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Cooking has always been more than just a necessity for me; it’s a way to relive memories. Growing up, my family would often gather around the table for hearty meals that warmed our hearts as much as our bellies. One dish that always stood out was Salisbury steak. The comforting combination of savory meat and rich gravy was a highlight during many family dinners. That’s why I love transforming this classic dish into slow-cooked Salisbury steak meatballs—perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It’s easy to prepare and tastes delightful!
Not only do these Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver on flavor, but they also serve as a crowd-pleaser for parties or casual family meals. Their rich taste and ease of preparation make them a go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in your crock pot—there’s minimal effort involved!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of meatballs, savory gravy, and mushrooms packs a flavorful punch.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it on its own, or spoon it over mashed potatoes or rice for a wonderful meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love meatballs, making this a hit for all ages.
These meatballs truly shine with their hearty and comforting flavor, perfect for any occasion.
How To Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Whipping up these delicious meatballs is as simple as pie! In no time, you’ll have a scrumptious slow-cooked dish that everyone will want to dig into. Get your ingredients ready, and let’s get started!
Star Ingredients
- 36-ounce bag frozen meatballs: Saves time and easy to find.
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms: Adds a nice texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 onion (chopped): Gives freshness and sweetness to the dish.
- 3-5 garlic cloves (minced): Enhances the aroma and taste.
- 1 ½ cups water or low sodium beef broth: Provides richness; broth adds extra depth.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that intensifies the flavor.
- 1 envelope brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix: Adds a savory kick to the meatballs.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish; optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to finish off your dish.
Simple Assembly
- Place frozen meatballs in crockpot.
- Add the meatballs to your crock pot. No need to thaw; they’ll cook nicely from frozen.
- Scatter the mushrooms, onion, and garlic on top.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic for a flavorful base.
- Add the broth (or water) and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour in the broth or water along with the Worcestershire sauce—this adds extra flavor.
- Sprinkle the gravy mix and onion soup mix on top.
- Toss on both mixes to thicken everything and enhance the taste.
- Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 3-5 hours, until the meatballs are fully heated through.
- Make sure to stir halfway to combine everything well. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatballs are steaming hot.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve as is or over mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
- Serve it all up, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of parsley for flair!
You Must Know
When using frozen meatballs, it’s essential to avoid thawing them first. Cooking from frozen helps keep their texture intact. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking, and remember, cooking times can vary based on your crock pot’s strength.
How To Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These flavorful meatballs are fantastic served over fluffy mashed potatoes, but you can also pair them with steamed veggies or rice. On busy weeknights or hosting friends, this dish fills up plates and hearts alike!
How To Store Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool, and transfer them to an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—simply thaw before reheating.
Tips To Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
For the best results, feel free to customize the dish! Add in your favorite vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Playful Variations
Mix it up by using different kinds of mushrooms or trying meatballs made from turkey or chicken. You can even fold in some cheese for added richness. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile and open to experimentation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I cook frozen meatballs in a crock pot?
You should cook frozen meatballs on LOW for 3-5 hours. The timing may vary based on your crock pot, but they’ll be delicious and heated through!
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have a family recipe for homemade meatballs, go ahead and use them. Just cook them until fully heated through, as they may not need as long in the crock pot.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can work as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavors will slightly change.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans. Just toss them in with the other ingredients for extra color and nutrients.
How can I thicken the gravy further?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken it up beautifully!
Cooking can be such a joy, especially when you bring your loved ones together over a meal. This Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is not only simple but delicious, perfect for busy evenings or fun gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this hearty dish as much as I do! Happy cooking!