Tender Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new dimension with these slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs that promise a delightful twist on the classic dish.

Packed with robust flavors and tender meat, this recipe brings traditional comfort to your dinner table.

Each carefully crafted meatball bursts with savory goodness, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

The rich, velvety gravy envelops these delectable bites, promising a truly satisfying experience.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Such a crowd-pleasing recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight into a memorable dining moment.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)

Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Ingredients List

• Ground Beef: Key protein that forms tender, juicy meatballs with rich flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates light texture and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Egg: Natural binding agent ensuring meatballs hold perfect shape during cooking.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness to meatball mixture.

• Onion: Provides sweet depth and subtle crunch to meatball mixture.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, warming flavor that complements beef beautifully.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces complex, tangy undertones to elevate overall taste.

• Beef Broth: Foundational liquid creating authentic, savory sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and deep color to gravy.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, zesty notes balancing gravy's richness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce to perfect silky consistency.

• Mushrooms: Earthy element adding texture and umami flavor.
• Onion: Contributes caramelized sweetness throughout cooking process.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finishing touch with vibrant color pop.

Essential Tools for Salisbury Steak Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly and forming perfect meatballs.
• Skillet: Optional tool for browning meatballs and creating extra flavor before slow cooking.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending gravy ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Slow Cooker: Primary cooking appliance that transforms ingredients into tender, flavorful meatballs.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient quantities and consistent recipe results.
• Small Bowl: Used for preparing the gravy mixture and cornstarch slurry.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping vegetables with precision.

Cooking Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Create Flavor-Packed Meatballs

Blend ground beef with aromatic ingredients until perfectly combined. Gently shape into delectable bite-sized spheres that will melt in your mouth.

• Quick Sear for Maximum Taste

Give your meatballs a golden exterior by quickly browning them in a hot skillet. This step locks in incredible flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.

• Craft Rich Gravy

Whisk together savory liquid ingredients to create a luxurious sauce that will transform your meatballs into a comfort food masterpiece.

• Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Spread tender onions and earthy mushrooms across the bottom. Nestle your meatballs on top and shower them with the luscious gravy mixture.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your slow cooker work its, allowing the meatballs to simmer and absorb all the incredible flavors for several hours.

• Final Gravy Transformation

Near the end of cooking, introduce a thickening agent to create a silky, rich sauce that clings perfectly to each meatball.

• Serve with Love

Plate your meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or tender noodles. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Pro Tips & Flavor Variations

• Gently mix ingredients and avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender and soft, preventing them from becoming dense or tough.
• Prepare meatballs and gravy mixture a day ahead, refrigerate separately, then combine in slow cooker for convenient meal prep on busy days.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like ground oats, almond flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein version that maintains the same delicious gravy and comfort food appeal.
• Add extra sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the slow cooker for increased nutrition and flavor complexity, creating a more substantial one-pot meal.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Nestle these savory meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food experience that hugs your taste buds.
• Hearty Noodle Nest: Spoon the meatballs and rich gravy atop tender egg noodles, creating a classic midwestern-style dinner that feels like home cooking.
• Elegant Rice Companion: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the delicious gravy to soak into each grain for a satisfying meal with international flair.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the meatballs and provides a pop of color.

Storing and Meal Prep for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gravy helps maintain moisture and prevents drying out.
• Package cooled meatballs with gravy in freezer-safe containers. These delicious bites can remain frozen for 2-3 months, providing quick future meals.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet with extra gravy. Microwave works too – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds to distribute warmth evenly.
• Prepare meatballs in larger batches during weekends. Divide into individual portions, label with dates, and store for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

FAQs

• Why should I brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that adds deeper flavor and a nice texture to the meatballs. It’s an optional step that enhances the overall taste but won’t ruin the recipe if skipped.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. The seasonings will help maintain the classic Salisbury steak taste.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker?

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and use a binding agent like egg and breadcrumbs. When forming meatballs, pack them gently but firmly. Avoid overmixing the meat, which can make them tough.

• What can I do if my gravy is too thin?

Mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the gravy to the desired consistency.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chicken gnocchi soup delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight from your kitchen. Creamy, rich broth with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi promises warm satisfaction for busy home cooks craving delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded carrots
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped celery
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh spinach, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) package potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional Toppings:

• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Combine tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs in the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the soup by layering chicken, diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, sliced celery, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are well-submerged and evenly distributed throughout the cooking vessel.
3. Set the crockpot to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer gently, transforming raw ingredients into a rich, cohesive broth over 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
4. Carefully extract the cooked chicken from the liquid and use two forks to shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the simmering broth.
5. Introduce soft, pillowy gnocchi into the soup, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and slowly incorporate half-and-half to create a creamy, luxurious texture.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb flavors and become perfectly tender.
7. Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, letting them wilt naturally and add a vibrant green color to the dish.
8. If a thicker consistency is desired, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then stir into the soup and cook briefly until the liquid reaches the preferred thickness.
9. Serve the steaming soup in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s creamy texture and hearty feel.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the comforting soup’s delicious flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt levels during seasoning for a heart-healthy adaptation.
• Prep vegetables the night before to streamline morning cooking and ensure quick, stress-free meal preparation in the crockpot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg