IRRESISTIBLE SLOW COOKER SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS

Imagine biting into tender, juicy meatballs, smothered in a rich, savory Salisbury steak sauce – all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Salisbury Steak Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Let’s Make Some Magic: Preparing the Meatballs

Alright, friend! Let’s get started on these delectable meatballs. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Mixing the Meatball Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Try not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Using your hands (or a cookie scoop for uniformity!), form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Browning for Flavor (Optional, but Recommended):

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This step adds a beautiful color and depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it – the slow cooker will still do its job.
3. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Crafting the Salisbury Steak Sauce

Now, for the star of the show: the Salisbury steak sauce! This is where all the savory goodness comes from.

Sautéing the Aromatics:

1. In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t worry about cleaning it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes more.

Building the Sauce:

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
2. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those bits are packed with flavor!
3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, pepper, and salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Slow Cooker Assembly: The Grand Finale

Almost there! Now, let’s let the slow cooker work its magic.

Layering and Cooking:

1. Pour about half of the Salisbury steak sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Arrange the browned meatballs (or unbrowned, if you skipped that step) in a single layer over the sauce.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Feast!

Okay, the meatballs are cooked, the sauce is rich and delicious… now what? Here are some ideas to make this meal even more amazing.

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
• Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Make It a Party:

• These meatballs are also fantastic as an appetizer! Serve them on small plates with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Set up a meatball bar with different sauces and toppings for a fun and interactive party experience.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Even the best cooks run into snags sometimes! Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Meatballs Too Dry?

Add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to the meatball mixture to make them more moist. Also, be sure not to overcook them in the slow cooker.

Sauce Too Thin?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it.

Sauce Too Thick?

Add a little extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on these meatballs? Go for it! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Cheesy Goodness:

Stuff the meatballs with small cubes of cheddar cheese or mozzarella before cooking for a gooey surprise.

Spicy Kick:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a little heat.

Mushroom Mania:

Use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, for a more complex flavor in the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Besides being incredibly delicious, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! They’re also perfect for meal prepping – make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.

Other Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of easy and flavorful recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these other favorites. For a keto-friendly option, try these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. Looking for a hearty and comforting dish? You can’t go wrong with Ground Beef And Dumplings. For a sophisticated twist on meatballs, give these French Onion Meatballs a try. If you love beefy flavors, you might enjoy Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Another great slow cooker option is Beef And Potato Casserole. And of course, for the original inspiration, check out this recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Want to save some for later? Smart move!

Storing Leftovers:

Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Freezing:

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking, friend!