If you are craving a cozy dinner that delivers big on nostalgia and rich, mouthwatering flavor, then this Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is calling your name. Each tender meatball is bathed in a glossy, savory mushroom gravy, making it a true comfort food classic. The marriage of juicy beef, comforting aromatics, and golden, umami-rich sauce results in a dish that feels familiar yet exciting every time you make it. Whether served over buttery mashed potatoes or twirled into egg noodles, Salisbury Steak Meatballs promise a soul-warming meal that brings everyone to the table in anticipation.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these down-to-earth staples to build layers of flavor and texture—each one has a meaningful role in making your Salisbury Steak Meatballs extra satisfying. Keep things simple and delicious, and your kitchen is already halfway to dinner bliss.

Ground beef (1 pound): The foundation of the dish, bringing juicy flavor and hearty texture to every bite.
Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): These keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
Egg (1 large): Acts as a binding agent, holding the meatballs together for perfect shaping.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds deep umami notes for that signature Salisbury steak taste.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in subtle allium flavor without overcomplicating the mix.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Balances savory depth and aroma with minimal effort.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of spice for warmth and dimension.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for browning the meatballs and adding richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Brings out the best in your mushrooms and onions, infusing them with buttery flavor.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Introduces natural sweetness and depth to the pan sauce.
Sliced mushrooms (2 cups): Mushrooms soak up all the saucy goodness, providing earthy, meaty bites.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy, making it delightfully silky.
Beef broth (2 cups): Builds the soulful, savory backbone of your luscious gravy.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Offers tang and a touch of sweetness for balance.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
Additional salt and pepper to taste: Personalize the finish with a final seasoning adjustment.

How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything with gentle hands or a fork—try not to overwork the mixture, as a light touch keeps the Salisbury Steak Meatballs tender and juicy. It should just come together, not turn into a paste.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Portion out the mixture and roll into about 1-inch meatballs, aiming for roughly even sizing so they cook uniformly. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil, then nestle in the meatballs. Brown them on all sides, turning gently until they’re golden and mostly cooked through—usually 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate, letting those tasty browned bits (“fond”) stay in the skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the heat to medium and add the butter into the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything softens and the onions are translucent, letting their sweetness shine through to enrich the finished dish.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and give it a minute over the heat, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour flavor. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking, scraping every bit of flavor from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the ketchup and Dijon mustard, and let the mixture simmer gently until the gravy thickens to your liking. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Now, return your browned meatballs (plus any juices on the plate) to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over them, cover, and simmer for around 10 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld and the Salisbury Steak Meatballs become incredibly tender and full of character. Spoon up the sauce and test a meatball to make sure it’s cooked through, then you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, shower your Salisbury Steak Meatballs with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the last moment makes every plate look as delicious as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish loves classic sides! Think buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious gravy, wide egg noodles for twirling, or even creamy polenta. A simple green salad or lightly steamed vegetables round out the meal with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try nestling the Salisbury Steak Meatballs on slider buns for a party, add them to a bowl with roasted veggies for a modern take, or tuck them into meal prep containers for a comforting work lunch. Their saucy goodness means they fit just about any serving style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Salisbury Steak Meatballs (plus that delicious gravy!) in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and satisfying for up to 3 days, making them ideal for leftovers or quick next-day lunches.

Freezing

These meatballs are perfect for the freezer. Let everything cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the meatballs and gravy together so they infuse even more flavor as they thaw.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Salisbury Steak Meatballs and gravy in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce gets too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in a pinch, but stovetop is best for even results.

FAQs

Can I make Salisbury Steak Meatballs with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! While the classic uses beef for richness and flavor, ground turkey or chicken will still work nicely. Just be careful not to overcook since they’re leaner—it helps to add an extra splash of beef broth or a touch more ketchup to keep everything moist.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

For gluten-free Salisbury Steak Meatballs, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or cornstarch for thickening. The flavor experience will stay every bit as satisfying.

What can I use instead of mushrooms?

If mushrooms aren’t to your taste, you can substitute them with more onions, diced bell peppers, or even shredded carrots. The gravy will still be rich and flavorful, and the final dish will look vibrant.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches when browning, and double all the sauce ingredients. These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are always a hit at gatherings, and leftovers are never a problem.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs first?

Browning isn’t strictly required, but it adds irresistible flavor and a beautiful color to the meatballs. Those caramelized edges elevate the dish, making it taste like you spent all day cooking when it really only takes a little extra time.

Final Thoughts

Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully simple, Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a staple you’ll want to make again and again. Give them a try and enjoy the kind of hearty, homemade comfort food that turns any dinner into something special!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a savory twist on a classic comfort food. Tender meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Additional salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil until mostly cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Gravy: Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter. Add flour, then gradually whisk in broth, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Simmer: Return meatballs to skillet, cover, and simmer until fully cooked and flavors meld.
Serve: Enjoy warm over mashed potatoes or noodles.