This Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe brings comfort food to the table effortlessly. Juicy meatballs swim in a rich gravy, and it’s super easy to make!
You can let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day. I love serving it over mashed potatoes, just like my mom used to! It’s a warm hug in a bowl. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) works best for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but they may yield a different texture.
Bread Crumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs for a classic taste. If you don’t have them, crushed crackers or alternative gluten-free breadcrumbs will do just fine.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness. You can swap it with shallots for a milder flavor or use onion powder if you’re in a pinch; about 1 teaspoon will work.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth gives the best flavor, but store-bought is convenient! Vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used as substitutes if you want a lighter taste.
Cornstarch: This thickener helps achieve a nice gravy. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour can work as well—just use a bit more, about 3 tablespoons.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Tender?
Keeping meatballs tender can be tricky, but here are a few tips:
- Mix the meat and ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to dense meatballs.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping; this lets flavors meld.
- Avoid cooking the meatballs through in the skillet—browning them lightly locks in moisture.
- Keep the slow cooker on low to let them cook gently, which helps maintain tenderness.
Use these tips, and you’ll have perfectly tender and flavorful Salisbury steak meatballs every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is simple and takes about 20 minutes of prep time. After that, you can let your slow cooker do the magic for about 6-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. So, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape The Meatballs:
Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into meatballs. You should get around 20 meatballs!
3. Brown The Meatballs:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 3 minutes per batch. It’s okay if they’re not cooked through—just give them a nice sear!
4. Make The Sauce:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture over the browned meatballs in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and the flavors nicely meld together.
6. Thicken The Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. This will help thicken the gravy to a nice consistency.
7. Final Cooking Step:
Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Check the sauce, and if it needs more seasoning, feel free to add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They are delicious over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making for a comforting meal!
Enjoy this easy, hearty dish! It’s sure to be a hit with your family!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option! Just be aware that turkey can be drier, so consider adding a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of ketchup or a splash of broth.
How Do I Prevent the Meatballs from Being Dry?
To keep your meatballs moist and tender, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture. Also, ensure they are not overcooked in the slow cooker. Using ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) will also help retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that your beef broth, soy sauce, and any other sauces or seasonings are labeled gluten-free as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.