Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced The main ingredients set the stage for your savory slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs. I use ground beef for its rich flavor and juiciness. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture. Onions bring sweetness and depth, while the egg acts as a binder. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish. - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup beef broth - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon soy sauce Seasonings and sauces are key to crafting a tasty dish. Worcestershire sauce gives a tangy umami kick. Dried thyme offers earthy notes that complement the beef. Beef broth keeps the meatballs moist and adds richness. Ketchup brings a hint of sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons cold water - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Thickeners and garnish finish the dish nicely. Cornstarch mixed with cold water creates a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making your meal visually appealing. This simple touch makes a big difference in presentation and flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing the ingredients First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 large egg, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Pour in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything until it is well combined. This step is key for good flavor. - Shaping the meatballs Now, take the meat mixture and form it into about 12 meatballs. Each meatball should be around 1.5 inches wide. Make sure they are compact. This helps them cook evenly and hold their shape during cooking. - Arranging meatballs in the slow cooker Carefully place the shaped meatballs into the slow cooker. Arrange them evenly so they cook well. Don’t stack them on top of each other. This allows for even heat and better flavor. - Preparing the sauce In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix until the sauce is smooth. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure all meatballs are coated with the sauce for maximum flavor. - Stirring in the cornstarch slurry After cooking for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, the meatballs will be tender. To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an extra 30 minutes. This will make your sauce thick and rich. - Adjusting seasoning and serving Once thickened, taste the sauce. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To keep your meatballs tender, mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Use your hands to combine everything well but don’t squish it too much. When shaping the meatballs, make them compact but not too tight. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can customize the sauce flavor to suit your taste. Add extra Worcestershire sauce for a bolder taste or a splash of hot sauce for some heat. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the sauce as it cooks. This will give you a nice, rich texture. Salisbury steak meatballs go well with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Both soak up the sauce beautifully. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add seasonal vegetables on the side. This makes your meal colorful and nutritious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the flavor of your meatballs. Opt for fresh herbs and quality ground beef for a more delicious outcome. Let the Meatballs Rest: After shaping the meatballs, let them rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to your taste. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Pair with Vegetables: Serve your meatballs with seasonal vegetables like green beans or carrots to enhance the meal's nutritional value and add color to your plate. {{image_4}} You can switch ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner. They still give great flavor. Just keep in mind that they may need a bit more seasoning. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores offer these now. They will work well in this recipe. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! Want to mix it up? Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers to your meatball mix. They add a nice texture and taste. Just chop them finely so they blend well. If you like it spicy, add some hot sauce to the sauce mix. This will give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your taste. If you don't have a slow cooker, try using an Instant Pot. Cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes under high pressure. This method saves time while keeping the meatballs tender. Another option is to bake the meatballs in the oven. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes. They will still be delicious and easy to make! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. For best taste, enjoy them within three to four days. Make sure to cover the meatballs well in sauce to keep them moist. You can freeze these meatballs and sauce for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. These meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. Preparing meals ahead of time saves you stress during busy weeknights. You can make these meatballs and sauce in advance. Portion them into single servings for easy meals. Store each portion in separate containers. This way, you can grab a meal whenever you need one. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious food without the hassle! To check the meatballs, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. The safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut a meatball in half. The meat should be brown without any pink. The juices should run clear. This shows they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cover them well. To save time, you can also freeze the raw meatballs. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then follow the cooking steps as usual. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use cooked rice or quinoa. These options work well to bind the meat. Just make sure they are finely crushed or chopped. This will help the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. This blog post covered how to make Salisbury steak meatballs. We discussed key ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker. Tips helped you perfect your meatballs and suggested variations for flavors and cooking methods. In the end, you have all the tools to create a great dish. Enjoy your meatballs and share this recipe with others! Cooking can be fun and rewarding.$

Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground beef and served in a savory sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact for even cooking.
Carefully place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged evenly to allow for proper cooking.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, and soy sauce until you achieve a smooth mixture. Pour this flavorful sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they are well-coated.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are cooked through and tender to the touch.
After the cooking time, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to enhance the flavor.
Serve the hearty Salisbury steak meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, plate the mashed potatoes or rice first, then elegantly arrange the meatballs on top. Drizzle some of the thickened sauce over the meatballs and finish with a generous sprinkle of parsley. Add seasonal vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Keyword meatballs, salisbury steak, slow cooker