Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to wrap your kitchen in warmth, comfort, and the kind of aroma that feels like a cozy hug at the end of a long day?
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Cozy Crockpot Dinner Made Easy is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that quietly simmers away while you get on with life. This recipe is inspired by the classic Salisbury steak dinners many of us grew up with—rich brown gravy, tender beef, and hearty flavors that feel familiar and reassuring. By turning the traditional steak into juicy meatballs and letting the slow cooker do all the work, we keep the soul of the dish intact while making it wonderfully easy and stress-free.
There’s something deeply traditional about slow cooking. It’s patient, gentle, and rewarding—perfect for turning simple ingredients into something special. As the meatballs cook low and slow, they soak up the savory gravy made with onions, mushrooms, and beef broth, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. The result is a meal that feels homemade in the best possible way, even if your day was busy. 🕰️
This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or those evenings when you crave comfort without standing over the stove. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even fluffy rice, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that warms both the body and the heart. Let’s get cooking and bring a little old-fashioned comfort back to the table. 🥔🍽️
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches each, and set aside.
- Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms, spreading them evenly to create a flavorful base.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the onion and mushroom layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Pour the gravy mixture gently over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly covered.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, gently mixing to thicken the gravy.
- Cover again and continue cooking until the gravy is rich and silky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Nutritional Information:
This comforting dish offers a satisfying balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The slow cooking method keeps the meatballs juicy without needing extra oil, while the gravy adds richness and depth. Pairing it with vegetables or a light salad can make it a well-rounded, hearty dinner perfect for cooler evenings. 🥗✨
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 6 hours | ⏳ Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
