Delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Okay, my kitchen warriors, gather ’round! Let me tell you about a lifesaver – the slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe! It’s pure comfort food, easy enough for a weeknight, and always a hit with the whole crew. This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe changed my dinner game. Honestly, I used to dread that 5 PM panic, but not anymore.

My saving grace? This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe. I figured, why not combine two kid-friendly favorites – Salisbury steak and meatballs – and let the slow cooker do its magic? Trust me, it works! So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal that will keep everyone happy, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s tackle dinner together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Okay, let’s raid the pantry. Here’s what you need for this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe:

• 2 lbs ground beef: I usually grab the 80/20 blend – it keeps the meatballs juicy! This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is so easy to adapt to what you have!
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian, whatever you have on hand works!
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold our meatballs together.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps things moist.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds that umami flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1/2 tsp onion powder: For that classic Salisbury steak flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy!
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing (optional, but recommended).
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds flavor to the gravy.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: More garlic is always a good idea, right?
• 4 cups beef broth: The base of our delicious gravy.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang.
• 1 tbsp ketchup: For a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a bit of savory depth.

No worries if you don’t have Dijon mustard – I use yellow mustard all the time! You can find most of these ingredients at your local Aldi, too. My family loves when I add extra Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor. This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Store any leftover beef broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Trust me, this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is super straightforward.

Steps for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. First, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
2. Next, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. Don’t worry about cooking them through – just get a nice sear. This step is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor! Honestly, sometimes I skip this step with my slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe when I’m short on time.
4. Place the seared meatballs in your slow cooker. While the slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
5. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Whisk in the beef broth, flour, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens slightly.
7. Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Here’s where I used to mess up my slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe – don’t make my mistake! Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the gravy.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe should smell amazing by now. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
9. Before serving, give the gravy a good stir. Don’t panic if your slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe looks a little watery at first. The gravy will thicken up as it cools slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. In my chaotic kitchen, this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe usually takes about 7 hours on low.

That’s it! You’ve just conquered dinner! This easy Salisbury meatball recipe is a guaranteed family win.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so now you’ve got this amazing slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe bubbling away in your kitchen. But what do you serve it with? Here are a few of our family’s favorites:

• Mashed potatoes: Classic comfort food pairing! The kids devour this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe when I serve it with mashed potatoes.
• Egg noodles: Another great option for soaking up that delicious gravy.
• Rice: A simple and versatile side.
• Green beans: Adds a touch of green to the plate. I like to steam them for a quick and easy side.
• Dinner rolls: For soaking up every last drop of gravy! This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners!

This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is also fantastic for potlucks or casual get-togethers. I’ve even made it for holiday gatherings when I needed an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Leftovers are amazing in meatball subs or served over toast for a quick lunch. You can serve with some mac and cheese! My husband always raves about the flavors when I make this easy Salisbury meatball recipe.

For a fun variation, try adding a can of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the gravy. This adds a nice earthy flavor. This ground beef Salisbury meatballs slow cooker recipe can easily be adapted to your preferences. It reminds me of another family favorite, the cheddar bay Philly cheese steak cobbler.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you have questions, so let’s tackle them! I have got you covered for this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe.

1. Can my picky eater handle this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe?

   Absolutely! The meatballs are mild and kid-friendly, and the gravy is comforting and familiar. If your little one is sensitive to textures, you can even blend the gravy for a smoother consistency.

2. Can I use frozen meatballs in this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe?

   Yes! Just thaw them slightly before searing (if you’re searing). Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly. For a convenient option, check out Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs) for tips.

3. What if I burn my slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

   We have all been there! If you catch it early, carefully transfer the unburnt meatballs and gravy to a new slow cooker or pot. Avoid scraping the burnt bits from the bottom.

4. Can I make this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe ahead for meal prep?

   Definitely! Prepare the meatballs and gravy, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

5. What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

   Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe?

   Of course! Sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery would be delicious additions. Add them along with the onions and garlic.

7. How long will leftovers last?

   Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

   You can make this Salisbury meatball recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simmer the meatballs and gravy over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

9. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

   Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey. It will be a leaner option.

10. What can I serve this with?

    You can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings my family together around the table, even on the busiest of weeknights. This homemade Salisbury meatballs recipe is easy and something the whole family can enjoy. This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is special because it’s proof that delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few Mom Hacks I’ve learned along the way:

• Prep ahead: Make the meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge.
• Embrace the sear: Searing the meatballs adds so much flavor. Don’t skip it if you have the time!
• Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasonings to your liking.

Here are a few family-tested slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe variations:

• Mushroom lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy twist. My son, Tim, loves this version!
• Cheesy goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat. My husband prefers this one.

I hope you’ll give this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe a try. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Don’t worry about perfection – just enjoy the process and the delicious results! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for the Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this recipe for Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Give it a try and put your spin on this ground beef Salisbury meatballs slow cooker recipe!

So, fellow kitchen warriors, grab your slow cooker and let’s make some magic happen! You’ve got this! I promise you are going to love this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe.

 

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