Irresistible Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Tender ground beef blends with aromatic herbs and spices to create irresistible meatballs.

Rich, savory gravy coats each morsel, promising a hearty meal that warms the soul.

Classic ingredients come together effortlessly in this simple yet delicious recipe.

The slow cooker does the hard work, transforming basic components into a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a complete dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Impress

• Simplify Baking: No need to make a separate crust – the pie magically forms its own delicious layer while baking, making preparation a breeze.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand, saving you a trip to the grocery store.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you want a classic comfort dessert that appeals to all ages with its creamy, sweet texture.
• Quick Cleanup Champion: Uses only a blender and pie plate, meaning less washing up and more time enjoying your delectable creation.

Essential Ingredients For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the classic Salisbury steak meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help bind the meatballs together and provide a tender texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a robust and aromatic seasoning profile.
• Chopped Onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweet flavor to the meatballs.

• Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the meatball cooking liquid.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and creating a golden exterior.
• Cornstarch, Water: Combine to create a slurry for thickening the gravy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the final gravy.

• Mashed Potatoes, Rice, Egg Noodles, Polenta: Optional base for serving the meatballs.
• Green Vegetables: Recommended side dish to complete the meal.

Stepwise Guide To Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meatball Mix

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape Perfectly Rounded Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, using your hands to create smooth, round shapes that will cook evenly.

Step 3: Develop Golden-Brown Exterior

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully brown meatballs in batches, rotating them to create a delicious caramelized crust on all sides. Don’t crowd the pan to ensure proper browning.

Step 4: Transfer Meatballs to Slow Cooker

Move the beautifully browned meatballs into the slow cooker, preparing them for their flavor-building journey.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Enhancing Broth

Pour beef broth into the same skillet, scraping up those delicious brown bits from the bottom.

This step builds an incredible depth of flavor for the gravy.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Pour the broth over meatballs in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are fully cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Gravy Thickener

Whisk cornstarch and water together to create a smooth slurry that will transform the cooking liquid into a rich, velvety gravy.

Step 8: Finish with Luxurious Gravy

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, then add heavy cream. Let it cook for an additional 20 minutes to create a luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 9: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta.

Add a side of green vegetables for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Advice For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatballs. Overmixing can make them dense and dry, so combine just until ingredients are incorporated.
• Take time to brown meatballs before slow cooking. This caramelization creates deep, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps. Add gradually and stir continuously to achieve smooth, silky gravy without clumps.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter versions. Adjust seasoning to maintain robust flavor profile when switching proteins.

Creative Twists For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version while maintaining the classic Salisbury steak flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or a mix of lentils and mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use full-fat cream, and serve over cauliflower mash to create a low-carb version of the dish.

Pairing Options For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Pair Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a smooth, buttery base that perfectly complements the rich, savory meatballs and gravy.
• Match Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the beef's deep, hearty flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Serve Roasted Green Beans: Add crisp, slightly charred green beans with garlic and almonds to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender meatballs and create a balanced plate.
• Select Crisp Pilsner Beer: Choose a light, refreshing pilsner that cleanses the palate and balances the heavy, rich texture of the Salisbury steak meatballs.

Tips To Store Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep meatballs and gravy together in the container to maintain moisture. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best for these meatballs?

Ground beef with 80/20 lean to fat ratio is ideal. The fat content helps keep meatballs moist and flavorful during slow cooking.

• Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to brown and slow cook.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart during cooking?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Compact the meatballs firmly when shaping, and brown them carefully before slow cooking to help maintain their structure.

• Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning adds deep flavor and helps seal in moisture. While not mandatory, it significantly enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with rich, savory gravy coating tender beef morsels. Homemade goodness awaits when you serve these classic meatballs that deliver pure satisfaction in every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Meatballs (Main Ingredients):

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, aromatic spices, salt, and pepper until ingredients are just incorporated.
2. Craft uniform spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and carefully sear meatballs, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior on all surfaces. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding.
4. Relocate browned meatballs into slow cooker basin.
5. Deglaze skillet with beef broth, scraping caramelized remnants to intensify gravy’s depth of flavor.
6. Pour extracted liquid over meatballs in slow cooker. Secure lid and simmer on low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours until meat reaches optimal internal temperature.
7. Create cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth.
8. Incorporate slurry into slow cooker, then blend in heavy cream. Allow mixture to thicken for approximately 20 minutes.
9. Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
10. Present meatballs atop preferred starch accompaniment, generously draping with rich, velvety gravy. Complement with verdant vegetable side for balanced meal.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture stays moist by not overmixing ingredients, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Brown meatballs thoroughly before slow cooking to develop rich, complex flavor layers and create delicious caramelized exterior.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excessive greasiness while maintaining tender texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg