Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is the perfect choice. Imagine tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that you can prepare with just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a homemade dish that feels like a warm hug. Read on to discover how easy it is to make this classic comfort food right in your own kitchen!

What Are Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Salisbury steak is a dish made from seasoned ground beef, typically shaped into oval patties, and served with gravy. This recipe takes the classic flavors of Salisbury steak and transforms them into meatballs, making it easier to serve and enjoy. The result is delicious meatballs that are tender, juicy, and soaked in a savory gravy, perfect for serving over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker is a game-changer for recipes like this. Cooking the meatballs slowly allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth, gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce. It also makes the process incredibly convenient—simply set it and forget it. This means you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy days.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• Frozen Meatballs (26 oz bag): Using frozen meatballs saves time and effort while still delivering delicious results. Aim for a pack that contains about 30-35 meatballs.
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (2 cups): The base of the gravy, providing depth and savory flavor. Reduced-sodium helps control the saltiness.
• Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet): Adds rich, beefy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Onion Soup Mix (1 packet): Enhances the flavor with oniony goodness and a touch of seasoning.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a hint of sweetness and tanginess to balance the flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a complex umami flavor, elevating the dish.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) and Cold Water (2 tablespoons): Used to make a slurry that thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Add the Meatballs

Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them beforehand—this is a true dump-and-go recipe!

3. Make the Gravy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined. This mixture will create a rich and flavorful gravy as it cooks.

4. Combine and Cook

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure that all the meatballs are coated with the sauce. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Thicken the Gravy

Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water with a fork to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Cornstarch Slurry

The cornstarch slurry is key to achieving the ideal gravy consistency. Cornstarch thickens the liquid without altering the flavor. Make sure to mix it with cold water to avoid any lumps in the gravy. Stir it in gradually, and let the slow cooker do the rest—within 10 minutes, you’ll have a rich, thick gravy that clings perfectly to every bite of meatball.

Serving Suggestions

These Salisbury steak meatballs pair wonderfully with several sides:

• Over Egg Noodles: The noodles soak up the savory gravy, creating a delightful combination.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for these flavorful meatballs.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a serving of your favorite veggies like green beans, carrots, or peas for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for the Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Avoid Overcooking: Make sure to cook on LOW heat to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
2. Use Reduced-Sodium Broth: This helps control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially when using gravy and soup mixes.
3. Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for achieving the right gravy thickness. Add it gradually and stir well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Stirring the Gravy Mixture Well: Make sure the gravy ingredients are well combined before pouring them over the meatballs.
• Skipping the Nonstick Spray: This can lead to sticking and make cleanup more challenging.
• Using High Heat: Cooking on high can cause the meatballs to overcook and the sauce to thicken too much.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Fork
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Nonstick Cooking Spray

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes.

Variations and Swaps

• Turkey Meatballs: Use turkey meatballs for a leaner option.
• Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free gravy and onion soup mixes.
• Add Vegetables: Include mushrooms or onions for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
It’s best to cook on low to allow the flavors to develop fully and keep the meatballs tender.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
You can use flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and tender meatballs in a way that’s easy and convenient. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep idea, these meatballs are sure to become a household favorite. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas!

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