Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with a recipe that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory gravy, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Forget standing over a hot stove – this recipe lets you enjoy a comforting classic with minimal effort.

Salisbury steak itself has a fascinating history, originating in the late 19th century as a health food promoted by Dr. James Salisbury. He believed that a meat-based diet was the key to good health, and his namesake dish quickly gained popularity. While our version might not be strictly “health food,” it certainly delivers on flavor and satisfaction! We’ve taken the essence of that classic Salisbury steak – the deeply savory, umami-rich gravy – and combined it with the fun and convenience of meatballs.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and a luscious gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Second, the texture is divine. The meatballs are incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. And finally, the slow cooker makes this recipe a weeknight champion. Simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it. Come home to a warm, comforting meal that’s ready to enjoy. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are guaranteed to become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Meatballs:

Alright, let’s get started with the meatballs! This is where the magic begins. I like to use a good quality ground beef, something around 80/20, because the little bit of extra fat really adds to the flavor and keeps the meatballs nice and moist during the slow cooking process. Don’t skimp on the onion and garlic either – they’re key to that classic Salisbury steak flavor.

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. I find that using my hands is the best way to get everything evenly distributed without compacting the meat too much.
3. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. I usually get around 20-24 meatballs from this recipe. You can make them smaller if you prefer, but keep in mind they will cook faster.

Searing the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended):

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker gives them a beautiful color and adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It also helps them hold their shape better during the long cooking time.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Working in batches, sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of sear. You’re not trying to cook them through at this point, just get a nice crust on the outside.
3. Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Gravy:

Now for the gravy! This is where all the delicious Salisbury steak flavors come together. The key to a good gravy is to build the flavor in layers, starting with the onions and mushrooms and then adding the flour to create a roux. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to get it just right!

1. In the same skillet you used to sear the meatballs (or a clean skillet), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic and cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes more.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Slow Cooking the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

Time to let the slow cooker do its thing! This is the easiest part. Just layer the meatballs and gravy in the slow cooker and let it simmer away until the meatballs are tender and the flavors have melded together.

1. Pour a thin layer of the gravy into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Arrange the seared (or unseared) meatballs in a single layer over the gravy.
3. Pour the remaining gravy over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly submerged.
4. 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.

Thickening the Gravy (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. This is totally optional, but I often do it to get the gravy to the perfect consistency.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
3. Cover and continue to cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serving:

Finally, the best part – serving up these delicious Salisbury steak meatballs! I love to serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

1. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, savory gravy that tastes like it simmered for hours, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Forget standing over a hot stove – this recipe lets you set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other things. The convenience alone makes it a winner, but the taste? The taste is what will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While I absolutely adore serving these meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes – seriously, the gravy soaks in perfectly! – the possibilities are endless. Think about spooning them over egg noodles for a comforting classic, or serving them with fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving them alongside a vibrant green salad or steamed vegetables. You could even get creative and use them as a filling for hearty meatball subs, topped with melted provolone cheese.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. Craving a richer flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. You could even sneak in some finely chopped mushrooms or onions for added texture and depth. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, so feel free to customize the recipe to your liking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Comfort: Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Spoon over fluffy white or brown rice.
• Sub Sandwich Sensation: Use as a filling for meatball subs.
• Lighter Fare: Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Variations to Try:

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Richer Flavor: Incorporate Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.
• Added Texture: Include finely chopped mushrooms or onions.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Seriously, give it a try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend dinner. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of this recipe, I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience! I’d love to hear your thoughts, your variations, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Let’s create a community of slow cooker enthusiasts, all united by our love for delicious, easy-to-make food. Happy cooking!