Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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Salisbury steak meatballs are the cozy, comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed. They take everything we love about hearty Salisbury steak — rich gravy, savory flavor, and tender bites of beef — and shrink it down into juicy, poppable meatballs. It’s a clever twist on a diner classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The beauty of these meatballs lies in their versatility. Whether you’re spooning them over creamy mashed potatoes or tucking them into a crusty sandwich roll, they bring serious flavor. The mushroom-onion gravy adds depth and richness that makes this dish feel like a warm hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

This recipe brings the nostalgic taste of Salisbury steak in a format that’s easy to serve and even easier to love. You get tender, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape yet melt in your mouth. The savory gravy is silky and comforting, making it the ideal companion to rice, noodles, or potatoes. It also freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Look for ground beef that’s 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This gives you just enough fat for flavor and juiciness without making the meatballs greasy. If you use leaner meat, the texture might become a bit dry, and the meatballs may crumble more easily. For even more flavor, you can mix in some ground pork or veal.

Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

To build the best version of this dish, you need a balance of fat, seasoning, and a rich, comforting gravy. Each ingredient plays a key role in either the meatballs or the sauce, so it’s worth getting them right.

• Ground beef: The star of the dish, this provides richness and meaty flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity.
• Worcestershire sauce: Gives the meatballs that unmistakable umami depth.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Classic seasonings for flavor in every bite.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors.
• Butter: Used to sauté the mushrooms and onions and create a rich base for the gravy.
• Mushrooms: Add earthy flavor and texture to the gravy.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and savoriness to the dish.
• Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
• Parsley (optional): For a fresh finish and color contrast.

How To Make the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined — don’t overwork it, or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into even-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until they’re golden on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Base

Remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same pan, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Cook until softened and browned. Stir in a bit more Worcestershire sauce and the beef broth.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Pour it into the simmering broth and stir until thickened.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Return the meatballs to the pan and let them cook through in the gravy for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them soak up all that savory flavor. Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Serving and Storing Salisbury Steak Meatballs

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep batch. Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta for ultimate comfort. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The gravy actually improves in flavor over time. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months — just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce.

What to Serve With Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic match and soak up every bit of the delicious gravy.

Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles make a great base that lets the meatballs and sauce shine.

Garlic Green Beans

A crisp, garlicky green bean side adds balance to the richness of the meatballs.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet and savory, roasted carrots offer a colorful, slightly caramelized contrast.

Crusty Bread

If you’re serving this at a gathering, a good crusty bread is ideal for scooping up that gravy.

Steamed Rice

A simple and comforting pairing that allows the meatballs to be the star.

Caesar Salad

The freshness and bite of Caesar salad works well next to a rich dish like this.

Sautéed Spinach

Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic keeps things simple and nutritious.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this dish hit the spot, check out these other cozy, savory options:

• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini, Corn & Garlic Sauce

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If you give these Salisbury Steak Meatballs a try, let us know how they turned out! Did you serve them over potatoes or noodles? Add extra mushrooms to the gravy? I love hearing how these dishes adapt in your kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas and everyday homemade recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest to inspire your next dinner!

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