Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs combine the rich flavors of seasoned beef, a savory gravy, and the convenience of a slow cooker to create a comforting, hearty meal. The tender meatballs are perfectly seasoned and cook in a delicious gravy that is sure to please the entire family. The beauty of this recipe is how it melds together classic Salisbury steak flavors with the ease of slow cooking, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.

This dish is comforting, flavorful, and a satisfying alternative to traditional Salisbury steak. It features tender, juicy meatballs in a flavorful onion gravy that has just the right balance of savory and tangy notes. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect way to elevate your meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Tender and Juicy Meatballs: The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to tender perfection. Each bite is full of flavor, with a juicy center and a slight crispness on the outside.
• Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The savory gravy, made with onions, beef broth, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, coats each meatball and adds layers of flavor to the dish.
• Convenient and Hands-Off: Cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker means minimal prep and virtually no attention needed while they cook. Simply assemble the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for preparing in advance. You can make a large batch, store leftovers, and enjoy them throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they sit in the gravy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, these meatballs and their savory gravy are the perfect complement to many side dishes. This versatility makes it a great option for various meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 hours (on low heat) or 2.5 hours (on high heat)
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Special Equipment

While making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs doesn’t require any specialized tools, there are a few pieces of equipment that will make the process smoother and ensure great results:

1. Slow Cooker: This is the main tool you’ll need for cooking the meatballs in their savory gravy. A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
2. Mixing Bowl: A medium to large mixing bowl is essential for combining the meatball ingredients. You’ll want a bowl big enough to comfortably mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect balance of seasonings and liquids. Be sure to use standard measuring cups and spoons for all ingredients.
4. Large Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For making evenly sized meatballs, a spoon or cookie scoop is handy. It ensures that each meatball is uniform, helping them cook evenly.
5. Sauté Pan (Optional): If you prefer to sauté the onions before adding them to the gravy, a sauté pan will come in handy. It helps develop the flavor of the onions before incorporating them into the slow cooker.
6. Tongs or Slotted Spoon: After cooking, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the meatballs from the slow cooker to a serving plate without breaking them apart.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

Once the mixture is well combined, use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should have around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size. Place them on a plate or tray as you form them.

2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

While this step is optional, browning the meatballs in a pan before slow cooking helps develop flavor and gives the meatballs a slightly crisp exterior. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove them from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Gravy

In the same sauté pan, add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step helps enhance the flavor of the onions before adding them to the slow cooker.

Once the onions are softened, sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to make a roux. This helps thicken the gravy later on.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once the gravy is slightly thickened (about 2 minutes), remove it from the heat.

4. Slow Cook the Meatballs

Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared gravy over the meatballs, making sure they are all covered. If necessary, gently spoon some gravy over the top to ensure the meatballs are well coated.

Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-5 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can cook them on high heat for 2-2.5 hours, but slow cooking on low results in more tender meatballs. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender, and the gravy has thickened.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving dish using tongs or a slotted spoon. Spoon the rich gravy over the meatballs, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture: When combining the meatball ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough, dry meatballs.
• Browning the Meatballs Adds Flavor: While optional, browning the meatballs before slow cooking enhances their flavor and gives them a slightly crispy exterior. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the meatballs directly to the slow cooker.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner version of this recipe, opt for 90/10 or leaner ground beef. However, be aware that leaner beef may result in less juicy meatballs.
• Don’t Skip the Gravy Thickening Step: The flour in the gravy helps thicken it, making it more flavorful and perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or rice. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can omit the flour or use less.
• Adjust the Seasonings to Taste: Taste the gravy before adding it to the slow cooker. If you prefer more flavor, feel free to add extra Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce.

Variations of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Cheesy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add a little mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the meatball mixture before cooking for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Mushroom Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the meatball mixture for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or use a combination of lentils and vegetables to create a meatless version.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are great for leftovers. Store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, microwave them for 2-3 minutes or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Pair these meatballs with complementary sides to make the perfect meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy is perfect for pouring over a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes.
• Rice or Noodles: Serve the meatballs over steamed rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the savory gravy.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli adds a healthy and fresh contrast to the rich meatballs.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the meatballs.

Print

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring together the best of both worlds—delicious, tender meatballs and a savory, rich gravy that is perfect for any comfort food lover. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is ideal for busy days or when you’re craving something hearty. Paired with your favorite sides, these meatballs will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the savory goodness and make it your go-to recipe for a cozy, satisfying meal.