Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Description: This recipe transforms the classic Salisbury steak into bite-sized, slow-cooked meatballs swimming in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s comfort food redefined, offering a delicious and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Think savory, tender meatballs infused with the flavors of onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, all simmered to perfection in a luscious beef broth-based gravy that’s unbelievably creamy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does almost all the work, leaving you free to handle other tasks. Just combine the ingredients, form the meatballs, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Ultimate Comfort Food: These Salisbury steak meatballs are the epitome of comfort food. The tender meatballs and creamy gravy create a satisfying and heartwarming meal that everyone will enjoy.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a rich beef broth gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal. They’re also fantastic on toasted buns for a unique meatball sub.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of these meatballs on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for easy and delicious lunches or dinners. The leftovers taste even better the next day!

Introduction

Salisbury steak is a beloved classic, a quintessential American comfort food that evokes memories of family dinners and simple pleasures. However, sometimes, we crave a twist on tradition, a way to elevate familiar flavors into something even more special. That’s where these Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs come in.

This recipe takes all the goodness of Salisbury steak – the savory ground beef, the aromatic spices, the rich gravy – and transforms it into a convenient, bite-sized form. The slow cooker becomes your best friend, gently simmering the meatballs in a flavorful beef broth until they are incredibly tender and infused with deliciousness. The gravy thickens to a luscious creaminess, coating each meatball in a velvety embrace.

This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks and gatherings, as it can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for the best flavor and texture. The fat adds moisture and richness to the meatballs, preventing them from becoming dry. Leaner ground beef can be used, but you might want to add a little extra olive oil to the meatball mixture to keep them moist.
½ cup Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together and preventing them from becoming too dense. You can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Panko breadcrumbs will also work, but they will result in a slightly coarser texture.
¼ cup Finely Chopped Onion: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the meatballs. Make sure to chop the onion finely so that it blends seamlessly into the mixture. Yellow or white onions work well.
1 Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together. It also adds moisture and richness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, savory flavor to the meatballs. Its umami notes enhance the overall taste and add depth.
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient way to add garlic flavor to the meatballs. If you prefer, you can use 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic instead.
½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Onion powder complements the fresh onion and enhances the overall onion flavor in the meatballs.
Salt and Pepper, to Taste: Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the meatballs. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
2 cups Beef Broth: Beef broth forms the base of the gravy. Use a good-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium beef broth is a good option if you are watching your sodium intake.
1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the gravy. Whisk it together with the beef broth before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.

Preparation:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Mix until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated.

Step 3: Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside. You can use a cookie scoop to ensure that the meatballs are uniform in size.

Step 4: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible. If you have a lot of meatballs, you can layer them, but make sure to pour the broth mixture evenly over them.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. This will prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.

Step 6: Pour the broth mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the meatballs after 4 hours to see if they are done. They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Step 8: Once done, serve with the creamy gravy from the slow cooker, over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta if desired.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
Flavor Profile: 5/5 (Excellent)
Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Kids love it!)
Overall Rating: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)

Serving Suggestions:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to these Salisbury steak meatballs. They soak up the delicious gravy and provide a comforting and satisfying base for the meal.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great option for serving these meatballs. The rice absorbs the gravy and complements the savory flavors of the meatballs.
Pasta: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta shape, such as egg noodles, spaghetti, or penne. The gravy will coat the pasta beautifully and create a hearty and flavorful dish.
Polenta: Creamy polenta is a delicious and unexpected pairing for these Salisbury steak meatballs. The richness of the polenta complements the savory flavors of the meatballs and creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
Toasted Buns: For a fun and casual meal, serve the meatballs on toasted buns as meatball subs. Top with some extra gravy and your favorite toppings, such as melted cheese, sautéed peppers, or onions.

Tips:

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs: A cookie scoop will help you create meatballs that are all the same size, ensuring even cooking.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking: Taste the meatball mixture before forming the meatballs and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the meatballs, such as sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
Make It Creamier: For an even richer and creamier gravy, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of the cooking time.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

4-5 hours

Total Time:

4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (estimated)
Protein: Approximately 25g per serving (estimated)
Sodium: Approximately 600mg per serving (estimated)

Conclusion

These Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, and the results are simply irresistible. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or polenta, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to be amazed by this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that ground turkey and chicken tend to be leaner than ground beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mixture to ensure they stay moist during cooking. Also, be sure to cook the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Q2: Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?

A: Absolutely! These meatballs freeze beautifully. You can either freeze them uncooked or cooked. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour, or until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or cook them directly from frozen, adding a bit more cooking time.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the meatballs?

A: Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include sliced mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, or bell peppers. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker along with the meatballs and broth mixture. The vegetables will cook alongside the meatballs and become tender and infused with the delicious gravy.

Q4: How can I make the gravy thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more cornstarch to the broth mixture. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water and then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can remove some of the gravy from the slow cooker at the end of the cooking time and simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. First, brown the meatballs in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then, add the beef broth and cornstarch mixture. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Carefully release any remaining pressure. If the gravy is not thick enough, you can use the sauté function again to simmer and thicken it.