Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food! 🍝🥩

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than this Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. Combining the classic taste of Salisbury steak with tender meatballs, cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to slow cooking, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver juicy, savory bites every time. Dive into this easy meatball dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

2. Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional for added umami)
2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Fresh parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Cooking the Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Place the formed meatballs into your Crock-Pot slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, ketchup, thyme, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Pour this sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.

Simmer and Finish the Dish

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will become tender and infused with rich flavor. For a thicker sauce, remove the meatballs and set the cooker to high; then, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm gently on the stove.

5. Serving Suggestions for This Easy Meatball Dinner

Serve these delicious Salisbury Steak Meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal. You can also pair them with steamed vegetables, such as green beans or roasted carrots. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and enjoy with crusty bread.

Looking for more comforting dinner ideas? Check out our dinner recipes collection for inspiration.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Using ground turkey or chicken makes this dish a lighter option. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The preparation time is approximately 15-20 minutes, with about 4-6 hours cooking in the slow cooker. It’s an incredibly convenient meal for busy days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What are some variations I can try?

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or a splash of red wine to the sauce. You can also switch up the herbs or incorporate a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This spacious slow cooker ensures even cooking and easy serving, perfect for this Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe.
Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Chop onions and garlic effortlessly with this versatile prep tool, speeding up your prep work.
CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Use this durable cookware set for preparing side dishes or sauces to go with your meal.

8. Related Delicious Recipes to Try

9. Conclusion

With this slow cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty, and easy dinner that the whole family will love. Its tender meatballs and savory sauce make for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself. Give this recipe a try tonight and experience the joy of effortless, home-cooked comfort food. Don’t forget to explore our other dinner ideas for more tasty inspiration!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food!