If you’re craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, you’ve got to try these Salisbury Steak Meatballs. They’re everything you love about the classic Salisbury steak—tender beef, savory gravy—wrapped up into delicious meatballs. The best part? They’re easy to make and come together in no time, so you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal without all the fuss. I’m telling you, this dish is the perfect way to make everyone at the table feel at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly paired with a rich, savory gravy that soaks into each bite. It’s one of those meals that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, but it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, you can’t go wrong.
The best part? It’s simple, satisfying, and so customizable to your taste. Plus, the gravy is just chef’s kiss. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’ll leave you feeling full and happy!
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below!)
For these Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you won’t need anything too fancy. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need:
- Ground beef
- Bread crumbs
- Onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Soy sauce
The full list is just below, but these ingredients form the base of those tasty meatballs and that creamy gravy.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender. Once mixed, roll the meat into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 ½ inches each).
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. This step adds so much flavor, so be patient. Once they’re browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and toss in the sliced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it softens and begins to caramelize. Then, add a little garlic and cook for another minute. Now, pour in the beef broth and soy sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits left in the pan. Stir in some Worcestershire sauce, and let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy
Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some gravy over each one. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb all that delicious gravy flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, give the gravy a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the meatballs with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, don’t overmix. Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough. Just mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Browning is Key: Be sure to brown the meatballs well before simmering them in the gravy. It adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish even more delicious.
- Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water until it reaches the consistency you like.
- Use Lean Meat: For a slightly leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning since those meats tend to be milder in flavor than beef.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Mushrooms: Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the gravy. Add some sliced mushrooms to the onions while they cook for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Different Meat Options: While ground beef is classic, you could try using ground turkey or a mixture of beef and pork for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure the meatballs are well-seasoned.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Vegan Option: To make a vegan version, use a plant-based meat substitute (like Beyond Beef) and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for that savory umami flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes—those creamy potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly. But if you’re craving something different, rice or egg noodles are great alternatives. You can even serve them on a crusty bread roll for a tasty sandwich. Pair the meal with some steamed veggies, like green beans or carrots, to balance out the richness of the gravy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck because this dish only gets better the next day. Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the gravy. You can also reheat in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make Salisbury Steak Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and cook them through, then store them in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, just reheat them in the gravy. It’s a great dish to make ahead for busy nights.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! After cooking the meatballs and gravy, let them cool and then freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm them on the stove.
3. How can I make the gravy richer?
For a richer gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. It’ll give the gravy a silky texture and more depth of flavor.
4. What’s the best side dish for Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
I love serving these meatballs with mashed potatoes or rice, but egg noodles are also a great option. If you want something lighter, a side salad or roasted vegetables would complement the meal nicely.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. They’re hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a cozy meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Comfort Food That Feels Like a Hug
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a hearty, comforting twist on a classic dish. Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy—served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for browning the meatballs
Instructions
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well but do not overwork the mixture. Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are brown on all sides. Set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in beef broth and soy sauce, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon some gravy over each one, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the meatballs with gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Gravy Thickness: To make the gravy thicker, simmer it longer. If it becomes too thick, add more beef broth or water.
- Meat: Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork can be used as substitutes.
- Customizations: Add mushrooms to the gravy for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg