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If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you simply must try this Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. Picture tender, juicy meatballs infused with savory spices, slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious, velvety gravy that’s rich and flavorful. This dish perfectly marries simplicity with soul-warming taste, bringing a nostalgic twist to classic Salisbury steak but with a hands-off slow cooker approach. It’s effortless to prepare, making it an ideal go-to dinner that feels fancy but lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the texture, depth, and color of your dish. From the savory beef base to the aromatic spices and thickening agents, every item combines beautifully to create that unforgettable creamy sauce and perfectly tender meatballs.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose fresh, good-quality beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture inside the meatballs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers that classic umami punch essential to Salisbury steak.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, mild garlicky flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts onion flavor uniformly throughout the meat mixture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances all flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base for the rich, savory gravy that cooks with the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the broth into a silky creamy sauce as it cooks low and slow.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. This step is essential to ensure each meatball is packed with flavor and holds together beautifully.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Next, shape the meat mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The size is important because it helps them cook evenly and become delectably tender inside the slow cooker. Place these meatballs aside—don’t overcrowd your slow cooker when cooking.
Step 3: Arrange Meatballs in Slow Cooker
Place all your formed meatballs carefully into the base of your slow cooker. This will allow the meatballs to cook evenly while soaking up that delicious broth and spices.
Step 4: Mix the Gravy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until completely smooth. Mixing the cornstarch in first prevents clumps and ensures the sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks with the meatballs.
Step 5: Pour Broth Over Meatballs
Slowly pour the broth mixture over the arranged meatballs, making sure each meatball gets coated in the flavorful liquid. This step sets the stage for that creamy, rich gravy that develops over several hours.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method allows the meatballs to become tender and soak up all those wonderful savory flavors, while the broth transforms into a luscious, creamy gravy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, you’re ready to serve. Spoon your creamy meatballs and gravy over your favorite sides for a meal that truly satisfies every time.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish goes a long way here. Fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a burst of color and a hint of fresh brightness to balance the richness of the creamy gravy. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also bring a subtle kick right before serving.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Classic mashed potatoes soak up the creamy gravy perfectly, making every bite pure comfort. You can also serve them over fluffy rice or even buttered egg noodles for a hearty, homey feel that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving these meatballs over cauliflower mash or creamy polenta for a slightly different twist that’s just as indulgent. They also make a fantastic topping for toasted bread or open-faced sandwiches for a casual but impressive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy reheating and quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months and reheated directly from frozen for a quick dinner fix.
Reheating
Reheat leftover meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, gently warming until the creamy gravy bubbles and the meatballs are heated through. You can also reheat them covered in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind they might require a bit more moisture or seasoning to match the beef’s richness, but they still work wonderfully with this recipe.
Do I have to use cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
Cornstarch is the easiest way to get that creamy, thick texture in the gravy, but you could substitute with flour mixed into a small amount of cold beef broth. Just whisk it well to avoid lumps before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I make these meatballs without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker makes this recipe effortless, you can bake the meatballs in the oven and simmer the broth on the stove to create the gravy. The slow cooker just adds that unbeatable tenderness and flavor concentration.
What’s the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and an egg in the mixture is key to binding the meat together. Also, avoid over-mixing the meat, which can make them dense, and be gentle when forming the meatballs to keep them intact during cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the meatballs?
Yes! Adding sliced mushrooms or diced carrots can enhance the dish with extra flavor and texture. Just add them in before cooking so they soften and complement the creamy Salisbury steak sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe enough for anyone seeking a comforting, fuss-free dinner that melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that feels lovingly homemade but requires minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs slow-cooked in a rich beef broth gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, these meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside once shaped.
- Arrange meatballs in slow cooker: Place the formed meatballs evenly in the slow cooker, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Make the gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour gravy over meatballs: Carefully pour the beef broth and cornstarch mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs topped with the creamy gravy. These pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, do not open the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to maintain heat.
- You can substitute beef broth with low-sodium broth for a lighter option.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, mix an additional 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
