Here's a comprehensive recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, along with some tips and variations to make it even tastier!
**Ingredients:**
For the Meatballs:
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean to fat ratio works best)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy:
* 1 can (10.5 oz) of beef broth
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons butter
**Optional Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
* 1/4 cup chopped bacon, crumbled
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
**Cooking Steps:**
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), egg, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 16-20 meatballs.
3. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. If using, scatter the chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, bacon, or parsley on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and flour. Pour the mixture over the meatballs, making sure they're completely coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the remaining beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
7. Serve the meatballs with the gravy spooned over the top. You can serve them on their own, over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread.
**Tips for Tastier Meatballs:**
1. **Don't overmix the meat mixture**, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. **Use the right breadcrumbs**. Panko or Japanese breadcrumbs will absorb less fat and produce a lighter, airier texture.
3. **Don't overcrowd the slow cooker**, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
4. **Add aromatics** like onions, garlic, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added flavor.
5. **Let the meatballs rest** for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
**Variations:**
* **Italian-Style Meatballs**: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
* **Spicy Meatballs**: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
* **Mushroom Gravy Meatballs**: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the slow cooker with the meatballs and gravy.
* **Bacon-wrapped Meatballs**: Wrap 2-3 bacon slices around each meatball before cooking in the slow cooker.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs!
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