If you are on the hunt for a comforting, rich dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. This recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a luscious, creamy beef gravy that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas all day long. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a small gathering, these meatballs melt in your mouth and deliver wonderfully satisfying flavors without any fuss or complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role—from the ground beef that forms the hearty meatballs to the cornstarch that thickens the savory sauce into a creamy dream.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The base for juicy, tender meatballs full of rich flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Keep the meatballs moist and tender while adding a subtle texture.
- Finely chopped onion (¼ cup): Adds a sweet, aromatic lift that balances the beef.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together for perfect meatball formation.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings depth and a slight tangy savoriness to the mix.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): For a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor in a mild, smooth way.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Creates the flavorful, rich base for the creamy gravy.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the broth into the luscious sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Begin by gently mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the mix; you want tender meatballs, not dense ones.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay nice and juicy. Place them on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Arrange Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Carefully place the meatballs in a single layer inside your slow cooker. Stacking can cause uneven cooking, so give them a little breathing room if possible.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch until you have a smooth mixture with no lumps. This simple slurry is what will transform into the silky gravy coating your meatballs.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Cook
Pour the beef broth mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the cooker to low. Let the meatballs simmer and soak up those flavors for about 4 to 5 hours until they’re cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once cooking is done, gently stir the meatballs to coat them evenly in the creamy gravy. The sauce will be perfectly thick, rich, and comforting—ideal for spooning over your favorite sides.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper brightens up the dish and gives it a homey, restaurant-quality finish. A few sliced green onions can add a mild oniony crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This recipe finds its happiest home served over classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, where the gravy can pool perfectly. You can also serve it with buttered egg noodles or plain steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these meatballs as hearty sliders on toasted rolls for a fun twist or spoon them over a bed of roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. You can even turn them into a comforting casserole by layering cooked pasta and cheese underneath the meatballs and gravy before baking briefly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making it one of those meals that tastes just as good or better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these meatballs on hand for busy days, freeze them in portions with sauce in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, they will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing any flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If the gravy thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may be a little less juicy, so you might want to add a touch more breadcrumbs or a little olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make the meatballs on the stovetop or bake them in the oven, then simmer the gravy separately on the stove. However, the slow cooker really helps the flavors develop and keeps the meatballs wonderfully tender.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
If your gravy is too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker near the end of cooking. To thin it out, simply add a splash of beef broth or water.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or peas make fantastic additions. Add them about halfway through the cooking time so they stay tender but not mushy.
What is the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Use the correct ratio of binders like egg and breadcrumbs and avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Handle the meatballs gently while forming and cooking to ensure they hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about serving up a dish like this Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that fills your home with heartwarming aromas and offers pure comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting into slow cooking, this recipe is worth having in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to dinner!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers tender, flavorful meatballs cooked slowly in a rich, savory beef broth gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting dinner, these meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty meal.
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 all ingredients thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them aside on a clean surface while you prepare the gravy.
- Arrange meatballs in slow cooker: Place the formed meatballs carefully into the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure 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.
- Combine and cook: Pour the beef broth and cornstarch mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid.
- Slow cook: Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender. The slow cooking process will thicken the broth into a creamy gravy.
- Serve: Once done, serve the meatballs topped with the creamy gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting and filling meal.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground beef with about 80% lean to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep meatballs from falling apart during slow cooking.
- You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Make sure not to open the slow cooker lid frequently as it lowers the cooking temperature and time.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
