Looking for a meal that warms your heart? Slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are perfect for families. They turn classic Salisbury steak into tasty meatballs in a rich gravy.
Picture coming home to a kitchen full of delicious smells. These meatballs are made with ground beef, herbs, and spices. They’re easy to make and full of flavor.
Busy parents and home cooks will love this recipe. It’s easy and makes a lot of food. Everyone will want more of this comforting dish.
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Find the perfect simple Salisbury steak recipe for weeknight dinners. This crockpot meatballs dish is easy and full of flavor. It’s a favorite for busy families.
This recipe is all about ease. Store-bought meatballs turn into a fancy meal with little work. It shows that tasty dinners can be quick to make.
- Perfect for hectic weeknights
- Minimal preparation time
- Restaurant-quality taste at home
- Versatile serving options
Here are some ways to serve this classic dish:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Fluffy white rice
- Steamed vegetables
The key to this tasty Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is the homemade gravy. It makes simple ingredients into a comfort food favorite. With a few steps, you’ll have a meal that looks like it took hours.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To make delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, start by gathering the right ingredients. Frozen meatballs are the base, making the dish easy and tasty. You’ll also need some pantry staples to make it a meal fit for a restaurant.
- Frozen meatballs (pre-cooked, to save time)
- Beef broth (for rich, deep flavor)
- Brown gravy mix
- Onion soup mix
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cornstarch
- Cold water
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
The mix of brown gravy and onion soup makes a flavorful sauce. Beef broth adds depth, and Worcestershire sauce gives a tangy twist. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it cling to the meatballs perfectly.
Want to add your own twist? Try these optional ingredients:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Cream of mushroom soup
Pro tip: Frozen meatballs make this recipe easy, but you can use homemade ones for a personal touch. This recipe is all about flexibility and simplicity.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs needs careful steps. Begin by getting your slow cooker ready for perfect results.
For the best slow cooking, follow these steps:
- Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking
- Place frozen meatballs directly into the prepared slow cooker
- Prepare the gravy by whisking together key ingredients
Thickening the gravy is key for a rich, tasty sauce. Mix beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re all coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook for about 5 hours, until the meatballs are tender and flavorful.
Pro tip: If using homemade meatballs, cooking time might vary. Always check the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making the best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs needs careful attention. Choosing the right meatballs is key to a tasty dish that will wow everyone.
Here are some important tips for picking meatballs:
- Choose high-quality ground beef with about 80/20 fat for the best taste
- Homemade meatballs are great if they’re cooked before going into the slow cooker
- Frozen meatballs are a quick and easy option for a fast meal
Getting the gravy just right is also important. Here’s how to enhance the flavor:
- Whisk flour or cornstarch well to avoid lumpy gravy
- Use beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor
- Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for more depth
Remember, for tender meatballs, don’t overcook them. The slow cooker should cook them gently, keeping them juicy. Try using ground turkey or pork to find your new favorite flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Meal prep fans will enjoy the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. They’re perfect for batch cooking. Preparing them ahead of time saves a lot of time on busy weekdays.
To start your meal prep, follow these steps:
- Mix meatball ingredients up to 24 hours before cooking
- Shape meatballs and store in an airtight container
- Prepare gravy sauce separately and refrigerate
- Keep raw ingredients chilled until ready to cook
For extra convenience, make multiple batches of meatballs. Freeze them for later meals. This makes the recipe great for busy families.
| Prep Method | Storage Time | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Meatballs | Up to 3 days | Store in sealed container |
| Frozen Meatballs | Up to 3 months | Freeze in airtight freezer bag |
When it’s time to cook, just put the meatballs in your slow cooker. This prep method means you can have a tasty, homemade meal with little effort.
Storing Leftovers
Proper food storage is key to keeping your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs tasty and safe. After you’ve enjoyed this meal, it’s important to store the leftovers carefully.
Here are some tips for refrigerating your meatballs:
- Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and flavor contamination
- Separate meatballs from gravy if possible to maintain texture
- Cool the dish completely before storing in the refrigerator
Refrigeration is vital for keeping your meatballs fresh and tasty. Here’s a quick guide for storage times:
| Storage Location | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
For the best storage, put the container in the coldest part of your fridge. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, remember to reheat them properly. This will help bring back the meatballs’ original flavor and texture.
Freezing Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making freezer meals with Salisbury steak meatballs is a great way to prep dinners ahead. These meatballs are perfect for keeping in the freezer. They can quickly turn into tasty meals.
Here’s how to store your Salisbury steak meatballs for freezer meals:
- Cool the meatballs completely before freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn
- Label containers with the date and contents
For the best taste, store your meals in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw and reheat safely, follow these steps:
- Transfer frozen meatballs from the freezer to the refrigerator
- Allow 24 hours for complete thawing
- Reheat thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Pro tip: Freeze your meatballs in portions for you or your family. This makes reheating easier on busy nights.
Reheating Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Reheating leftover Salisbury steak meatballs is easy with the right methods. Each way has its own benefits for keeping your meal tasty. Knowing how to reheat helps your meatballs stay juicy and full of flavor.
Microwave reheating is great for fast meals. Put meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst to heat evenly. This keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
Stovetop warming is another good choice. Heat a skillet over medium-low, add meatballs with some beef broth, and cover. Warm for 3-5 minutes, turning them now and then. The broth keeps the meat moist and prevents it from getting tough.
Oven reheating is best for keeping the meatballs’ texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F, put meatballs in a covered dish with extra gravy, and warm for 15-20 minutes. This gentle heat keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.