Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatball Magic
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Salisbury steak in an easy-to-make meatball form, cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe transforms classic comfort food into a family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large bowl
- Small ice cream scoop (optional)
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil for searing, optional
Instructions
- 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. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Using a small ice cream scoop can help ensure even size.
- (Optional) Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned. This enhances flavor and color.
- Place sliced onion and mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Arrange meatballs on top of onions and mushrooms in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour gravy mixture over meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, if gravy is not thick enough, whisk together cornstarch and water.
- Gradually stir cornstarch slurry into slow cooker, and cook until gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Stir in butter just before serving.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Searing the meatballs adds extra flavor and helps them hold their shape. Adjust the gravy thickness to your preference by using more or less cornstarch. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the gravy before serving. You can also use different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.