Salisbury steak meatballs are a comforting and filling dish that combines tender, savory meatballs with rich, flavorful gravy. The combination of lean ground beef, zesty spices, and a homemade gravy brings a delicious twist to the classic Salisbury steak. This recipe is not only a family favorite but also an easy, weeknight-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, these Salisbury steak meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These Salisbury steak meatballs bring all the flavors of the classic dish but with the added fun of meatballs. The easy-to-follow recipe makes them a fantastic choice for busy nights, offering a flavorful, hearty meal that everyone will love. They’re versatile, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and can be topped with cheese or sour cream for extra richness. Plus, the gravy’s smooth texture and savory taste make it impossible to resist.
Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering Salisbury steak meatballs, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:
• Lean ground beef: Forms the base of the meatballs, providing flavor and texture.
• Onions: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to both the meatballs and gravy.
• Large egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together, ensuring they hold their shape.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide texture and absorb the flavors of the seasonings.
• Worcestershire sauce: Gives the meatballs a savory, umami kick.
• Parsley: Adds freshness to the meatballs.
• Black pepper: Enhances the seasoning with a mild heat.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice to balance the richness of the dish.
• Butter: Used to sauté the meatballs and onions, enriching the overall flavor.
For the gravy:
• Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy, giving it that rich, savory flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy, ensuring it coats the meatballs perfectly.
• Onions: Sautéed to bring out their sweetness and depth in the gravy.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami notes in the gravy.
• Garlic salt: Provides extra seasoning to balance the richness of the beef.
• Black pepper: Used to season the gravy.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or have dietary preferences, here are some alternative suggestions:
• Ground turkey or pork: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or pork for a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetable broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for the gravy.
• Mushrooms: Add diced mushrooms to the gravy for added flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined, then form into small meatballs (about 24-25 meatballs).
- Sear the meatballs: In a large frying pan or cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until all sides are seared. Remove from the pan and set aside. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Prepare the gravy: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the gravy begins to thicken.
- Finish the Salisbury steak meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the gravy. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Tips & Tricks
• Mix the meatballs by hand: It’s easiest to mix the meatball ingredients with your hands for a uniform texture.
• Scrape the pan drippings: When sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to scrape up all the flavorful bits left in the pan.
• Thicken the gravy: If the gravy seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the pan, stirring for a few more minutes.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Salisbury steak meatballs can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
• Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious gravy.
• Rice: Perfect for a lighter base that still complements the rich meatballs.
• Egg noodles: A soft, comforting option that pairs beautifully with the gravy.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up every last bit of gravy.
For variations, you can add sour cream to the gravy for a creamy touch or incorporate diced potatoes for a complete one-pan meal.
The Best Way to Enjoy Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Salisbury steak meatballs offer a great twist on a classic comfort food, blending the classic Salisbury steak flavors with the fun of meatballs. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these savory meatballs will be sure to satisfy. Enjoy them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and savor the rich flavors of the gravy that tie it all together.
Try this simple yet delicious recipe, and make Salisbury steak meatballs a regular at your dinner table!
Conclusion
Salisbury steak meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish, combining the hearty flavors of traditional Salisbury steak with the fun, easy-to-make meatball form. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also full of rich, savory flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family meal, these meatballs are versatile and satisfying. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs?
To store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs with the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this Salisbury steak meatball recipe. Ground turkey will provide a leaner option, though it may be a little lighter in flavor. For added richness, you can use a mixture of ground turkey and ground pork.
Can I make the gravy without flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch. Create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then add it to the gravy as it simmers. This will help thicken the gravy without using flour.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Absolutely! Mushrooms can be a wonderful addition to the gravy for added texture and flavor. Simply sauté the mushrooms along with the onions and garlic before adding the flour to create the roux. They will soak up the rich gravy, adding a delicious earthy note to the dish.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Salisbury steak meatballs are a comforting and filling dish that combines tender, savory meatballs with rich, flavorful gravy. The combination of lean ground beef, zesty spices, and a homemade gravy brings a delicious twist to the classic Salisbury steak. This recipe is not only a family favorite but also an easy, weeknight-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, these Salisbury steak meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Forms the base of the meatballs, providing flavor and texture.
- Onions: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to both the meatballs and gravy.
- Large egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide texture and absorb the flavors of the seasonings.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the meatballs a savory, umami kick.
- Parsley: Adds freshness to the meatballs.
- Black pepper: Enhances the seasoning with a mild heat.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice to balance the richness of the dish.
- Butter: Used to sauté the meatballs and onions, enriching the overall flavor.
- Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy, giving it that rich, savory flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy, ensuring it coats the meatballs perfectly.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the gravy.
- Garlic salt: Provides extra seasoning to balance the richness of the beef.
- Black pepper: Used to season the gravy.
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined, then form into small meatballs (about 24-25 meatballs).
- In a large frying pan or cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until all sides are seared. Remove from the pan and set aside. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the gravy begins to thicken.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the gravy. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Notes
- It’s easiest to mix the meatball ingredients with your hands for a uniform texture.
- When sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to scrape up all the flavorful bits left in the pan.
- If the gravy seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the pan, stirring for a few more minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg