Oh my goodness, you guys HAVE to try this. It’s like Salisbury steak, but in meatball form, and cooked low and slow in your slow cooker until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. I’m talking fall-apart, savory goodness that the whole family will devour. If you love the comfort of a classic meatloaf, but sometimes want something a little different, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a total game changer for busy weeknights. I tested this with different ground meats and a blend of ground beef and pork is the perfect combination!
What is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Think of it as your favorite Salisbury steak, reimagined as delicious, bite-sized meatballs! What is GROUND BEEF? ), simmered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy. Salisbury steak, as you probably know, is basically a fancy name for ground beef patty. By turning it into meatballs and slow cooking them, we get even more surface area coated in that. The slow cooking method makes them unbelievably tender. What is comfort food?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to love this recipe! What I love most is the FLAVOR. The combination of savory ground beef, umami-rich mushrooms, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce creates the most comforting and satisfying flavor profile. This is that recipe you crave after a long day. The simplicity is just as important; seriously, it’s a dump-and-go recipe! Just mix, roll, and toss everything into the Slow Cooker – that’s it! It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re short on time and energy. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
And then there’s the versatility. You can serve these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even toasted bread. Honestly, they’re delicious any way you serve them. This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re eating something fancy without having to put in a ton of effort. If you love my classic meatloaf recipe, you’re absolutely going to adore these meatballs! They have that same comforting flavor but in a fun and different format.
How do you make slow cooker Salisbury meatballs?
Quick Overview
How do you make meatballs? How do you mix ground beef and pork? ) with seasonings, breadcrumbs, and an egg to bind everything together. What are some good ways to make meatballs in your Slow Cooker? Next comes the glorious mushroom gravy – a simple mixture of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and cheese. Worcestershire sauce, and a few other key ingredients. What’s the best way to serve meatballs in a slow cooker? What makes these meatballs so tender? I always make sure to use good quality beef broth. It makes a difference.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works great, or use a mix of ground and ground pork)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for a lighter texture)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mushroom Gravy: Why is it
* 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup.
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional, but highly recommended)
* 2 tablespoons butter
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside. Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt and pepper. How do you cook meatballs? I always use my hands to mix, it’s just easier!
Step 2: Roll the Meatballs
Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform – rustic is fine! How do I get them roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. This usually yields about 24-30 meatballs.
Step 3: Sear Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
What is the best way to melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat? How do I cook meatballs in batches? What is the best way to add flavor to a dish? Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the meatballs will steam instead of sear. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it!
Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, milk (or yoghurt) and salt. Set aside. Half-and-half), Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you’re using fresh mushrooms, sauté them in a pan with melted butter until softened before serving. What are the ingredients for gravy? I find that the fresh mushrooms really boost the flavor.
Step 5: Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the seared meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. What is the best way to serve mushroom gravy over meatballs? Is it necessary to add a little extra beef broth if the gravy is too thick?
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. When meatballs are cooked through and tender, they are done. The longer they cook on low, the more tender they will become! I check them after 6 hours, just to be sure.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked, give them a gentle stir. What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice? What’s your favorite way to garnish parsley?
What should I serve it with?
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are so versatile that they go well with just about anything.For a Classic Comfort Meal:Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans or buttered corn. What is my go-to combination for comfort food?What is a hearty Pasta Dish?If you have a big spoonful of mushroom, toss them with cooked egg noodles or wide fettuccine noodles. Serve immediately. What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese?What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve over cooked quinoa or rice with a side salad. What are some quick and easy options when you’re short on time?For a Delicious Sandwich: Pile them onto toasted hoagie rolls with a scoop of the gravy for a satisfying and flavorful meatball sub. Don’t forget the melted provolone cheese!
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different sides and serving suggestions. My family also loves them served with mac and cheese. It sounds weird, but trust me, it works!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Okay, so I’ve made these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough, dense meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, then stop. Your meatballs will thank you for it!
Sear the Meatballs (If You Have Time): Searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a deeper, richer flavor and helps them hold their shape better. It’s an extra step, but it’s definitely worth it if you have the time. I always do this when I have an extra 15 minutes to spare.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: This magical ingredient adds a savory, umami flavor that really elevates the gravy. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little extra beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme at the end adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. I always have fresh parsley on hand, so I usually go with that.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as diced carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly. You can also try using different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!
Storing in the Refrigerator: Store the cooked meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the meatballs and gravy in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker. If reheating in the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating in the slow cooker, cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
When reheating, I usually add a splash of beef broth or water to the gravy to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my super easy and incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe! I honestly can’t recommend this one enough. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. The best part? You get to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. If you’re a fan of comforting, savory dishes, then you absolutely have to give this recipe a try. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and don’t forget to rate it!
5 Simple Steps for Cozy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 0.5 cup Bread crumbs Plain bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup Milk Whole milk
- 1 pkg Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Condensed
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, and dry onion soup mix. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
