Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Hearty, Comforting Meal
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, savory dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a perfect choice! With tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy gravy, this recipe is perfect for busy nights, family meals, or any occasion when you need a warm, hearty dinner. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles, this dish will surely become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Rich and Creamy Gravy: The gravy, made with beef broth, cornstarch, and heavy cream, coats the meatballs perfectly, delivering a savory, velvety texture.
- Comfort Food Made Easy: This meal is comforting and filling, with the slow-cooked meatballs absorbing all the delicious flavors as they cook.
- Perfect for Busy Days: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is ideal when you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (for tender, juicy meatballs)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (helps bind the meatballs together)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (adds flavor and moisture)
- 1 large egg (binds the meat mixture)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for savory depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adds an aromatic touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth (the base of the rich gravy)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (used to thicken the gravy)
- 1 tablespoon water (to make the cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (to make the gravy creamy and luscious)
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, slow-cooked meatballs and gravy.
- Skillet: For browning the meatballs before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Small Bowl: To mix the cornstarch slurry.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To scrape up browned bits from the skillet and mix ingredients.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs (10 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, or the meatballs will be tough. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and set them aside.
2. Brown the Meatballs (5 minutes)
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them to brown evenly on all sides. This step helps develop the rich flavor of the meatballs. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the Gravy (5 minutes)
In the same skillet, add the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These browned bits add extra flavor to the gravy. Pour the broth over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
4. Cook the Meatballs (6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high)
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs will become tender as they cook, absorbing all the savory flavors of the beef broth.
5. Make the Gravy Creamy (20 minutes)
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well and cover. Let the mixture cook for an additional 20 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken.
6. Serve & Enjoy (5 minutes)
Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, smothered in the savory, creamy gravy. Enjoy the comfort of this hearty, flavorful meal!
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to add extra herbs like parsley, thyme, or bay leaves to the broth for a personalized touch.
- Gravy Variations: For a richer flavor, you can use beef bouillon cubes instead of beef broth or add a splash of red wine to deepen the gravy.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and brown them the night before. Then, just transfer them to the slow cooker the next day, add the broth, and let it cook.
- Extra Creaminess: For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a touch of cream cheese.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving (estimate)
Why These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Will Become Your Favorite:
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe combines the tender, savory meatballs with a rich and creamy gravy that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? It’s all made in the slow cooker, which means less work for you while you get to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal at the end of the day. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
