Salisbury Steak Meatballs – A Comforting Classic in Bite-Sized Form

Imagine all the rich, hearty flavors of classic Salisbury steak, but in the form of tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy. These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

This dish is a fantastic weeknight dinner option—it’s easy to make, packed with umami flavor, and comes together in just 35 minutes. The meatballs are made with a savory blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce, then browned to perfection and simmered in a rich, homemade gravy.

If you love classic comfort food with a homemade touch, these meatballs will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs may turn out tough.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 18–20 meatballs).

2. Brown the Meatballs

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned on all sides.
• Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
• Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute, allowing it to coat the onions and mushrooms.
• Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
• Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Let the gravy simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy

• Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
• Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The meatballs will absorb the flavor while the gravy thickens beautifully.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Spoon the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• For extra flavor, use half ground beef and half ground pork for the meatballs.
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—handling it too much can make them dense.
• If the gravy gets too thick, add a splash of extra beef broth to loosen it up.
• Want it creamy? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer gravy.
• Make it ahead: The meatballs and gravy reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: High-Protein

Equipment

To make Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Helpful Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture

• Overworking the meat can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.

2. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Meatballs

• A 1.5-inch cookie scoop helps create evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they cook at the same rate.

3. Brown the Meatballs Well for Maximum Flavor

• Browning creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth to the final dish. Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.

4. Deglaze the Pan for Extra Flavor

• After cooking the meatballs, scrape up the browned bits in the pan using a splash of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, or even red wine for a richer gravy.

5. Adjust Gravy Thickness as Needed

• If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up.

6. Keep Meatballs Warm Until Serving

• If preparing ahead, keep the meatballs in a warm oven (200°F/90°C) while finishing other dishes.

7. Make It a One-Pan Meal

• Instead of cooking the meatballs separately, let them finish cooking in the gravy for extra tenderness and flavor.

8. Customize the Seasonings

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth or red pepper flakes for heat.
• For an herbaceous twist, stir in fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

9. Prep Ahead for an Easy Weeknight Meal

• Make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before cooking.
• You can also freeze raw meatballs for a future meal—just thaw before browning.

10. Serve with the Right Sides

• These meatballs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration

• Store leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best results, keep the meatballs and gravy together so the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing Instructions

1. Freezing Cooked Meatballs with Gravy

• Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

2. Freezing Meatballs Separately (Best for Meal Prep)

• Roll and shape the meatballs but don’t cook them.
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1–2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, cook from frozen or thaw overnight before browning.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop (Best Method)

• Place meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Microwave (Quickest Method)

• Place meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Oven (For Large Batches)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place meatballs and gravy in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes.

Substitutions and Variations

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Whether you need diet-friendly swaps, a flavor boost, or just want to switch things up, here are some great substitutions and variations to try.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Ground Meat Options

• Ground Turkey or Chicken – Swap the beef for leaner meat. The texture will be slightly softer, so add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs for stability.
• Ground Pork or a Beef-Pork Mix – This adds extra richness and juiciness to the meatballs.
• Plant-Based – Use a plant-based ground meat alternative and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

2. Breadcrumb Alternatives

• Almond flour (low-carb option) – Use ¼ cup almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
• Crushed pork rinds – Another low-carb substitute that adds extra flavor.
• Oats – Use quick oats instead of breadcrumbs for a slightly heartier texture.

3. Dairy-Free Version

• Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk in the meatballs.
• Swap butter for olive oil in the gravy.

4. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Replace the flour in the gravy with cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water before adding to the sauce).

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Salisbury Meatballs

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Stir in a dash of hot sauce into the gravy for extra heat.

2. Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

• Insert a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball before rolling.
• The cheese melts inside, creating an extra creamy bite!

3. French Onion-Style Meatballs

• Add caramelized onions to the meatball mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
• Top with Swiss or Gruyère cheese before serving for a classic French onion twist.

4. Smoky BBQ Salisbury Meatballs

• Add 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce to the gravy for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Swap Worcestershire sauce for liquid smoke for a deeper grilled taste.

5. Mushroom Lover’s Salisbury Meatballs

• Double the mushrooms in the gravy for a more pronounced umami flavor.
• Try using a mix of cremini, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms.

6. Creamy Salisbury Meatballs

• Stir ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream into the gravy for a richer texture.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy version.

7. Italian-Style Salisbury Meatballs

• Replace Worcestershire sauce with balsamic vinegar.
• Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and basil to the meatballs.
• Serve over buttered pasta instead of mashed potatoes.

Presentation & Serving Ideas

• Over Mashed Potatoes – Classic and comforting!
• With Buttered Egg Noodles – Soaks up the gravy perfectly.
• Over Rice – Great for an easy, one-bowl meal.
• As a Meatball Sub – Serve in a toasted roll with melted provolone cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add them to the gravy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! The meatballs and gravy taste even better the next day.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• Steamed rice
• Roasted vegetables

Conclusion

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make but packed with rich, classic flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, they’re sure to become a favorite.

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