Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Comfort Food Classic with Rich Flavor

Salisbury steak meatballs bring all the flavors of the classic Salisbury steak into bite-sized form, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Tender, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a savory mushroom gravy make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. You can serve these delicious meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice to soak up the rich, savory gravy.

For anyone who loves comfort food with minimal effort, Salisbury steak meatballs are a go-to. Plus, this dish is versatile—you can switch up the ingredients or even make it gluten-free to suit your dietary needs. For tips on creating the perfect meatballs, check out Tips for perfect meatballs, which breaks down the essential steps for meatball success.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85/15 is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meatballs)

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Thyme, for extra flavor

By combining ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, and fresh onion and garlic, you create meatballs that are packed with flavor and moisture. The mushroom gravy is essential to this dish, and it’s the savory component that ties everything together. If you’re interested in gluten-free alternatives, check out these gluten-free breadcrumb substitutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture

First, you need to make the meatballs.

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have about 16-20 meatballs depending on their size.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned all over. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor and ensures they hold their shape when simmered in the gravy. For more information on browning meat properly, visit Tips for browning meatballs.

2. Making the Mushroom Gravy

While the meatballs are resting, it’s time to make the savory mushroom gravy.

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
2. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.

The key to a smooth and flavorful gravy is creating a roux and slowly incorporating the broth. If you want a thicker gravy, allow the mixture to simmer longer.

3. Simmering the Meatballs in the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, it’s time to return the meatballs to the skillet.

Instructions:

1. Return the Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Simmer the Meatballs: Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.

Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the gravy ensures that they are fully cooked and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.

4. Serving Suggestions

Salisbury steak meatballs pair perfectly with various sides that can soak up the delicious gravy.

Serving Ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for these meatballs and their rich gravy.
• Egg Noodles: The soft, buttery noodles complement the savory sauce and meatballs beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Balance the richness with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.

For a beautiful presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. This adds both color and a fresh pop of flavor to the dish.

Variations of Salisbury Steak Meatballs

There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

If you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off approach, making these meatballs in a slow cooker is a great option.

• Instructions: After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the gravy ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The meatballs will turn out tender and infused with the rich gravy.

2. Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Turkey or Chicken

For a lighter version of this dish, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Instructions: Follow the same process as the original recipe, but reduce the cooking time slightly since poultry cooks faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak Meatballs

This dish can easily be made gluten-free by swapping out the breadcrumbs and flour.

• Instructions: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture, and replace the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.

FAQs About Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Can I freeze Salisbury steak meatballs?

Yes, Salisbury steak meatballs freeze well. To freeze, cook the meatballs and gravy as directed, then allow everything to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

2. Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Simply brown the frozen meatballs in a skillet and follow the same gravy-making steps.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy if necessary.

4. What sides go best with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice are ideal sides for this dish because they soak up the flavorful gravy. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish

Salisbury steak meatballs are a delicious twist on a comfort food classic. With tender meatballs, a rich mushroom gravy, and the ability to pair with a variety of sides, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for something hearty to serve at a dinner party, these meatballs are sure to impress.

For more variations or slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, where you’ll find even more ways to enjoy this dish.