Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs! This dish is all about turning your everyday meal into something truly special, and trust me, it’s a flavor adventure you don’t want to miss.
It all started during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. I was craving something hearty and comforting, but I wanted to put a fun twist on it. That’s when the idea of Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs popped into my head. It was a happy accident that turned into a major success.
Imagine juicy, savory meatballs smothered in a rich, flavorful Salisbury steak gravy, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The flavors are bold, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting! I seriously cannot wait to tell you all about it.
This Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a testament to how amazing comfort food can be. The reactions I get when I serve this dish are priceless – pure joy and happy dances all around! It’s become a staple for game nights, potlucks, and even simple weeknight dinners.
Are you ready to dive into this delicious adventure with me? Let’s make some magic happen and create a Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs masterpiece that will have everyone begging for more! Join me in the kitchen, and let’s get cooking! 🔥💕
INGREDIENTS You Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is all about bold flavors that work together beautifully. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single item – I’ve got some tested swaps for you! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip, making it super convenient.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef: For the juiciest meatballs!
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together perfectly.
- 1 Egg: Another essential for binding.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a fantastic savory note.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Season generously!
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs.
- 1 Onion, sliced: Adds depth to the gravy.
- 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced: Because mushrooms and Salisbury steak are a match made in heaven!
- 3 cups Beef Broth: Forms the base of our delicious gravy.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce: This Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs gets its amazing taste from this!
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch: For thickening the gravy.
- 2 tbsp Cold Water: To create a cornstarch slurry.
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works too! I also sometimes add a splash of red wine to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor in my Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This ingredient list is straightforward, but the combination creates something truly special.
For busy weeknights, you can prep the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. I love adding extra garlic to my Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs for that extra kick – don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking! Make sure your ingredients are fresh.
Let’s Make Some!
Now for the fun part – let’s make some Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs! These step-by-step instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. Get ready for some delicious magic!
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. This will give you the perfect size for that classic ground beef meatball recipe.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. You don’t need to cook them through, just get a nice sear on them. In my kitchen, this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic starts happening! The aroma is incredible.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Place the sautéed vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the vegetables.
- Make the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is where the Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs do their thing.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to combine. Your Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the gravy has thickened, your Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs are ready to serve!
Don’t worry if your Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs looks slightly different than the picture – every slow cooker is different. Trust your taste buds and adjust the seasonings as needed! These timing insights are based on my own cooking, but yours might vary a little.
This is my favorite part of making Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs – watching the deliciousness unfold! While your Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs is cooking, get ready for some amazing aromas that will fill your kitchen.
How to Serve Up This!
Let’s talk serving suggestions! I love to enjoy this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy just soaks into the potatoes, creating a truly comforting experience.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic and always a winner.
- Egg Noodles: A perfect complement to the savory gravy.
- Rice: A great option for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative that’s still incredibly satisfying.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with a hearty meal?
People literally do happy dances when this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs hits the table with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this with a side of roasted asparagus or green beans. The slight bitterness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the gravy perfectly. This Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs is also fantastic for potlucks and family gatherings – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
For creative leftover transformations, shred the meatballs and use them in sliders or as a topping for baked potatoes. I’ve even used the leftover gravy as a base for a hearty soup. For a fusion variation, try serving the meatballs over polenta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese – it’s amazing!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and forgiving. The slow cooker does most of the work! Follow the steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so delicious.
Q: What if I mess up my Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t stress! Even if you overcook the meatballs slightly, they’ll still be tender and flavorful thanks to the slow cooking process. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Q: How can I prep this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs for busy weeknights?
A: You can prep the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also sauté the vegetables the night before and store them in a separate container. Then, in the morning, just toss everything into the slow cooker!
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! Browning them beforehand is not required, but still recommended. Follow Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs …
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
A: Of course! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or even bell peppers to the mix. Just sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
A: You can reheat them in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the slow cooker on low. Add a little extra beef broth if needed to keep them moist.
Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: While ground beef is traditional, you can definitely use ground turkey or ground chicken as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that they might require a slightly different cooking time.
CONCLUSION:
This Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a perfect blend of comfort and bold flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet always impresses.
Here are My Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth. It makes a huge difference in the richness of the gravy.
- Let the slow cooker do its thing. The longer the meatballs simmer in the gravy, the more flavorful they become.
Here are some delicious Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the gravy for a fiery kick. Perfect for game nights!
- Mushroom Lover’s Meatballs: Use a mix of different mushrooms, like shiitake and cremini, for a more complex flavor. This version is great for potlucks.
- Italian Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the gravy. Serve over pasta for a comforting Italian twist. Try some Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs – In the Kitchen with Momma Mel flavors!
I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! And don’t forget to check out Salisbury Steak Meatballs – The Magical Slow Cooker for even more slow cooker inspiration!
I’m so excited for you to try this Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. I know you’re going to love it! Get ready for a flavor adventure that will warm your soul and leave everyone wanting more. Happy cooking, fellow food lovers! 💕🔥 This reminds me of my Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe! Want something else you can set and forget? Then check out these Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes!
Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and easy weeknight meal. Flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom gravy make for a delicious and satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 380 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until softened.
- Transfer the onion and mushroom mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the browned meatballs to the crockpot.
- Pour beef broth and dry onion soup mix over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the gravy while it’s cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.