Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Introduction

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and delicious meal that combines savory meatballs with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy days, this dish cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, sliced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Directions

1. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides but not cooked through. Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker.
3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Add Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 3-4 hours (high setting)
• Servings: 6

Variations

1. Vegetable Additions: Include additional vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers in the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Low-Fat Option: Substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef for a lower-fat version of the meatballs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade? Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them to the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I substitute for beef broth? You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as an alternative to beef broth.
3. Can I cook this dish on the stove instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Simmer the meatballs and sauce in a covered pot on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe? This recipe doesn’t call for cheese, but you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving if desired.
5. How do I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture or sauce for added heat.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook.
7. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for ground beef.
8. What side dishes go well with this casserole? Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are great side dishes to serve with Salisbury steak meatballs.
9. How can I thicken the sauce further? To thicken the sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce.
10. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of sliced mushrooms? Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms. Just slice them and cook as directed in the recipe.

Conclusion

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a convenient and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors of savory meatballs and rich sauce into a comforting dish. Enjoy this classic meal with your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious experience!

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