Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food! 🍽️🧆✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and effortless meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. Combining tender meatballs smothered in rich gravy and cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, this dish is the ultimate easy meatball dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a cooking newbie, this recipe promises a deliciously satisfying experience that will become a staple in your meal rotation.
2. Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
3. How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs (Optional)
For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they develop a golden crust. This step enhances the taste but is optional if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer a thicker gravy, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Cook
Place the meatballs in the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker, then pour the prepared gravy over them. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
If you desire a thicker gravy, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and stir in the dissolved cornstarch. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Pour the gravy back over the meatballs before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To extend shelf life, freeze the meatballs and gravy in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the gravy’s consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions
This easy meatball dinner pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or buttered rice. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese. Explore more delicious dinner ideas at our dinner recipes category.
6. FAQs About the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and provides a lighter option. Just ensure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long does it take to make this dish?
With preparation and cooking, you can expect it to be ready in about 4 to 8 hours, depending on whether you slow cook on low or high. The active prep time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The meatballs and gravy store well in the fridge or freezer, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with top-quality kitchen gadgets. For instance, the Ninja SLUSHi with RapidChill Technology is perfect for making quick drinks if you enjoy pairing your meal with a refreshing beverage. The Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer makes chopping onions and garlic easier and faster, saving you prep time. And if you’re looking to upgrade your slow cooker, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker offers versatility and durability for all your slow-cooking needs.
8. Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe provides a comforting, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner option that suits busy lifestyles. Its tender meatballs in a savory gravy are guaranteed to satisfy family and guests alike. By following simple steps, you can create an impressive and delicious meal with minimal effort. Give this easy meatball dinner a try today and enjoy a hearty dish everyone will love!
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food!
Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with our Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, an easy and delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Tender meatballs smothered in rich gravy make this dish a family favorite, combining flavor with minimal effort in your slow cooker.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden for extra flavor.
- Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, and seasoning in a bowl. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water if thickening the gravy.
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker, pour the gravy mixture over them, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until cooked through and tender.
- If desired, transfer gravy to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, stir in dissolved cornstarch, and cook until thickened. Pour gravy over meatballs before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For thicker gravy, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free bread crumbs)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg