Savory Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe: Juicy Family Favorite

My love for hearty Salisbury steak meatballs started during childhood weekend dinners.

Grandma would craft these delectable spheres with rich, savory seasonings.

Comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than these delightful protein-packed bites.

Culinary magic happens when ground beef meets classic gravy in this nostalgic dish.

Each meatball carries deep flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Juicy, tender, and packed with umami goodness, they promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

We promise this recipe will become a new household favorite you cannot resist trying.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty base for meatballs, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor and juiciness.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meatball mixture, enhances overall texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold meatballs together and provides a light, tender texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep meatballs compact and prevent crumbling.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, tangy umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural meat flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic background note to the meatballs.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a mild, sweet onion flavor without adding extra moisture.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the Salisbury steak sauce.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and classic Salisbury steak texture.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnish and added color.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Comfort Food Method

Step 1: Prepare Savory Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper.

Gently mix the ingredients using your hands until they’re evenly distributed.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough and dense.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into uniform balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Use a light touch to keep the meatballs tender.

Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate or baking sheet.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the meatballs in the hot pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

The goal is to create a flavorful exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 4: Create Rich Salisbury Sauce

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Tomato paste

Whisk these ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes.

This allows the meatballs to cook through completely and absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix flour with a bit of cold water to create a smooth slurry.

Slowly stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it.

Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a rich, gravy-like consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Salisbury Meatballs – Weeknight Tips

• Use a mix of ground beef and breadcrumbs to ensure meatballs hold together without becoming dense or tough.
• Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder to boost meat flavor and create depth beyond basic seasoning.
• Roll meatballs into consistent sizes for even cooking and attractive presentation on the plate.
• Lightly coat hands with cooking spray or water when forming meatballs to stop mixture from clinging to fingers.
• Sear meatballs in hot skillet over medium-high heat to develop rich caramelized exterior without burning.

Salisbury Meatballs Keep Fresh

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep cool in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm meatballs in a 350°F preheated oven. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Quick reheat option for individual servings. Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Zap in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly.

Steak Meatball Sides You’ll Love

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Salisbury steak meatballs. These full-bodied wines cut through the meat's richness and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Match with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve these meatballs atop velvety mashed potatoes to create a perfect texture contrast. The smooth, buttery potatoes absorb the hearty gravy and provide a comforting base for the meaty morsels.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Surround the meatballs with a colorful array of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips. These caramelized sides add sweetness and provide a nutritious balance to the protein-packed dish.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Enjoy a cold, crisp Pilsner that cuts through the heaviness of the meatballs. Its light, hoppy character refreshes the palate and offers a delightful contrast to the rich, savory meat.

Steak Meatballs With Salisbury Sauce Ideas

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the meatballs.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with finely ground pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese, reducing the carbohydrate content while maintaining a delicious texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-mushroom mixture, keeping the same seasoning profile for a meat-free experience.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Use ground beef with higher fat content, eliminate breadcrumbs completely, and serve the meatballs with cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Use a binding agent like breadcrumbs and egg, and avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix ingredients gently and form compact, uniform-sized meatballs that hold together well.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative. However, add a bit more fat like olive oil or mix with some ground pork to ensure the meatballs stay moist and flavorful.

• What's the best way to check if meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This guarantees the meat is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• How can I make my gravy more flavorful?

Deglaze the pan with beef broth after browning meatballs, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce and a touch of Dijon mustard to enhance the gravy’s depth and richness.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Rich Sauce and Crunch

• Quick Prep Magic: Using simple pantry ingredients and ground beef, home cooks can whip up these flavorful meatballs with minimal chopping and straightforward mixing techniques.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour these savory meatballs smothered in rich, tangy mushroom gravy, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
• Versatile Serving Superstar: Pair these meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal that transforms basic ground beef into an elevated dining experience.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Salisbury steak meatballs bring hearty American diner nostalgia to your dinner table with rich, umami-packed gravy. Homemade comfort nestles perfectly alongside creamy mashed potatoes, promising a delicious journey through traditional home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

Meatball Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Gravy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for browning)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until thoroughly integrated.
2. Shape the meat mixture into uniform, compact morsels approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, creating a delicate coating that will enhance browning and help seal in moisture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to become thoroughly warm before adding meatballs.
5. Carefully place meatballs into the skillet, allowing ample space between each piece to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
6. Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
7. Transfer partially cooked meatballs to a clean plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings for the forthcoming sauce.
8. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and develop a golden-brown caramelization.
9. Add minced garlic to the mushrooms, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
10. Pour beef broth and worcestershire sauce into the skillet, scraping the bottom to incorporate all delectable browned bits.
11. Whisk flour into the liquid to create a smooth, thickening base for the rich, savory sauce.
12. Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them gently into the developing sauce.
13. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook completely and sauce to reach desired consistency.
14. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbal brightness.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef mixed with ground pork for extra flavor and juiciness without excess fat.
• Add breadcrumbs and egg as binding agents to ensure meatballs hold their shape perfectly during cooking.
• Gently mix ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs that can become rubbery when cooked.
• Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes for even cooking and professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg