Description
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that transforms the classic Salisbury steak into tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Made with ground beef and a medley of simple yet bold ingredients like onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, these meatballs develop deep, robust flavors as they cook slowly. The slow cooker allows the meatballs to absorb all the goodness of the beef broth-based gravy, making them incredibly tender and juicy. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish is the epitome of comfort food that’s perfect for a family meal or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen meatballs (approx. 25 oz)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
- 2 packets brown gravy mix (1.74 ounces total)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all the ingredients you’ll need. Having everything in place before you begin makes the process smoother and ensures you don’t miss any crucial steps.
Slice the Mushrooms: If you haven’t done so already, slice the mushrooms into thin pieces. These will cook down and blend into the gravy, adding a depth of flavor and a touch of texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Add Meatballs and Mushrooms: Place the frozen meatballs and sliced mushrooms into the slow cooker. The frozen meatballs are a convenient option and will save you time, while the mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, powdered onion, powdered garlic, brown gravy mix, and water. Whisk the mixture until the gravy mix is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This mixture will become the rich gravy that envelops the meatballs.
Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the meatballs and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure that the meatballs and mushrooms are evenly coated with the sauce. This step is crucial as it ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking on low will give you a more gradual infusion of flavors and a more tender result, but the high setting works well if you’re short on time.
Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the meatballs and gravy mixture occasionally during cooking. This helps to ensure that the meatballs are evenly coated with the gravy and that the flavors are distributed throughout.
Check for Doneness: The meatballs are done when they are heated through and have absorbed the rich flavors of the gravy. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Final Touches
Adjust Seasoning: Once the meatballs are cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This step allows you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences, enhancing the flavors to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over your choice of egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Each of these options complements the rich gravy and adds a comforting touch to the meal. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness if desired.
Notes
- Meatball Size:
Make sure to roll the meatballs uniformly (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) to ensure even cooking. A meatball scooper can help maintain consistent sizes. - Optional Searing:
While searing the meatballs before slow cooking is optional, it adds a caramelized layer of flavor and helps lock in the juices. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results. - Thicker Gravy:
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into the broth mixture before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also thicken the sauce later by removing the lid and letting it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. - Customize the Meatballs:
Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free. - Mushroom Add-Ins:
Adding mushrooms to the sauce not only complements the umami-rich flavor of the Salisbury steak but also adds a textural contrast. You can skip mushrooms if preferred, or replace them with sautéed onions for a similar savory boost. - Meal Prep and Storage:
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating Tips:
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the meatballs. If reheating in the microwave, use medium heat to keep the meatballs tender. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. - Versatile Sides:
These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The savory sauce complements a variety of sides, making it easy to customize the meal based on your preferences.