Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Introduction
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make. With tender meatballs smothered in a rich gravy, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker makes the meatballs juicy and flavorful, and you don’t have to watch over it while it cooks. Plus, it’s a complete meal that can be served over mashed potatoes or rice, making dinner planning a breeze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making Salisbury Steak Meatballs in a slow cooker is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into meatballs.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Place sliced mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker on top of the mushrooms.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice and garnish with parsley.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. The rich gravy makes for an excellent sauce to soak into the sides. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or warm them on the stove until heated throughout.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef to keep the meatballs from being too greasy.
- If you want more flavor, add your favorite herbs or spices to the meat mixture.
- Brown the meatballs well for a nice depth of flavor before placing them in the slow cooker.
Variation
You can mix it up by adding vegetables like carrots or peas into the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. You can also replace beef broth with chicken broth for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
A: Yes, you can! Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cooking time may vary.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the onion soup mix for gluten-free options.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs!