Print

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy offers a comforting, hearty meal featuring tender beef meatballs slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. This effortless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, combining savory flavors with easy preparation and versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mushroom Gravy

  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional herbs: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Shape mixture into evenly sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until a crust forms, adding depth of flavor and helping them hold shape. Transfer browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced mushrooms and diced onions until softened and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic near the end to release aroma without burning.
  4. Make the Mushroom Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom and onion mixture, stirring constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes silky smooth.
  5. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the mushroom gravy over the browned meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to become tender.
  6. Final Touches: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme to add color and freshness.

Notes

  • Don’t skip browning the meatballs to seal in juices and add caramelized flavor.
  • Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and richer gravy.
  • If gravy is too thin, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even slow cooking.
  • Place meatballs closely but not overcrowded in the slow cooker for proper cooking and coverage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salisbury steak, meatballs, slow cooker recipe, mushroom gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/slow-cooker-salisbury-steak-meatballs-with-mushroom-gravy/