If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings that classic diner feel right into your own kitchen, then this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender meatballs nestled in a rich, savory gravy deliver robust flavors with every bite. Plus, the combination of simple pantry ingredients creates a timeless dish that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger. This recipe takes the nostalgia of Salisbury steak and transforms it into perfect meatballs, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is key to nailing the authentic taste and comforting texture of this dish. Each element plays an important role, from building flavor and moisture in the meatballs to creating the silky, flavorful gravy that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use good quality beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape well.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Adds light texture and helps bind the meat mixture without making it dense.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, keeping the meatballs together during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness inside the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a touch of umami to intensify the beef flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes without the texture of raw onions in the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a warm, aromatic hint that complements the meat elegantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors forward.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing the onions for the gravy.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and mellow base for the gravy.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the gravy that coats the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency without lumps.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth gravy texture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): Boosts savory richness in the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for gravy): Adds a subtle tang and balances the savory notes of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle sharpness that brightens the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for gravy): Infuses mild garlic flavor to round out the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Begin by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Next, shape the mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their perfect texture.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until each side is beautifully browned. This browning step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs an irresistible crust. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat. Cooking the onions until soft and translucent—about 3 minutes—develops the slightly sweet, savory foundation of your gravy. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits left from the meatballs, as these hold tons of flavor that will enrich the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare and Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, water, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and bring to a gentle simmer. Scrape the pan to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce, giving you a luscious, velvety gravy that clings perfectly to the meatballs.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the bubbling gravy. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened just right. This step melds all the flavors and ensures each bite is comforting, tender, and juicy.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the visual appeal and adds delightful textural contrasts. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish with a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top can introduce creaminess that complements the savory gravy wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven with Salisbury steak meatballs because they soak up the rich gravy beautifully. You can also serve the meatballs over egg noodles or fluffy white rice, which offer a neutral base to highlight the deep flavors of the dish. Roasted or steamed green beans, carrots, or a crisp side salad provide that necessary burst of color and a palate-cleansing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving these meatballs in slider buns for an indulgent sandwich version perfect for gatherings or game day. Another idea is to spoon the meatballs and gravy over baked sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet and hearty combo. Getting creative with plating can turn this comforting classic into an elegant or family-style centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. Be sure to keep the gravy and meatballs together to maintain moisture and richness.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. For best results, place the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container, covering tightly to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to two months without sacrificing quality. This makes prepping them ahead for busy weeks a real lifesaver!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. Microwave reheating also works; cover the dish loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or a mix of meats?
Absolutely! Mixing ground beef with pork adds extra moisture and flavor, creating even juicier meatballs. Just keep the overall amount the same for consistent cooking.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed crackers. Some even opt for oats or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are no longer pink inside. Cooking them in the gravy for 10-12 minutes after browning ensures they finish cooking gently without drying out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you use dairy-free breadcrumbs and avoid adding cheese or sour cream garnishes.
Is it okay to cook meatballs directly in the gravy without browning?
While browning enriches flavor and texture, you can skip that step if you’re short on time. Just be aware the meatballs won’t have the same depth of flavor or crust but will still taste tasty and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the homely goodness of the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of comfort, simplicity, and rich flavor that makes it a go-to meal in any season. Whether you’re feeding your family or friends, this dish brings everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a timeless classic!
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Salisbury Steak Meatballs feature tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich and savory brown gravy. This comforting American skillet dinner combines ground beef with classic seasonings, creating hearty meatballs that are browned to perfection and then cooked in a flavorful Worcestershire sauce-based gravy. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, this quick stovetop recipe delivers a satisfying, homestyle meal in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This will add depth to your gravy.
- Make the Gravy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, water, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed onions, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot with the gravy spooned over them. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, combine ground beef with ground pork in equal parts.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- These meatballs freeze well; store them in an airtight container with gravy for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
