Oh, this recipe? It’s the perfect twist on a classic, cozy comfort food that feels just like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: savory, tender meatballs served in a rich, flavorful gravy that’s so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything. If you’re craving a dish that’s satisfying and easy to make, then this Salisbury Steak Meatball recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular rotation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This dish is all about comfort and flavor! Whether you’re looking for something hearty to feed the whole family or a dish to impress friends, these meatballs bring all the flavor and none of the fuss. Here’s why it’s a favorite in my kitchen:
- Versatile: These Salisbury steak meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over egg noodles. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or making a simple dinner for yourself, this dish does it all.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for a delicious meal. Ground beef, basic pantry staples, and a few seasoning essentials come together to create something so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Quick and Easy: Even if you’re a beginner cook, these meatballs are a breeze to put together. With simple steps and a hands-off cooking process, you’ll have a tasty dinner in no time.
- Customizable: Spice it up or keep it mild—it’s totally up to you! Want to add a bit of heat? A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika will do the trick.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love it, adults love it. Need I say more?
Ingredients
This dish is made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. Here’s the breakdown:
Ground Beef: The heart of these meatballs. When cooked, it becomes tender and juicy, with just the right amount of bite.
Breadcrumbs: They keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together perfectly.
Egg: This binds everything together and keeps the meatballs moist.
Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory goodness.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in flavoring these meatballs.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient for that signature umami flavor.
Beef Broth: The base of the rich, savory gravy.
Ketchup: For a slight tang and sweetness in the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zing and balance to the gravy.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and thyme are key to making the meatballs taste like a million bucks.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive in! Making these Salisbury Steak Meatballs is as easy as 1-2-3:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want that perfect roast on the meatballs, so give your oven some time to warm up.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork it. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds that delicious caramelized flavor to the outside, but don’t worry, they’ll cook through in the sauce later.
Make the Gravy: After the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same pan, add your beef broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’re making that incredible gravy that’s going to smother the meatballs.
Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, making sure they’re all nestled in there. Cover the pan and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy is thickened.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve those beautiful meatballs and that rich, savory gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. Enjoy every tender, juicy bite!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This dish pairs perfectly with some classic sides to elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more memorable:
- Mashed Potatoes: There’s nothing like a big scoop of buttery mashed potatoes to go with that gravy.
- Rice: A simple side of rice will soak up all the delicious sauce and complement the rich meatballs.
- Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli are perfect sides to balance out the heaviness of the meatballs.
- Crusty Bread: A piece of warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up any leftover gravy.
Additional Tips
A few tricks to make your meatballs even more delicious:
- Make Ahead: You can prep the meatballs and gravy the day before and store them in the fridge. Just heat them up before serving!
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a little chili powder or cayenne to the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten, and use a plant-based ground beef for a vegan version.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use turkey or chicken for the meatballs?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep them tender.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, just double the ingredients. The cooking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the meatballs.
Conclusion
There you have it—Salisbury Steak Meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. Perfect for dinner any night of the week, these meatballs will be a hit with the whole family. They’re simple to make but packed with flavor, and the gravy? Pure magic. Enjoy this cozy meal, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! Happy cooking!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salisbury Steak Meatballs is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom gravy. This one-pan recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with ingredient substitutions for a healthier or gluten-free version.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon flour (use cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape mixture into 20 meatballs, about 1 ½ tablespoons each.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced mushrooms and onions, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Return meatballs to skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
Notes
- To bake: Bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes before adding them to the gravy.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze: Let the meatballs and gravy cool, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- If gravy is too thin, thicken with a slurry of cornstarch or flour. If too thick, add more broth, ¼ cup at a time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg