Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of tender meatballs simmering in a rich, savory gravy after a long day. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The beauty of this dish is not only in the flavor but also in how easy it is to whip up. You just mix a few simple ingredients, toss them in your slow cooker, and let it do all the magic while you kick back and relax. Trust me, the combination of beefy goodness and luscious gravy is bound to impress your whole family. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrition if you toss in a few veggies! Are you ready to get cooking?
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in your 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste! Now, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to be able to form the mixture into meatballs, so make sure it’s all blended nicely.
- Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape those delectable meatballs! I usually aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for cooking evenly and fitting nicely on a plate.
- Now, gently place your meatballs into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they can soak up all that lovely gravy!
- In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. This is where the magic happens—trust me, the flavors are going to meld beautifully!
- Pour this savory mixture over the meatballs in your slow cooker, making sure they’re all covered. You want every meatball to get that delicious gravy goodness!
- Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is what I love about slow cooking—just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
- When you’re almost ready to serve, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy to thicken it up a bit, and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes. This step really elevates the dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You can have everything ready in just 20 minutes! Then, let the slow cooker do all the work while you kick back and relax.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, mushrooms, and savory sauces creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of meatballs in gravy to soothe the soul after a long day.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these meatballs—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table!
- Versatile and Nutritious: You can easily sneak in extra veggies like carrots or peas, making it a wholesome meal without losing any flavor.
- Leftover Heaven: These meatballs taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy the deliciousness all over again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs come out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Choose Quality Beef: Go for ground beef with a bit of fat for flavor—80/20 is a great choice. It’ll keep your meatballs juicy and delicious!
- Mix Gently: When combining your ingredients, don’t overmix! Just blend until everything is nicely combined; this will keep your meatballs tender.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add in some garlic powder or onion powder for an extra flavor kick. A dash of smoked paprika can also elevate the taste!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: If you have a little extra time, browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can add a lovely depth of flavor. Just sear them for a couple of minutes on each side!
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re safely cooked through.
- Customize Your Gravy: Want it spicier? Toss in a bit of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes. Prefer it sweeter? A little more ketchup can help balance the flavors!
- Let It Rest: Once you’re done cooking, let the meatballs sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more!
Trust me, these little tweaks can make a huge difference in your dish! Enjoy the cooking process and don’t forget to taste along the way. Happy cooking!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many delicious ways to mix up your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs! Here are some fun variations that can help you customize this dish to match your taste buds:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the meatball mixture for a fragrant twist. Just a tablespoon or two will elevate the flavor beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the meatball mix. You can also use a spicy ketchup or add a splash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, into the meatballs for a gooey surprise. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time slightly as they will need a minute longer to cook through.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach into the gravy for added nutrition and color. It’ll make your dish pop and add a nice crunchy texture!
- Mushroom Medley: While mushrooms are a classic, try adding different types like shiitake or cremini for a variety of flavors and textures. You could also sauté them first for extra depth before adding to the slow cooker.
- Asian Twist: Swap out the beef broth for chicken broth and add some ginger and sesame oil to the meatball mix. Serve it over rice for a unique take that’ll wow your family!
- BBQ Style: Replace the soy sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce and mix in some chopped green onions for a smoky flavor. It’s like a barbecue party in your slow cooker!
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! I love that cooking allows us to play with flavors and find what we truly enjoy. Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers from your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs? Lucky you! Storing them properly is key to enjoying that deliciousness even later. Here’s how I do it:
- Cool Down First: Let the meatballs cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Place the meatballs along with the gravy in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any funky fridge odors from sneaking in!
- Refrigeration: You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to enjoy them before they disappear!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save them for a future meal, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Just portion them out into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include some of that tasty gravy. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple:
- Thawing: If frozen, let the meatballs thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
- Microwave: Pop them in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through so they heat evenly. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
- Stovetop: Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the gravy from thickening too much, and stir until heated through.
And there you go! You’ll have those flavorful meatballs ready to enjoy all over again, just like the first time. Trust me, they taste even better when you savor them with a side of mashed potatoes or rice!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my scrumptious slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
These meatballs pack a hearty punch, combining flavor and nutrition in one delicious bite! Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they’re a comforting addition to your meal rotation. Just remember, if you add more veggies or adjust ingredients, the numbers may change a bit. Happy cooking and eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit less flavorful, so you may want to add a little extra seasoning to amp up the taste.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. Just cover them well, and they’ll be ready to pop in the slow cooker when you need them!
What can I serve with slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs?
These meatballs are fantastic with mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles! You can also serve them with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal. The gravy makes everything taste better!
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, peas, or even bell peppers. They’ll add extra nutrition and color to your dish without much fuss!
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
Your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer for peace of mind. They should also be tender and flavorful, soaking up all that delicious gravy!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Comforting Goodness Awaits
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty slow cooker dish featuring Salisbury steak meatballs in a savory gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix beef broth, mushrooms, ketchup, and soy sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Before serving, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the gravy to thicken.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs
