Description
Comfort meets convenience in these slow cooker salisbury steak meatballs, blending classic diner flavors with modern kitchen ease. Hearty beef meatballs swimming in rich mushroom gravy promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 (25 ounces / 708 grams) bag frozen meatballs (about 40 meatballs)
Gravy and Seasoning:
- 2 packets brown gravy mix (1.74 ounces / 49 grams total)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces / 227 grams) sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and tools for a smooth cooking experience, ensuring everything is measured and prepped beforehand.
- Slice mushrooms into thin, uniform pieces approximately ¼ inch thick to promote even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
- Arrange frozen meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for cooking.
- Distribute sliced mushrooms uniformly over the meatballs to enhance overall taste and texture.
- Create the gravy mixture by whisking water, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown gravy mix in a medium bowl until completely smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently pour the prepared gravy over meatballs and mushrooms, carefully stirring to ensure complete and even coating.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to develop and meatballs to become tender.
- For time-constrained preparation, cooking on high for 2-3 hours is acceptable, though low temperature yields more flavorful results.
- Optional: Stir contents occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote flavor distribution.
- Verify meatballs are fully heated by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and gravy has thickened appropriately.
- Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
- Plate meatballs over preferred accompaniments like egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and brightness before serving.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Measure and organize all ingredients beforehand to streamline your cooking process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Mushroom Magic: Slice mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Gravy Consistency: Whisk the gravy mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.
- Gentle Cooking: Low and slow is the secret to tender, flavorful meatballs that practically melt in your mouth.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free gravy mix and low-sodium Worcestershire sauce for celiac or sodium-restricted diets.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce mixture and prep ingredients the night before to save time on cooking day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg