Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

It’s a weeknight, the family is hungry, and the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?” hangs heavy in the air. Sound familiar? Well, let me tell you, those days of dinner dilemmas are long gone in my house, all thanks to this incredible Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. Honestly, I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my frantic online searches for something new and exciting to break up our usual mealtime routine. And let me just say, it was a game-changer! From the moment the aroma started wafting from the slow cooker, I knew we were onto something special. The rich, savory scent of the mushroom gravy combined with the comforting smell of seasoned meatballs was simply irresistible. And the taste? Oh my goodness, the taste! The meatballs were unbelievably tender, practically melting in our mouths, and the gravy was so flavorful and decadent, it was like a warm hug on a plate. Even my pickiest eater, my youngest son, who usually shies away from anything remotely resembling a mushroom, devoured his serving and asked for seconds! It was a unanimous hit, a true family favorite that has earned a permanent spot in our regular dinner rotation. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to tackle homework, run errands, or simply relax after a long day. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, then look no further. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe. Trust me, your family will thank you!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Ground Beef: (About 2 pounds) The star of our meatballs, ground beef provides the meaty base and savory flavor. Using a blend that isn’t too lean will ensure juicy and tender meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: (1 cup, plain or Italian seasoned) Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together and adding a soft, delicate texture.
• Milk: (½ cup) Milk adds moisture to the meatball mixture, contributing to their tenderness and preventing them from becoming dry during cooking.
• Egg: (1 large) An egg also acts as a binder, further helping to hold the meatballs together and adding richness.
• Onion: (½ cup, finely chopped) Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the meatballs, enhancing their overall taste profile.
• Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the beef and other seasonings beautifully.
• Worcestershire Sauce: (2 tablespoons) Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami flavor that enhances the savory notes of the meatballs and gravy.
• Dried Thyme: (1 teaspoon) Thyme brings a subtle earthy and herbaceous flavor that complements the beef and mushrooms.
• Salt: (1 ½ teaspoons) Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is crucial for seasoning the meatballs and gravy properly.
• Black Pepper: (½ teaspoon) Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complements the savory flavors of the dish.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for browning the meatballs, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps create a flavorful crust.
• Butter: (2 tablespoons) Butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy, contributing to its velvety texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: (2 tablespoons) Flour is used to thicken the gravy, creating a luscious and coating sauce.
• Beef Broth: (3 cups) Beef broth forms the liquid base of the gravy, adding depth of flavor and richness.
• Mushroom Soup: (1 can, 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup) Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and mushroom flavor to the gravy, simplifying the gravy making process.
• Sliced Mushrooms: (8 oz, fresh or canned, sliced) Mushrooms are the star of the gravy, adding earthy flavor and a delightful texture. You can use your favorite type of mushroom, such as cremini, white button, or a combination.
• Dry Red Wine (Optional): (½ cup) Red wine adds depth and complexity to the gravy, enhancing its richness and savory notes. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with additional beef broth.

Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the ground beef, which can lead to a denser, less tender texture. You want the mixture to be just moist enough to hold its shape.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop (for uniform size), form the meat mixture into approximately 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs. Aim for even-sized meatballs so they cook uniformly. Smaller meatballs will cook faster, while larger meatballs will take longer and may require a slightly longer slow cooking time.
3. Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely seared. Browning the meatballs is an optional step, but it is highly recommended as it adds a significant depth of flavor and texture to the final dish. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex flavors and a beautiful crust on the meatballs that you wouldn’t get from simply slow cooking them raw. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage, you just want to get a nice brown color on the outside. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Gravy Base: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, you want to keep those flavorful browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This roux will thicken the gravy. Cooking the flour briefly removes the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth gravy.
5. Build the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, and optional red wine (if using). Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmering the gravy allows the flavors to meld together and the mushrooms to soften slightly.
6. Slow Cook the Meatballs: Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the mushroom gravy over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more beef broth to reach the desired level of sauce.
7. Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Cooking on low for a longer period results in more tender meatballs and allows the flavors to develop more deeply. Cooking on high is a faster option for when you are short on time, but keep an eye on them as they might dry out quicker. The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, give the meatballs and gravy a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of freshness and visual appeal, if desired.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Estimated)

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (about 2-3 meatballs with gravy)
Servings Per Recipe: 6-8 servings (depending on meatball size and portion)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving

Please Note: These are estimated nutrition facts and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and brands. For precise nutritional information, it is always recommended to use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities you used in your recipe.

