet you used to sear the meatballs (if you seared them), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms should release their moisture and the onions should become translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the gravy.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze and Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor! Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Remove the bay leaf before proceeding.
6. Season to Taste: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
7. Optional: Add Cream: For an extra creamy and decadent gravy, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of simmering. This is totally optional, but it adds a wonderful richness to the dish.

Slow Cooking the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

Now for the easy part! We’re going to let the slow cooker do its magic and transform our meatballs and gravy into a flavor explosion.

1. Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Place the seared (or unseared) meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the Salisbury steak gravy over the meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated.
2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender. Cooking on low for a longer period will result in more tender meatballs.
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Add them along with the meatballs and gravy.
• Use Different Ground Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Keep in mind that these meats are leaner and may require a little extra moisture.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add Wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the gravy while it’s simmering.
• Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin after slow cooking, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slow cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

These Salisbury steak meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for Salisbury steak.
• Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Rice: Fluffy rice is another great option for serving with these meatballs.
• Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs as much as I do! It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The tender, juicy meatballs, simmered in that rich, savory gravy, are the epitome of comfort food, but with a surprisingly sophisticated twist. Forget dry, bland meatballs – these are packed with flavor and practically melt in your mouth after their slow cooker slumber. The ease of preparation alone makes it a winner, but the incredible taste is what will have you making it again and again.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. You can prep everything in the morning (or even the night before!), toss it in the slow cooker, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic.

But the best part? The versatility! These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly adaptable.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad completes the meal perfectly.
* Meatball Subs: Load them into toasted hoagie rolls with a generous helping of the gravy and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meatball sub.
* Appetizer Delight: Serve them as an appetizer at your next party! Simply keep them warm in the slow cooker and provide toothpicks for easy grabbing.
* Rice Bowl Bliss: Spoon them over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty and flavorful rice bowl. Add some chopped scallions and sesame seeds for extra flair.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little kick.
* Mushroom Mania: If you’re a mushroom lover, add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the other gravy ingredients. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors and add a wonderful earthy note.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the gravy just before serving for an extra creamy and tangy finish.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. It’s one of my go-to meals when I need something comforting and easy, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it delivers.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience meatball perfection. And please, don’t be shy! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with something unique? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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