When you’re in need of a comforting and satisfying meal that requires very little work on your end, this recipe is the way to go. It combines delectably moist meatballs, wrapped in tender texture, with a thick homemade skillet of mushroom gravy, and all of this cooks up nicely in a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatball recipe will get the job done if you’re planning dinner for yourself and your family, or the meal-prep for those busy weekdays! Also, they’re truly adaptable, so they can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a wholesome dinner that everyone would absolutely love. Let us dig more about that sweet recipe!
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Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Use your hands to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, approximately the size of a golf ball. You should get about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is optional but recommended for a richer taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine.
- Add the Meatballs: Gently place the meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Meatballs: Once the gravy has thickened, serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Suggested Serves: This dominant meatball may be perfectly served alongside mashed potatoes, side vegetables, or salads. An alternative way of serving with these meatballs is with gluten-free egg noodles or with buttered white rice.
Storage: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and then place them in the refrigerator where they can be stored for three days.
Freezing Advice: Just allow them to cool if you are freezing them. After you have cooled them, place them in some a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for the upcoming three months. You may reheat them by directly placing them back in the slow cooker and setting the cooker on low, or you can drop them back into a skillet to slowly cook on low heat.
Helpful Notes
Browning the Meatballs: The searing of the meatballs adds a deeper flavor to the meatballs if you choose to do it. The process also seals in the juices but also gives them a rich caramel exterior.
Gluten-Free Recipes: For gluten-free recipes either Judaize the breadcrumbs or alter it into gluten-free crumbs.
Nutrient-Friendly: Try the vegetarian version. Omit the ground beef and pork and use any plant-based meat alternatives in place of beef, and vegetarian beef broth.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Gordon Ramsay: A chef with a robust love for cooking and the insidious nature of meatball, did judge thus: “=Use your hands to mix the ingredients always, gently. This is to ensure that the scolding the loins are getting is being received from the flames, and not the arm of a mixer.”
Ina Garten: The answer is sublime-“Where the very heart of meat is for the truest authenticity, sauté those tubers and alliums in the finest oil or some butter in your meat mixture and swoon”!
Jamie Oliver: This would be a horrible, rueful night, especially if you wanted to bring the full flavor of the wine into your wondrous gravy and although the bright liquid is there, it still has the weight to cry, like angels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go ahead and substitute turkey or chicken for beef and pork?
Yes.
Instead, you can use ground turkey or chicken to serve as an alternative to this dish’s regular format, providing you relish white meat flavor. Both, however, will probably change the texture and taste.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch combined with 2 tbsp water), and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until gravy reaches the desired thickness.
Can I put some veggies and all in their slow cooker?
Of course! Any sliced carrots, potatoes, peas, or your favorite veggies would be welcome in this gravy. Just put them in the slow cooker right away.
Can I make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, the meatballs and sauce can be prepared 24 hours ahead of time. Keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the gravy in your slow cooker.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
If you dislike mushrooms, feel free to replace them with sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and even baby spinach.
Can this recipe be made on the stovetop rather than using a slow cooker?
The meatballs and gravy can also be cooked in a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop for 1.5–2 hours at low heat.
How do I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Instead of Worcestershire sauce, use a light soy sauce or both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, with each bringing that absolutely bold, deep, and rich presence.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Don’t over mix the meat! Also, adding an egg and bread crumbs plays that role of binding agents.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you may use ground lamb or a combination of mixed meats for a blend of flavor if preferred.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, milk can be replaced with any dairy-free milk alternative such as: almond, rice, coconut, etc., and it is important to use dairy-free breadcrumbs.
Enjoy these tender, slow-cooked Salisbury steak meatballs as a comforting week-night dinner!