Preparation Time for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (including meatball prep, browning, and gravy preparation)

This recipe is wonderfully convenient because while the initial prep work takes about 30-40 minutes, the slow cooker does the rest! The hands-on time is relatively short, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of slow cooking is that once you’ve prepped the meatballs and gravy and loaded everything into the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it until dinner time. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to come home to a ready-made, flavorful meal after a long day.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These versatile Salisbury Steak Meatballs are delicious served in a variety of ways. Here are some popular and tasty serving suggestions:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, comforting texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect bed for these savory meatballs and rich gravy. The potatoes soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully, creating a truly satisfying and classic comfort food combination. Consider adding garlic, chives, or cheese to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor dimensions.
• Fluffy Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are another classic pairing for Salisbury steak. Their tender texture and slightly eggy flavor complement the meatballs and gravy perfectly. The noodles are excellent at capturing the gravy, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Wide egg noodles are particularly well-suited for this dish.
• Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs and gravy over steamed white rice or brown rice. Rice provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the meatballs and gravy to shine through. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while white rice is a classic and readily available choice.
• Creamy Polenta: Polenta, with its smooth and creamy texture, is a delightful alternative to mashed potatoes or rice. Its slightly sweet corn flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs and mushroom gravy. You can make your polenta even richer by adding cheese or herbs.
• Crusty Bread for Sopping: Don’t forget some crusty bread! Whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or Italian loaf, crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of that delicious mushroom gravy. Toasted garlic bread would be an extra special treat.
• Serve as Meatball Subs: For a fun and casual meal, pile the Salisbury Steak Meatballs and gravy into hoagie rolls or submarine sandwich bread. Top with provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly for delicious Salisbury Steak Meatball Subs.
• Over Biscuits: For a Southern-inspired twist, serve the meatballs and gravy over warm, flaky biscuits. This is a hearty and comforting combination, perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: To create a more balanced meal, serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would all be excellent choices. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and provides a healthy and colorful contrast to the rich meatballs.

Additional Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Gentle handling is key to tender meatballs.
2. Browning is Your Friend (Flavor Boost!): While optional, browning the meatballs before slow cooking truly elevates the flavor of this dish. It adds a beautiful depth and richness that you won’t get otherwise. Take the extra few minutes to brown them – you won’t regret it!
3. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the meatball mixture before forming the meatballs and adjust the seasoning as needed. Similarly, taste the gravy before adding the meatballs to the slow cooker and adjust salt, pepper, and thyme to your preference. Seasoning is crucial for a flavorful dish, so don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking.
4. Use Quality Ground Beef: While you don’t need to use the most expensive ground beef, choosing a decent quality ground beef with some fat content (around 80/20 blend) will result in juicier and more flavorful meatballs. Lean ground beef can sometimes become dry when slow cooked.
5. Make it Ahead of Time: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Then, simply combine them in the slow cooker and cook as directed when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
6. Spice it Up!: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or gravy. You could also add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.
7. Add More Vegetables to the Gravy: Feel free to add other vegetables to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition. Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Sauté them with the onions before adding the flour for the roux.
8. Thicken the Gravy if Needed: If you find that the gravy is too thin after slow cooking, you can easily thicken it. Make a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Q1: Can I make these meatballs without browning them first?
A: Yes, you can skip the browning step if you are short on time. While browning enhances the flavor, the meatballs will still cook through and be delicious in the slow cooker without it. However, for the best flavor and texture, browning is highly recommended.

Q2: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: While fresh meatballs are ideal, you can use frozen meatballs in a pinch. If using frozen meatballs, you do not need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker. Simply add them directly to the slow cooker and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Q3: Can I use different types of mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of mushrooms or a combination. Cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms, or even a mix of wild mushrooms would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Each type of mushroom will bring its own unique flavor profile to the gravy.

Q4: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Yes, if you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, you can make a simple cream sauce from scratch using milk, cream, and a bit of flour to thicken it. You might also consider adding a bit of mushroom broth or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the mushroom flavor if you are omitting the mushroom soup entirely.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it?
A: Yes, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are perfect for making ahead of time! You can cook them completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat them in the slow cooker on the warm setting for a longer period.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
A: Yes, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q7: What if my gravy is too thick?
A: If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little more beef broth (or water) to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to incorporate the added liquid.

Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture and ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these ingredients. Also, double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make a homemade gluten-free cream sauce substitute.

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