Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer you a warm, comforting meal that is perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. This dish combines hearty meatballs with rich gravy, creating a satisfying experience that resonates well with both adults and kids. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks, making it a straightforward and rewarding recipe.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You only need a handful of ingredients, and with just a little prep, this meal practically cooks itself. The flavor profile is rich and savory, with the gravy perfectly complementing the tender meatballs. It’s also versatile enough to serve over your favorite sides, whether that be creamy mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles. Finally, it’s a family-friendly meal that can feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
For this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a rich sauce that enhances the flavors of the meatballs, ensuring every bite is filled with satisfaction.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Directions
Creating Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is straightforward and hassle-free. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by spraying the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This step helps to prevent the meatballs from sticking, making cleanup easier later on.
- Next, take your frozen meatballs and place them directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook beautifully from frozen.
- In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. This sauce will add a depth of flavor that makes the meatballs irresistible.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure that all the meatballs are coated with the savory mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. This cooking time allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- After the cooking time has elapsed, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Once combined, stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, to let the gravy thicken up.
- Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. If you wish, you can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an added burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, the possibilities are endless! First, you can dish the meatballs over a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich gravy, creating a classic comfort food experience.
Alternatively, consider serving the meatballs atop egg noodles. Their slightly chewy texture complements the sauce and meatballs beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a fresh salad alongside the meal can balance out the dish.
Don’t forget to keep a ladle handy for the extra gravy; no one wants to miss out on that delectable sauce! You can even serve this dish in a family-style manner, where everyone can help themselves to the meatballs and gravy, allowing for a fun dining experience.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Choosing Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, you can also make your own from scratch for a fresher taste. Use a mixture of ground beef and seasonings to create personalized flavors.
- Thickness of Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, feel free to add more cornstarch mixed with water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add More Flavor: Experiment with additional seasonings—garlic powder, black pepper, or even some diced onions can enhance the dish even further.
- Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 3-4 hours instead of low. Just ensure they are heated through before serving.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider using rosemary or thyme for a delightful twist.
How to Store Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare this meal ahead of time, storing it is quite easy. Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a saucepan, adding a little beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
Variation of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
There are numerous ways you can mix things up with this recipe to keep it fresh and exciting!
- Vegetable Additions: You can add frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the meatballs. These veggies will add nutrients and texture to the dish.
- Different Sauces: Instead of the typical brown gravy, try using a mushroom gravy or even a savory tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mix to give it a kick.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap out the meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter alternative.
These variations allow you to customize the dish to suit your preferences and keep every meal unique.
FAQ
What are the best sides to serve with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes is a classic choice, but egg noodles or rice also work wonderfully. Don’t hesitate to add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade meatballs, just prepare them ahead of time and place them in the slow cooker with the sauce. Homemade meatballs can elevate this dish nicely.
How long can I keep leftovers of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
Can I cook the meatballs on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 3-4 hours. Just ensure they are heated through before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is very kid-friendly due to its comforting flavors and tender texture. Kids often love the meatballs and gravy, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs) Store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth Helps to create a flavorful sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix For thickening and flavor
- 1 packet onion soup mix Adds depth of flavor
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used to thicken gravy
- 2 tablespoons cold water For cornstarch slurry
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional) For color and flavor enhancement
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
- After cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes uncovered to thicken the gravy.
Serving
- Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnishing with parsley if desired.
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