Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Family-Friendly Comfort

Cooking can often turn into a cherished memory, especially when it involves gathering around the table with family. I vividly remember evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of comfort food filled the air. One dish that always warmed our hearts was Salisbury steak, reimagined into easy-to-make meatballs. The best part? Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, offering a homestyle meal that anyone can prepare.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs provide a delightful twist on the classic, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. These tender meatballs, surrounded by a rich, savory gravy, can instantly transport you back to those cozy family dinners. They embody home-cooked comfort with every bite.

Using a slow cooker not only simplifies the process but also ensures tender results. Imagine coming home to a meal that seems to have cooked itself while you went about your day. With just a few simple ingredients like frozen meatballs and savory broth, you can create a dish that will have everyone requesting seconds.

As we dive into this culinary adventure, let’s embrace the joy of cooking. Discover how to make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs that will satisfy your family’s cravings for warmth and comfort.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Fundamentals

H3: Fundamentals

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs rely on a few basic but essential elements. Frozen meatballs serve as the foundation, offering a convenient shortcut to deliciousness. This not only saves time but also makes meal prep easier, especially on busy days. The rich gravy, made from beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix, elevates the dish with layers of flavor.

The recipe shines thanks to classic ingredients combined in the slow cooker. Each component contributes to the overall taste, making this dish a standout without being overly complicated. The slow cooking process helps the meatballs absorb the savory flavors, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love.

H3: Preparation/setup

Preparation can be incredibly straightforward. Start by spraying the insert of the slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. This simple step guarantees an easier cleanup later on. Next, you’ll want to dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert. This aspect keeps things hassle-free.

For the sauce, whisk the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until well combined. The blend of these ingredients results in a mouthwatering sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. Pour this mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they get coated evenly.

H3: Ingredients

Here’s what you need to gather for this delightful recipe:

• 1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen meatballs
• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These simple ingredients make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs achievable and accessible for anyone.

H3: Directions

To create this comforting dish, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
5. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
6. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
7. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Mastering the Technique of Salisbury Steak Meatballs

H3: Technique

Mastering Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs involves a few simple techniques that elevate the entire dish. The key lies in allowing the flavors to develop over time. Slow cooking ensures that the meatballs become tender and absorb the savory sauce. Keep the slow cooker covered to retain heat and moisture as it cooks for those precious 5-6 hours.

When making the gravy, ensure thorough mixing of the broth and gravy mix. This prevents any lumps, allowing for a smooth and velvety sauce. The addition of cornstarch toward the end thickens the gravy, making it perfect for serving.

H3: Tips/tricks

To make the most out of your Salisbury steak meatballs, consider a few essential tips. Use quality frozen meatballs; they can significantly impact flavor and texture. Thawing them briefly in the microwave before placing them in the slow cooker isn’t necessary but may aid in more even cooking.

For those who enjoy a little extra kick, add in a dash of hot sauce or your favorite seasoning blend when mixing the sauce. Feel free to adjust the thickness of the gravy by altering the amount of cornstarch and water slurry you use.

Perfecting Your Salisbury Steak Meatballs

H3: Perfecting results

Achieving perfect results with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs mainly revolves around timing and technique. Slow cooking on low heat ensures that the meatballs cook gently, allowing the flavors to intermingle. Be sure to check the meatballs towards the end of cooking to ensure they are heated all the way through.

If you desire a more concentrated sauce flavor, consider removing the lid during the last hour of cooking. This method allows some moisture to evaporate, intensifying the gravy.

H3: Troubleshooting/variations

If the sauce ends up thinning out too much, don’t be disheartened. You can always create another cornstarch slurry and add it back into the slow cooker. For a more substantial meal, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or onions to the recipe for added flavor.

Should you have leftover meatballs, feel free to incorporate them into other dishes like sandwiches or pasta bakes. The versatility of the dish allows for creative adaptations to minimize food waste.

Serving Suggestions and Storage for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

H3: Serving/presentation

Presentation can dramatically enhance the appeal of any dish, including Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even buttery egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley provides a pop of color and freshness.

Consider offering an array of sides. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments, balancing the meal.

H3: Pairings/storage

While enjoying Salisbury Steak Meatballs, consider pairing them with sides that complement without overpowering. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles work wonderfully, adding heartiness to the meal.

For storage, place any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to regain moisture.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs embody family-friendly comfort. They deliver on warm, hearty flavors while giving everyone a reason to gather around the table.

Embracing home-cooked meals can transform your dining experiences, creating memories that linger long after the plates are cleared.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 370 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

Enjoy these tender Salisbury steak meatballs slow-cooked in a rich gravy, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
5. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
6. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
7. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Use quality frozen meatballs for the best flavor. Adjust the thickness of the gravy by modifying the cornstarch slurry as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe