Juicy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a comforting slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Rich flavors merge seamlessly in this hearty meal.

Tender meat mingles with savory gravy, creating a nostalgic experience.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like these meatballs.

Home cooks appreciate minimal effort with maximum taste rewards.

Lean ground beef combines with classic seasonings for an irresistible main course.

Serve these morsels over creamy mashed potatoes to complete a satisfying meal that everyone will devour.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs

Step 1: Whip Up the Meatball Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, a cracked egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold and mix the ingredients until they’re just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they’re compact and uniform. Set these beauties aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create a Golden Crust

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully brown the meatballs in batches, rotating them to achieve a beautiful golden crust on all sides.

Delicately transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Build Flavor with Broth

In the same skillet, pour beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Pour this flavor-packed broth over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Create a Creamy Gravy

• Cornstarch
• Water

Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then pour in heavy cream. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes to create a rich, velvety gravy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice, generously coating them with the luscious, savory gravy. Get ready for a comfort food experience that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Tips to Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Avoid overmixing the ground beef to keep meatballs tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Sear meatballs in batches to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and prevents steaming.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to control sauce consistency, adding more if needed for desired thickness.
• Cooking on low heat ensures moist, fall-apart tender meatballs with deep, developed flavors.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative without sacrificing taste.

Variations to Try With Salisbury Meatballs

• Mushroom Medley Meatballs: Add sautéed sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Mix in diced green chiles and replace Worcestershire sauce with hot sauce to create a zesty, kicked-up rendition of the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Incorporate chopped fresh parsley, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese into the meat mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this comforting meal.

Pairing Ideas for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Savory Starch Companion: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas for these rich Salisbury steak meatballs, absorbing the luscious gravy and creating a comforting flavor harmony.
• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty beef and enhance the deep, savory notes of the dish.
• Fresh Green Balance: Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus offer a crisp, light contrast to the heavy meatballs, cutting through the richness and adding nutritional brightness to the meal.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Crusty artisan bread or warm garlic toast becomes an ideal accompaniment for soaking up the extra gravy, ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.

Storing Salisbury Meatballs Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep meatballs and gravy together in the same container. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Pack cooled meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Why brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and adds rich depth to the meat before slow cooking, which helps develop more complex taste profiles.

• Can I use lean ground beef?

Yes, but choose ground beef with at least 15% fat content to ensure moist and tender meatballs. Extra lean beef might result in dry meatballs.

• What does the cornstarch slurry do?

The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping to transform the cooking liquid into a rich, smooth gravy without creating lumps or affecting the overall flavor.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which ensures the ground beef is safely cooked through without becoming tough or dry.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Delight

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ingredients quickly, shape meatballs in minutes, and let the slow cooker do the rest while you tackle other tasks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich, hearty meatballs swimming in creamy gravy deliver classic comfort food that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Brown meatballs briefly, then let the slow cooker transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal active cooking time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and adaptable dinner solution.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich flavor and substance for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatballs compact and moist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy and deep umami flavor to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth and layers of savory flavor to the meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and creating a golden exterior.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich liquid base for cooking and creating the gravy.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the final gravy sauce.