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Salisbury steak meatballs are my answer to cozy weeknight dinners without a fuss. With frozen meatballs as the shortcut, you only need to gather a few ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest. By dinnertime, you get tender meatballs hugged by a rich mushroom gravy that tastes just like something Grandma used to make.
I first made this on a rainy day when I wanted comfort food but had zero energy for anything complicated. Now these meatballs are on regular rotation because everyone always cleans their plate.
Ingredients
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- Frozen meatballs: beef or turkey both work well and save time so choose your favorite for best flavor
- Sliced mushrooms: bring earthiness and soak up the savory sauce look for fresh and firm mushrooms with tight caps
- Chopped yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth choose onions with dry papery skins and no soft spots
- Garlic: minced for aroma and punch use fresh cloves for a bigger flavor boost
- Butter: essential for a silky roux and extra richness always choose unsalted to control saltiness
- Flour: thickens the gravy use allpurpose for the smoothest texture
- Soy sauce: provides umami and a deeper color pick a low sodium variety for control
- Dijon mustard: for tang and subtle heat go for real Dijon not yellow for best results
- Beef broth: is the backbone of the sauce opt for good quality stock or homemade if you have it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Base:
- Add frozen meatballs straight from the freezer to the slow cooker followed by the mushrooms chopped onion minced garlic and butter scattered around them
- Make the Slurry:
- Mix flour with four tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl whisking until no lumps remain This ensures your sauce thickens smoothly without clumps
- Combine Sauces:
- Pour beef broth soy sauce and Dijon mustard into the flour mixture Stir together until it is completely blended and pour this liquid evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker
- Set and Slow Cook:
- Cover with the lid Set to high for two or three hours or low for four to six hours Let the meatballs simmer until the sauce thickens and everything is bubbling Meatballs should be piping hot and reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Gently stir well before serving Serve the meatballs and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes wide egg noodles or try mashed cauliflower for a lighter side
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I always look forward to the mushrooms in this dish They make the gravy extra hearty and remind me of Sunday suppers at my grandparents house laughter echoing around the table and gravy sopped up with soft bread
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days Reheat either on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth to loosen the gravy or in the microwave Heat gently to keep the sauce silky
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Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out yellow onion for sweet onion or even shallots Use glutenfree flour if you need to avoid wheat and swap beef broth for chicken broth or vegetable broth if desired If you do not have Dijon mustard add a teaspoon of Worcestershire for a little kick
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Serving Suggestions
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I love piling these meatballs and their rich gravy on top of buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal For a lighter approach try serving over steamed cauliflower or soft polenta They are also perfect with warm biscuits
Cultural and Historical Context
Salisbury steak has roots as an American diner classic originally invented to promote beef as nutritious comfort food Transforming it into slow cooker meatballs captures all the nostalgia but with a modern shortcut for busy families
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work well. Brown them first for extra flavor, then add to the slow cooker as directed.
- → What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?
They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.
- → How can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?
Mix a bit of flour with water to create a slurry and stir it in. Cook uncovered for 15-30 minutes to thicken.
- → Are turkey meatballs a good substitute?
Yes, turkey meatballs are a lean alternative and absorb flavors well. Use as a direct substitute for beef meatballs.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or microwave in intervals, stirring to heat evenly.
- → Do meatballs need to be thawed before cooking?
No, you can add frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker without thawing.