SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALL MAGIC

Here’s a memory from my childhood that always makes me smile: my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the savory aroma of simmering beef and onions. She used to make Salisbury steak, and while it was delicious, it always took her hours. Now, imagine that classic comfort food flavor, but in meatball form, effortlessly cooking away in your slow cooker! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs you’ll ever make, and I promise, you’ll never want to make them any other way!

There’s just something so comforting about Salisbury steak, isn’t there? That rich, savory gravy blanketing tender beef…it’s a hug in a dish. But let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have the time to stand over the stove, browning and simmering. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! I’ve taken all the best elements of classic Salisbury steak and transformed them into easy-to-eat, incredibly flavorful meatballs. Get ready for a family favorite that’s both delicious and incredibly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Okay, before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why I’m absolutely obsessed with these meatballs. Trust me, you will be too!

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work! Just mix, drop, and go.
• Incredible Flavor: We’re talking rich, savory, umami-packed goodness in every bite. The gravy is seriously addictive.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully.
• Versatile: Serve them over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or even on slider buns for a fun appetizer.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour these! The meatball format is always a hit.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The little bit of fat keeps them nice and juicy.
• Ground Pork: Adding a touch of ground pork adds richness and depth of flavor. You can substitute with more ground beef if you prefer.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for a light and airy texture.
• Egg: To bind everything together.
• Onion: Finely chopped for flavor and moisture.
• Garlic: Minced, because everything is better with garlic!
• Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient for that classic Salisbury steak flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy note.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Gravy:

• Beef Broth: The base of our delicious gravy.
• Onion: Sliced, to add depth of flavor to the gravy.
• Mushroom: Sliced, for that classic Salisbury steak touch.
• Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zing and complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: More, because it’s just that good!
• Cornstarch: To thicken the gravy at the end.
• Water: To make a slurry with the cornstarch.
• Butter: Because everything is better with butter.

Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in no time.

1. Combine the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I like to use a small ice cream scoop to ensure they’re all the same size. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Sear the meatballs (optional but recommended): Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. This step is optional, but it adds a beautiful color and flavor to the meatballs. If you are looking for a quick and delicious beef recipe you may also enjoy these Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
4. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion and mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the meatballs to cook on.
5. Add the meatballs: Arrange the seared (or unseared) meatballs on top of the onions and mushrooms in a single layer.
6. Make the gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Pour the gravy over the meatballs: Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.
8. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re cooked through and the gravy has thickened slightly.
9. Thicken the gravy (if needed): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, if the gravy isn’t thick enough for your liking, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the slow cooker, and cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
10. Stir in the butter: Stir in the butter just before serving for added richness and shine.
11. Serve and enjoy! Serve the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Success Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time

Want to guarantee meatball perfection? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
• Sear the meatballs for extra flavor: While this step is optional, searing the meatballs adds a beautiful color and flavor to the dish. It also helps to prevent them from falling apart in the slow cooker.
• Use a good quality beef broth: The beef broth is the base of the gravy, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor.
• Adjust the gravy thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use more cornstarch. If you prefer a thinner gravy, use less.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the meatball mixture or the gravy. Some ideas include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Use different ground meat: You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken in place of the ground beef and ground pork.
• Add vegetables: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the regular breadcrumbs.
• Add a touch of cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy at the end for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little kick.

Serving Suggestions

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: This is the classic way to serve Salisbury steak, and it’s just as delicious with meatballs! The creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich, savory gravy.
• Over Noodles: Serve the meatballs over egg noodles, wide noodles, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Over Rice: Serve the meatballs over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• On Slider Buns: These meatballs make fantastic sliders! Serve them on mini slider buns with a dollop of mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make them ahead of time and store them:

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can also prepare the gravy in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to cook, simply add the meatballs and gravy to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze the meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. This will prevent them from sticking together when you store them in a freezer bag.

Once the meatballs are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat the frozen meatballs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat them in the slow cooker, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooking, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

If you love a hearty and comforting meal, you’ll adore this Beef and Noodles recipe. It’s perfect for a chilly evening. Or how about Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot? It’s another easy and delicious option. If you are craving something creamy and comforting, try this Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole. Finally, for soup lovers, you can’t go wrong with a warm bowl of Lasagna Soup.

Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. (Optional) Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned.
4. Place sliced onion and mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Arrange meatballs on top of onions and mushrooms in a single layer.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Pour gravy mixture over meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through.
9. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, if gravy is not thick enough, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir into slow cooker, and cook until gravy has thickened.
10. Stir in butter just before serving.
11. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! My absolute favorite recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, and I know they’ll become a family favorite in your house too. Happy cooking!