Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food! 🍝✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. Combining the classic flavors of Salisbury steak with tender meatballs, this dish offers a comforting, effortless dinner option that cooks itself in the slow cooker. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this easy meatball dinner guarantees a delicious meal that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or beef mixture for quality options
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for gravy)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Salisbury Steak Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking the Meatballs
Place the meatballs gently into the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the top, ensuring the meatballs are mostly submerged. Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Preparing the Gravy
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them carefully and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and turn to high; cook for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens. Optionally, add soy sauce for an extra savory flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Leftover Salisbury steak meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a pot over low heat. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy pasta dishes. Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli from this healthy broccoli pasta for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color and flavor.
6. Benefits of Making Meatballs in a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker for Salisbury steak meatballs ensures even cooking and intensifies flavors over time. It’s a hands-off approach that allows you to prepare other parts of your meal while it simmers to perfection. Plus, this method keeps the meatballs juicy and tender, making every bite delightful.
7. FAQs About Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist or dietary preference. Just keep in mind that these leaner meats may need slightly longer cooking times to stay moist.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total preparation time, including mixing and rolling the meatballs, is approximately 20 minutes. The cooking process takes about 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker, making it perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and prepare the gravy the night before. Keep them refrigerated and slow cook the next day for a fresh, hot meal.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Make cooking effortless with this spacious slow cooker that handles everything from meatballs to stews, ensuring even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Chop onions and garlic quickly and uniformly for your meatball mixture, saving prep time.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Perfect for preparing sides and sauces to complete your Salisbury steak dinner.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe any night of the week. It’s an easy, hassle-free way to prepare a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. For more tasty and simple recipes, visit our recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender meatballs simmered in a savory gravy. This easy recipe combines classic flavors with effortless slow cooker preparation, making dinner hassle-free and delicious.
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or beef mixture for quality options
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for gravy)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Form into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
- Gently place meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour beef broth over meatballs to mostly submerge them. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Remove meatballs carefully and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker with gravy mixture and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Add soy sauce if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Leftover meatballs and gravy can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, microwave or warm in a saucepan over low heat.
- For longer storage, freeze meatballs and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg