There’s just something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It wraps you up like a warm hug after a long day. One of my all-time favorites is *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs*. I can still remember the aroma wafting through my childhood home, teasing my senses as I eagerly awaited dinner. This dish brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and hearty meals enjoyed together around the table. Tender meatballs simmering in a rich gravy create such a delightful dish that it’s impossible not to feel cozy while enjoying it. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, you’ll want to make this a regular on your dinner rotation!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp soy sauce

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get those delicious *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs* cooking! I promise this will be as easy as pie—or should I say, meatballs?

First, grab a large bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Trust me, it’s a bit messy but oh-so-satisfying!
Once everything’s mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-16 meatballs, depending on how generous you feel!
Now, place the meatballs gently in your slow cooker. They can be a little snug, but don’t overcrowd them too much.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and soy sauce until smooth. This is where the magic happens—this sauce is rich and flavorful!
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all covered. This will help them stay moist and soak up all that flavor.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better! Just let it work its magic while you go about your day.
When it’s done, check that the meatballs are cooked through—no pink in the center! Serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice, and prepare for a cozy meal that’ll warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this recipe is a total winner in my kitchen, and here’s why you’re going to adore it too:

Effortless Preparation: Just mix, shape, and toss everything into the slow cooker. Seriously, it doesn’t get easier than this!
Flavorful Comfort: The rich gravy and tender meatballs create a flavor explosion that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Perfect for Family Meals: This dish is a crowd-pleaser! It brings everyone together, from the littlest eaters to the pickiest adults. Plus, who can resist a comforting plate of meatballs?
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, this dish adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for!
Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s perfect for meal prep! Just make it ahead of time, and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready to go.
Leftover Magic: The flavors just get better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Tips for Success

Now, let’s make sure your *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef makes a huge difference in flavor. If you can, go for grass-fed beef for a richer taste.
Breadcrumbs Matter: You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or even make your own from stale bread—just blend it up!
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped mushrooms or peas for added flavor and texture. They’ll soak up that delicious gravy!
Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until combined.
Check for Doneness: Always ensure the meatballs are cooked through. A meat thermometer can be super helpful—aim for 160°F (71°C) in the center.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a deliciously comforting meal that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delightful *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs* (about 1 meatball with gravy):

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on brands and specific ingredients used. But, hey, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying while savoring this comforting dish!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be aware that it might need a little more seasoning to bring out the flavor.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem at all! You can substitute it with cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. The key is to maintain that creamy texture!

Can I add extra vegetables to the meatballs?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms or finely grated carrots can add moisture and flavor. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly, but it’ll be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be perfect for a quick meal later on!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve got some delicious *slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs* left? Lucky you! Storing them properly ensures you can enjoy that comforting flavor again. First, let the meatballs cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, go ahead and freeze them! Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, or if you prefer, warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy nice and saucy. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: 7 Heartwarming Tips

Print Recipe

Slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs are a hearty and comforting dish. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and soy sauce.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

Ensure meatballs are cooked through before serving.
You can add vegetables like mushrooms or peas for more flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, meatballs, comfort food