Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting classic with a fun twist, these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are exactly what your kitchen needs. Juicy, tender meatballs infused with savory flavors and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy bring this beloved dish into a convenient, crowd-pleasing form. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or entertaining friends, Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver hearty satisfaction with every bite, combining the best of a traditional Salisbury steak in perfectly portioned, easy-to-love meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salisbury Steak Meatballs comes alive with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in texture, flavor, and richness. From ground beef to the hearty mushrooms that elevate the gravy, every element contributes to the overall deliciousness you’ll enjoy in every mouthful.

• Ground Beef (1 pound): The base of the meatballs, offering juicy, hearty flavor; you can easily swap with turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb for a different twist.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These keep the meatballs light and tender, soaking up moisture to create the perfect texture; ordinary breadcrumbs work if that’s what you have.
• Large Onion (1, grated): Adds sweetness and moisture, mixing directly into the breadcrumbs for extra tenderness.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a deep umami punch that brightens the meat’s flavor beautifully.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential aromatic that infuses the meatballs with warmth and a little kick.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Balances the savory with a touch of tangy sweetness, enhancing the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle spicy tang that livens up the meatballs and the gravy; any smooth mustard can substitute.
• Large Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a binder to keep everything together perfectly as the meatballs cook.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the meatballs, creating that beautiful crust and added flavor.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté mushrooms, contributing richness to the skillet.
• White Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): The star of the gravy, adding earthiness and texture.
• Beef Stock (2 cups): Forms the base of the luscious gravy, enhancing that meaty goodness.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): A simple thickener to bring the gravy to that silky, perfect consistency.

How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb-Onion Mixture

Start by grating the onion right over the panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl. This allows the juices from the onion to soak into the breadcrumbs, ensuring your meatballs stay moist and flavorful. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

Add your ground beef along with minced garlic, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the breadcrumb mixture. Mixing everything gently by hand ensures all the flavors meld perfectly without overworking the meat, keeping the texture tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, portion the meat mixture into 20 to 22 meatballs. Roll each portion gently to create even-sized balls that will cook consistently and look beautiful on the plate.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs carefully, giving them 2 to 3 minutes on each side to develop a delicious brown crust that locks in juices and adds great flavor.

Step 5: Make the Mushroom Gravy

Once the meatballs are browned, remove them temporarily and melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté sliced mushrooms for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their earthy aroma. Then pour in beef stock and stir in a flour-water slurry to thicken the gravy, stirring continuously until perfectly smooth and rich.

Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together beautifully while ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Your Salisbury Steak Meatballs are now juicy, flavorful, and ready to be generously smothered in mushroom gravy. The comforting aroma and rich taste make it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the gravy. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a few crispy fried onions on top adds texture and creaminess that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine when served over creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of that luscious mushroom gravy. For a lighter touch, buttered egg noodles or fluffy steamed rice also work beautifully. Roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots add a bright, crunchy contrast to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun appetizer option, serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs on toothpicks with small ramekins of extra gravy for dipping. You can also sandwich them in soft buns with caramelized onions for a play on classic sliders. Another idea is layering meatballs and gravy over a baked potato for a comforting, handheld feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty as freshly made.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled meatballs and gravy separately or together in freezer-safe containers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Freezing is a great option for busy days or to batch-cook for easy meals later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender and avoid overcooking the meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb can all be used instead of beef, though the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content and texture. Mixing meats also adds interesting flavor combinations.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You can also use crushed crackers or even oats for a unique texture. The key is to have something that absorbs moisture to keep the meatballs tender.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy isn’t thick enough, mix an extra teaspoon of flour with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering gravy gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure to cook a few minutes longer to remove any raw flour taste.

Can I prepare Salisbury Steak Meatballs in advance?

You can mix the meatball ingredients and form them ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. The meatballs can also be fully cooked, cooled, and stored, making reheating easy for later meals.

What side dishes go best with these meatballs?

Traditional mashed potatoes are a perfect match, soaking up all the rich gravy. However, buttered noodles, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables also complement the dish nicely and provide variety depending on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Making Salisbury Steak Meatballs at home is like giving a warm hug in dinner form. They’re simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish promises smiles and satisfied appetites. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the joy these meatballs bring to the table!

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