Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs: Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s not a dream – it’s the reality you can create with this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe! This isn’t just another meatball dish; it’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level of convenience.

Salisbury steak, the inspiration behind these delightful meatballs, has a fascinating history. Named after Dr. James Salisbury, a 19th-century American physician, it was originally conceived as a health food. While Dr. Salisbury’s dietary theories might be outdated, his namesake dish has evolved into a beloved classic enjoyed worldwide. Our Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs take that classic flavor profile and transform it into a fuss-free, family-friendly meal.

People adore Salisbury steak and, by extension, these meatballs, for several reasons. The combination of savory beef, aromatic onions, and a deeply flavorful gravy is simply irresistible. The tender texture of the meatballs, achieved through slow cooking, melts in your mouth. And, of course, the sheer convenience of a slow cooker recipe is a major draw. Simply toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! What’s not to love? Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food with these delectable Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• For the Gravy:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Meatballs:

Okay, let’s get started with the meatballs! This is where the magic begins. I like to use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor and texture. The pork adds a nice richness that you just don’t get with beef alone. But feel free to use all beef if that’s what you prefer.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed. I usually use my hands for this, but a large spoon works too.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This recipe should yield about 20-24 meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point; you just want to get a nice sear on them. Browning adds a ton of flavor! Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Gravy:

Now for the gravy! This is what really makes these Salisbury meatballs special. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory gravy that’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sliced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The browned bits left in the skillet from the meatballs will add even more flavor to the gravy!
2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help to thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all that delicious flavor is hiding! Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and there are no lumps.
5. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Slow Cooking the Salisbury Meatballs:

Time to let the slow cooker do its thing! This is the easiest part. Just layer everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer away until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy is rich and flavorful.

1. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Pour the gravy into the slow cooker. Then, gently place the browned meatballs into the gravy, making sure they are mostly submerged.
2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. The gravy will also thicken as it cooks.
3. Optional: Add Cream: If desired, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra-rich and creamy gravy. This is totally optional, but I highly recommend it!
4. Serve: Serve the Salisbury meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Breadcrumbs: I like to use plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, but you can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
• Meat: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken would also work well in this recipe.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the gravy, such as chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
• Wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the gravy along with the beef broth.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little bit of heat.
• Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is not thick enough after slow cooking, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slow cooking.
• Freezing: These Salisbury meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

These Salisbury meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are also great options.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or wide noodles are perfect for twirling in the gravy.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, try serving the meatballs over cauliflower mash.
• Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget the dinner rolls for soaking up any leftover gravy!

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs! It’s a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners or even a casual weekend gathering. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Meatballs? Again?” But trust me on this one. The depth of flavor achieved through the slow cooking process is simply unparalleled. The meatballs become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the rich, savory gravy is the perfect complement. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes this recipe a must-try? First, the ease of preparation is a huge win. Seriously, it takes just minutes to brown the meatballs and whisk together the gravy ingredients. Then, you simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No babysitting required! Second, the flavor profile is incredibly satisfying. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a classic meatball base, while the gravy, infused with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of Dijon mustard, adds a layer of complexity that will have everyone coming back for seconds. And finally, the versatility of this dish is unmatched.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Ready to serve? These Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs are fantastic served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even fluffy rice. For a lighter option, try serving them with zucchini noodles or a side of steamed vegetables. A crusty loaf of bread is also a must for soaking up all that delicious gravy!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy will do the trick. Prefer a sweeter flavor? A tablespoon of brown sugar can be added to the gravy for a touch of sweetness. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Get creative and make it your own!

For a richer gravy, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a velvety smooth sauce that is simply irresistible. You could also add some sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor boost.

If you’re looking to make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-made meatballs. Just be sure to brown them before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they develop a nice crust.

Don’t Forget the Sides!

Pair these Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Green beans, carrots, or broccoli would all be excellent choices. And don’t forget the dessert! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of apple pie would be the perfect ending to this comforting meal.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker and give these Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs a try!

I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this recipe. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!