Craving a hearty weeknight dinner? Try these easy slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs made with homemade beef and savory gravy, perfect for a quick family favorite meal, save for later

Flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Introduction

Imagine coming home to a delicious, comforting meal that’s been simmering away in your slow cooker all day. Our Flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe brings together the classic flavors of Salisbury steak and the convenience of meatballs, all in one easy-to-make dish. Using everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy home cooks. With its rich, meaty flavor and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, onions, and seasonings to create a rich, meaty flavor that’s balanced by the tanginess of the gravy.
Ease of preparation: The meatballs are easy to mix together and can be formed in just a few minutes. The slow cooker does the rest of the work, cooking the meatballs and gravy to perfection.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich, comforting flavor and tender texture.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The ground beef provides the bulk of the meatballs, while the onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor. The breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together, while the eggs add moisture and richness. The seasonings, including salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also use practical substitutions, such as using ground turkey or pork instead of beef, or substituting the breadcrumbs with oatmeal or crushed crackers.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping the ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mix it with the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them in the slow cooker.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add in some beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cook the meatballs and gravy on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
Use a thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the meatballs from browning properly. Brown the meatballs in batches if necessary.

Heat Control

When cooking the meatballs and gravy, it’s essential to control the heat to prevent the gravy from burning or the meatballs from overcooking. Use the low setting on your slow cooker to cook the meatballs and gravy for 3-4 hours, or the high setting to cook for 1-2 hours. If using a skillet to cook the meatballs and gravy, use medium-low heat to prevent the gravy from burning.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the browned meatballs and the sautéed onions. To achieve a nice crunch on the meatballs, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning them, and use a medium-high heat to get a nice sear. For the onions, cook them until they are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a mixture of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to add depth and complexity to the gravy.
Add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy for added flavor and nutrients.
Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier and to prevent the meatballs and gravy from sticking to the slow cooker.

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and gravy in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
Freeze leftover meatballs and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen meatballs and gravy overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as desired.
Use a vacuum sealer or airtight container to store leftover meatballs and gravy, and label the container with the date and contents.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging the meatballs and gravy in a decorative jar or container, along with some crusty bread or egg noodles. You could also include a side of sautéed vegetables or a green salad. Use a ribbon or gift tag to add a personal touch, and include a card with the recipe and cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
🌟 Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to add a rich and creamy flavor to the gravy.
🌟 Add some spice to the dish by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the meat mixture or gravy.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the meatballs are too dense or tough, try adding more breadcrumbs or eggs to the meat mixture. If the gravy is too thick, try adding a little more beef broth.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try using soy sauce or tamari instead. If you don’t have beef broth, try using chicken broth or stock.
Over/undercooking signs: If the meatballs are overcooked, they will be dry and tough. If they are undercooked, they will be pink and raw in the center. Use a thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen meatballs and gravy overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as desired.
Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more meatballs and gravy. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook the meatballs and gravy in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Flavorful Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, meaty flavor and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own. And remember, the key to a successful slow cooker recipe is to cook the ingredients low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall-apart. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe