If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both nostalgic and weeknight-friendly, this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich, savory gravy with golden onions and mushrooms, creating a dish that’s hearty, cozy, and packed with flavor. Every bite brings a wave of classic diner-style goodness—so pull up a chair, grab your fluffiest mashed potatoes, and let’s dive into this timeless skillet dinner!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love when simple, everyday ingredients come together to make something truly special? Each item in this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe helps build deep flavors and the perfect texture, so you don’t want to leave anything out. Let’s look at what makes this dish sing!

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for juicy, tender meatballs bursting with flavor.
Bread Crumbs: These soak up the juices and bind the meatballs just right for that perfect bite.
Egg: The humble egg holds everything together so your meatballs stay intact in the pan.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch that’s the secret behind classic Salisbury steak flavor.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Layer essential seasoning into the meatballs without any chopping required!
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for making every other flavor pop.
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle gets those meatballs beautifully browned and flavorful.
Onion: Thin-sliced for a mellow sweetness that infuses the gravy.
Cremini Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor gives the gravy that classic steakhouse personality.
Flour: Thickens up the sauce to luscious, spoon-coating perfection.
Beef Broth: Provides savory depth and the base for your silky gravy.
Tomato Paste: A dollop wakes up the sauce with subtle acidity and body.
Dijon Mustard: Brightens and balances the richness of the gravy.
Additional Salt and Pepper: For those last, crucial seasoning adjustments just before serving.
Chopped Parsley: A leafy sprinkle for freshness and a pop of vibrant color.

How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, add your ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with clean hands or a fork until all the ingredients are just combined—don’t overmix or your meatballs could turn tough. Scoop out small amounts and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches wide, aiming for equal size so they’ll cook evenly. Set them aside on a tray or plate while you prep the next steps.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches if needed, careful not to crowd the pan. Sear them on all sides until a deep golden brown crust forms—about 5 to 7 minutes total. You don’t need to cook them through just yet; browning is all about flavor. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and keep them close by.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want to keep all that flavor!), add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 or 6 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the vegetables are soft and just starting to caramelize. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible, homey aroma of any great Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and mushrooms. Stir it in and let it cook for a minute so you lose that raw taste—this is what thickens your gravy. Slowly add the beef broth while whisking so you get a smooth sauce, then stir in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and watch as the sauce turns glossy and thick.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy

Carefully nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the bubbling gravy. Reduce the heat a bit and let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking and soak up all those rich, beefy, savory flavors. Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper if needed. When the gravy is thick and the meatballs are cooked through, remove from the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter the chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh burst of color and flavor. The only thing left is to dig in to your hearty Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe!

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A final shower of fresh chopped parsley makes these meatballs look as inviting as they taste. For even more pop, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few twists of black pepper as you plate them—simple but elegant!

Side Dishes

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe reaches true comfort food status when paired with a side like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. The soft, pillowy starches are perfect for catching every drop of that dreamy gravy. Steamed green beans or peas on the side add a touch of color and crunch to balance each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, spoon the meatballs and gravy onto toasted hoagie rolls for a robust sandwich, or serve them over fluffy white rice. For a party or potluck, keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker and let guests help themselves—it’s sure to draw a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, then pour over the sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months, and remember to label with the date so you don’t forget what’s inside.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stopping to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of ground pork and beef, though the texture and flavor will change a bit. Just make sure to keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats may cook faster.

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs tender?

The keys are not overmixing the meat and not overcooking them. Combine the ingredients until just mixed, and simmer the meatballs gently in the gravy to keep them soft and juicy.

Can I make this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Simply double all the ingredients and brown the meatballs in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to simmer everything comfortably in the gravy.

Is it okay to make this the day before?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors of the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe deepen as they sit overnight. Just store tightly covered in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe delivers all the classic flavors you crave, but with a playful, crowd-pleasing twist. If you’re after something easy, comforting, and downright delicious, give this recipe a try—your family and friends are sure to ask for seconds!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and comforting Salisbury Steak Meatballs cooked in a flavorful gravy, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Additional salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil in a skillet. Set aside.
Make the Gravy: Sauté onions and mushrooms, sprinkle in flour, add beef broth, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard. Simmer and return meatballs to skillet.
Serve: Simmer until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens. Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or noodles.