Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe brings together juicy, flavorful beef meatballs, all bathed in a savory mushroom-rich brown gravy that’s perfect for spooning over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. Each bite is tender, nostalgic, and never fails to make any meal feel just a little more special—like a cozy diner classic, but right in your own kitchen. With straightforward prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and crowd-pleasing results every single time, this dish is exactly what you need for an easy weeknight dinner or a soul-warming weekend feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how simple yet effective the lineup for this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is. Each ingredient has a crucial part to play, whether it’s for ultimate tenderness, a boost of deep flavor, or that glossy, beautifully rich sauce that pulls everything together.

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for a truly juicy and tender meatball—leaner beef works, but the flavor and moisture from extra fat are worth it.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatballs and keep them light inside; try panko for a slightly fluffier bite.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs for that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg: Another essential binder that ensures your meatballs stay whole while cooking.
Onion: Grated (not chopped) onion melts into the mix, lending moisture and gentle sweetness with no sharp pieces.
Garlic: Two cloves add that unmistakable savory punch.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings intense umami and a touch of tang—always a secret to meaty recipes.
Dijon Mustard: Just a spoonful deepens flavor without shouting for attention.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that let everything else shine—don’t skimp!
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and giving them that glorious, golden crust.
Unsalted Butter: Sets a rich, classic base for the gravy.
All-Purpose Flour: Makes the roux that thickens and smooths out the sauce.
Beef Broth: Turns flour and butter into lush, savory gravy.
Ketchup: A quick sweet-and-tangy note to balance the deep flavors.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Extra layers of aromatic flavor for the gravy.
Mushrooms (Optional): Sliced mushrooms soak up the sauce for more texture and classic diner vibes.

How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a fork to mix just until everything is evenly distributed—resist the urge to overmix, or your meatballs can turn out tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Pinch off pieces of the mixture and gently roll between your palms to make 20 to 24 small, equal-sized meatballs. Uniform size is important so they cook at the same rate; a small cookie scoop works wonders here. Set them aside on a plate as you go.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Pour the olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat, giving it a minute to shimmer. Add your meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed), and brown them on all sides, rotating gently, for 6 to 8 minutes total. You’re just building color—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy. Transfer browned meatballs to a clean plate.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Keep the skillet on medium heat, then add butter and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk quickly to make a smooth roux—this forms the base of your luscious gravy. Gradually pour in beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mushrooms if using. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened and bubbling.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

Gently nestle your browned meatballs back into the skillet, turning to coat each one in sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, so the meatballs can finish cooking through and the flavors meld into absolute savory perfection. When finished, the sauce will be glossy and the meatballs fully cooked.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving not only brightens up your plate but also adds a pop of vibrant, herby freshness. For another finishing touch, grind a bit of coarse black pepper over everything, and maybe a scattering of crisp fried onions or thinly sliced green onions for crunch.

Side Dishes

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe practically begs to be served over something that can soak up all that irresistible gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic (and perhaps unbeatable) pairing, while fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles are wonderful alternatives. On the side, keep it simple: green beans, roasted broccoli, or a classic iceberg salad will all shine here.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl: Pile the meatballs on slider buns for a party snack with a retro twist, or spoon them into a hollowed-out crusty bread roll for a comforting meatball “gravy boat.” Hosting a potluck? Serve toothpicked meatballs straight from a slow cooker set to “warm” so everyone can help themselves. The Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe adapts to every table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe holds up beautifully, and the flavors deepen as they sit—some say it’s even better the next day! Just make sure to spoon plenty of gravy over the meatballs before storing, to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze both the meatballs and the gravy, either together or separately, for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. If freezing separately, store the gravy flat for quicker thawing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. In a pinch, you can microwave single portions, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Always warm through until the meatballs are piping hot all the way to the center.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! The Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be mindful that poultry is leaner; consider adding a bit extra milk, or a splash of olive oil, to keep the meatballs nice and moist.

Is it possible to make the meatballs gluten-free?

You certainly can! Swap out the regular breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free panko and 1:1 gluten-free flour blends, so you won’t lose any texture or flavor in this classic dish.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

The combination of egg, breadcrumbs, and milk in this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is designed to bind everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can loosen the mixture. Make sure the meatballs are compact but not packed too tightly, and brown them before simmering in the gravy to help them hold their shape.

Can I skip the mushrooms in the gravy?

Of course! The mushrooms are optional and purely for those who love them or want a bit of texture. The gravy will still be rich, savory, and utterly delicious without them—so tailor the recipe to what your family enjoys most.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers for meal prep?

For best texture, reheat the Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy if needed. Single servings can be microwaved, but cover them to keep moisture in. These meatballs make an amazing make-ahead meal for busy lunches or dinners!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that delivers warmth, nostalgia, and pure, saucy satisfaction, this Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is the answer. It’s hearty enough for Sunday supper yet simple enough for a busy Wednesday night, and those flavors keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try—with just one bite, you might find it becomes your own family classic, too!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with these Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Juicy meatballs smothered in a rich gravy, served over your favorite starch – it’s comfort food at its best!

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 small onion finely grated
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For the gravy:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs.
Cook the meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil, then set aside.
Make the gravy: In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour. Gradually add beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and mushrooms. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the dish: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer until cooked through and coated in gravy. Serve over starch of choice.