If you are craving a dish that brings together the comforting flavors of classic Salisbury steak with the fun, bite-sized appeal of meatballs, then you have to try this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It’s a deliciously hearty and saucy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week. The juicy ground beef meatballs are lovingly browned and then simmered in a rich, savory gravy that is packed with flavor from Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and caramelized onions. Every bite offers that nostalgic, homestyle goodness with a fresh twist. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough to serve to friends and family when you want to wow with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with Salisbury steak all over again, but this time, in adorable meatball form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of juicy meatiness, bold flavor, and smooth, velvety gravy. You’ll find that the combination is straightforward yet essential to achieving that classic taste and texture that defines this beloved dish.
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, providing richness and tender texture for the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them soft and moist.
- Egg: Another binder that ensures the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness and depth, both in the meatballs and gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami punch and a bit of tang to both the meat and sauce.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Layer in savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
- Butter: Used for sautéing onions, adding richness to the gravy.
- Small onion: Thinly sliced to soften and caramelize, infusing the gravy with sweetness.
- Beef broth: The base of the sauce, creating that luscious, hearty gravy.
- Cornstarch and water: Combined to thicken the gravy to just the right consistency.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, blend the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t overwork the meat and end up with tough meatballs. Form this mixture into 16 to 18 evenly sized small meatballs, perfect for bite-size indulgence.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your meatballs and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently so each side gets beautifully browned. This step seals in the juices and builds a wonderful flavor foundation. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions soften and become slightly caramelized. This adds a natural sweetness and aromatic depth to your gravy that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare and Simmer the Gravy
Whisk together the beef broth, cornstarch, water, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and bring it to a gentle simmer. This gravy blends tangy, savory, and hearty notes for the perfect sauce to coat your meatballs.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Gravy
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy. Let everything cook together for 10 to 12 minutes so the meatballs become fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in meatballs that are tender and bursting with richness.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
For a little pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over your Salisbury steak meatballs just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side can add a lovely creamy contrast to the savory sauce. These little touches elevate your plate to restaurant-quality comfort food.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even fluffy rice. Each side soaks up the rich gravy perfectly, creating a satisfying and complete meal. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a fresh, vibrant balance to the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs atop a bed of buttered spaetzle or garlic mashed cauliflower for a twist on tradition. You can even skewer a few meatballs as appetizers at a party, drizzled generously with the savory gravy for dipping. This recipe lends itself to a variety of fun and creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Salisbury steak meatballs left over, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy, satisfying lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze them, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Salisbury steak meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
Reheat your Salisbury steak meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts, stirring occasionally, to warm evenly while maintaining juicy tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You certainly can, but keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken might result in less juicy meatballs. Adding a bit of extra moisture, like a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of broth, can help keep them tender.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe without worrying about gluten.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely, the meatballs can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to simmer them in the gravy before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening the gravy?
No worries. You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute by mixing it with water to create a slurry, or simply let the gravy simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
When simmered in the gravy, the meatballs are cooked through after about 10 to 12 minutes. You can check for no pink inside or use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a warm, inviting dish that feels like home on a plate, with each bite delivering tender beef goodness draped in rich, flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings and promises to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So, roll up your sleeves and give these meatballs a try — your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
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
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe features juicy, flavorful beef meatballs cooked in a rich, savory gravy made with beef broth, onions, and classic seasonings. Perfectly browned and simmered on the stovetop, these meatballs make for a comforting and hearty main dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 16–18 small meatballs evenly sized.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, developing a sweet flavor base for the gravy.
- Make the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cornstarch, water, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently to avoid lumps and ensure the gravy thickens.
- Simmer meatballs in gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the simmering gravy. Cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through fully and the sauce to thicken and coat the meatballs nicely.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the gravy at the end of cooking.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to serve, simply thaw and simmer in the gravy.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce.
