Cooking with a slow cooker is like giving yourself a big wаrm hug . It turns simple meatballs and gravy into something that feels straіght out of grandma’s kitchen . Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs has been in my fаmily for years and it never gets old even if we make it every month . The slow cooker does all the work , making meatballs soft and tasty in this rich sauce that smells so good .
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it are ’cause of the meatballs . These little bites are packed with flavor and you can use beef , turkey , or even a plant based version so there’s someting for everyone . And theyre super easy to make and serve , which is awesome if you got lots to do after school or on special nights . All you need is some simple stuff and a bit of work , and you get a dinner that will make your fam and friends happy . You can eat it over mash potatoes , rice , or just by itself . Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will soon be something you plan regular for supper .
Health Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking isnt just about being easy ; it also have some neat health benefits that make your meals better for you . One big plus with a slow cooker is it keep nutrients in food . Because you cook at lower heat for longer , the vitamins and minerals in veggies and meat dont break down that much . So your food stays tasty and good for you .
Another thing is flavor develops more ’cause you let ingredients chill together long time . When you cook slow , the tastes get deeper and richer , some thing thats tough to get if you cook fast . The moist heat breaks down rough meat parts , so the meat get more tender and the juices mix into gravy and the rest of meal .
The best part is how easy it is . With a slow cooker , you dont need to keep checking food ; you just set it and forget it . That is super helpful for busy families that want to come home to a hot meal without loads of cooking . It lets you have nice home cooked food even on the craziest days .
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These are the things you need to make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs . You can swap some stuff if you want to match your diet :
- Meatball Ingredients:
- Ground beef (or turkey): the meat you pick makes a big diffrence in taste . Beef with a bit of fat gives rich flavor , but turkey is leaner .
- Breadcrumbs: they help keep meatballs tender and moist .
- Eggs: eggs bind everything so the meatballs dont fall apart .
- Seasoning mix: mix salt , pepper , garlic powder and onion powder for a nice savory taste .
- Gravy Ingredients:
- Beef broth: pick a good broth so your sauce is rich .
- Onion soup mix: store bought is quick , but if you got time you can make your own .
- Worcestershire sauce: add this for a deep umami kick .
- Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: parsley or thyme give extra color and fresh taste .
- Vegetables: you can add onions or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture .
Directions: How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making these meatballs in a slow cooker is pretty simple and get you a warm meal with little work . Just follow these steps and you get soft meatballs in a delicious gravy .
Preparation Steps
First , stir all the meatball ingredients in a big bowl . Mix ground beef (or turkey) , breadcrumbs , eggs and the seasoning just until they come together . Don’t over mix or the meatballs can get tough . After that , take a handful and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1 .5 inches . Lay the balls on a tray or plate while you do the rest .
Steps to Cook in the Slow Cooker
Now make the gravy . In a medium bowl , whisk together the beef broth , onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce until its combined . This gravy makes the dish deep and rich .
Place meatballs in your slow cooker in one layer if you can . Pour gravy over them so their covered . Set slow cooker to low and cover it , then let it cook for 6 to 8 hours . If you in hurry , use high for 3 to 4 hours . Slow cooking helps flavors come together and keeps meatballs juicy .
Advice for the Best Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Here are some tips to make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs the best :
Meat Choice
Pick the right meat . Meat with 80/20 fat ratio is good for flavor though its richer . If you want less fat , go with ground turkey or mix in some chopped mushrooms .
Avoiding Dryness
Dont let the meatballs get dry . Dont overcook and make sure crumbs and eggs help keep moisture . Also covering meatballs in gravy while it cooks keeps them juicy .
Substitutions
You can swap ingredients for diets . For gluten free , use gluten free breadcrumbs . Want less fat ? use lean meat or add veggies . You can even try plant based protein for a veggie option .
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with mash potatoes , buttery egg noodles , or rice . You can also add sauteed veggies on the side . Sprinkle fresh herbs on top to make it look nice and taste better .
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 frying pan
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you should have around 24 meatballs).
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Gently place the meatballs into the gravy mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring well.
- Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
