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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy
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Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy offers a warm, hearty, and comforting meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich, savory mushroom gravy, delivering classic comfort food with minimal prep and hands-off cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe can be customized for various diets and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb/gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Mushroom Gravy

  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1–2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Optional: splash of heavy cream or sour cream for extra creamy gravy
  • Optional herbs: thyme or parsley, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined to ensure tender meatballs that won’t become dense.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy inside.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In a skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onions, sautéing until golden and fragrant, which enhances the flavor of the mushroom gravy.
  4. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed mushrooms and onions on top. Add beef broth and additional Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle flour or cornstarch evenly over the mixture to help thicken the gravy while cooking.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method melds the flavors and keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
  6. Finish and Thicken the Gravy (If Needed): If the gravy needs thickening, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the gravy a few minutes before serving. This will give the gravy a smooth, rich texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions to maximize flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
  • Browning meatballs before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor and firmer texture.
  • Adjust gravy thickness by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or more flour slurry for thicker consistency.
  • Keep the slow cooker lid sealed during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.

Nutrition

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

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