Name: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 medium yellow onion, minced (half for meatballs, half for gravy); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Imagine tender, savory meatballs bathed in a rich brown gravy, nestled atop a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes. That comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal? That’s exactly what these Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver. They bring together the nostalgic flavor of classic Salisbury steak with the satisfying bite of homemade meatballs.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, these meatballs are the kind of hearty dish that wins everyone over. They’re simple, full of flavor, and can be made ahead for even easier weeknight meals. Comfort food has never been this effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Ultimate comfort food: It hits every cozy, hearty, satisfying note you crave.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this meatball twist on a traditional favorite.
Make-ahead ready: These freeze and reheat like a dream—perfect for meal prep.
One pan magic: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Mashed potato pairing: A gravy this rich needs a good mash to soak into.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Salisbury Steak Meatballs as fuss-free and foolproof as possible, having the right tools is key:

Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the meatball mixture thoroughly.
Cookie Scoop or Hands – Helps form evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Bottom Pan – Ensures an even sear and caramelization on the meatballs.
Tongs or Spatula – Makes flipping the meatballs cleaner and easier.
Whisk – Essential for a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Medium Saucepan (optional) – If you want to prepare the mashed potatoes on the side simultaneously.

Each of these tools plays a role in turning this dish from good to great—from shaping perfect meatballs to building that luxurious gravy base.

Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Each ingredient in this dish is chosen to bring out rich, savory comfort and a touch of home-style goodness:

Ground Beef – The base of our meatballs; choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful bites.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meat and give a tender texture.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatballs together.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor.
Yellow Onion – Brings sweetness and texture to both the meatballs and gravy.
Garlic – Gives a delicious savory foundation.
Beef Broth – Forms the base of the rich brown gravy.
Flour – Thickens the gravy to coat each meatball perfectly.
Ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness and tang to the sauce.
Dijon Mustard – Gives the gravy a subtle kick.
Salt & Black Pepper – Seasoning essentials that balance all the flavors.
Parsley (optional) – For a fresh garnish and pop of color.

How To Make the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform meatballs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for Gravy

In the same pan, add more onion and a touch of oil if needed. Cook until soft and golden, then stir in garlic for a minute.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Slowly add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked and infused with flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Spoon over that luscious gravy and garnish with parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Serve and Store These Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are pure comfort, especially when served over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even fluffy white rice. Don’t forget a buttery side like roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots to round out the plate.

Leftovers are just as delicious! Store cooled meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to revive the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, though you’ll want to add a bit more seasoning or moisture (like grated onion) to keep them juicy.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include both egg and breadcrumbs in your mixture. Avoid overmixing, and let the shaped meatballs rest for a few minutes before searing.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, then add them to the finished gravy to simmer briefly.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari with a splash of balsamic vinegar makes a decent substitute in a pinch.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour (like rice flour or cornstarch) for the gravy.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook. You can also cook them fully and freeze with gravy for a grab-and-reheat meal.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If these Salisbury Steak Meatballs hit the spot, you’re in for a treat with more hearty recipes from my kitchen:

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for another rich and savory dinner.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines deep flavor with weeknight simplicity.
Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole is perfect for no-fuss meal nights.
Effortless Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf offers a creative spin on a classic favorite.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini blends creamy pasta with beefy indulgence.

These dishes are sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.

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I’d love to hear how your Salisbury Steak Meatballs turned out! Did you serve them over mashed potatoes or noodles? Add your twist with mushrooms or extra garlic? Drop a comment and let’s swap tips. Sharing your version inspires others too!