Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Hey there! Have you ever craved something super cozy and yummy? Well, let me tell you — these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are like a big warm hug on a plate!

I made these the other day, and oh wow, they were so good — juicy, tender, and covered in the best gravy ever. My family couldn’t stop asking for more! And guess what? They’re actually really easy to make.

If you love meatballs and gravy, you’re gonna love this recipe. It’s perfect for dinner when you just want something tasty and simple. And yep, I’m gonna show you step by step how to make them!

So, are you ready to cook with me? Let’s get started on these Salisbury Steak Meatballs — you’re gonna love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Favorite: Classic Salisbury steak flavors packed into bite-sized meatballs.
• Rich, Savory Gravy: A smooth, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make-ahead meatballs and gravy for easy weeknight dinners.
• Kid and Family Approved: Mild flavors that appeal to kids but satisfying enough for adults.
• Versatile: Serve as a main dish or as party appetizers with toothpicks and dipping gravy.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings:

• Makes about 20-24 meatballs, serving 4-6 people depending on portion sizes. Perfect for dinner, and leftovers store well for lunches.

Difficulty:

• Easy to Moderate — Simple ingredients and steps, but requires attention to make the gravy smooth and the meatballs juicy.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball mixture.
• Sheet Pan or Plate: To hold meatballs before cooking.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning meatballs and making gravy.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring gravy and deglazing the pan.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure accurate seasoning and thickening.
• Whisk: Essential for a lump-free gravy.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To turn meatballs while browning.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

These ingredients create a tender and flavorful meatball with the rich taste of Salisbury steak:

• 1 ½ pounds (680g) lean ground beef — 85% lean for juicy but not greasy meatballs.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs — Adds lightness to the meatballs. (Regular breadcrumbs work too.)
• 1 large egg — Acts as a binder.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup — Adds moisture and mild sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard — For depth of flavor and a mild tang.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — Signature umami flavor.
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt — Adds balanced saltiness.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper — For a mild kick.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder — Subtle onion flavor without raw pieces.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — For browning the meatballs evenly.

For the Gravy:

The gravy is rich, silky, and infused with beefy flavor:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — For sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 medium onion, finely diced — Adds sweet, caramelized flavor to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour — Thickens the gravy. (Gluten-free flour or cornstarch can substitute.)
• 2 cups beef broth — Forms the savory base of the gravy. (Low-sodium recommended.)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — Boosts umami and savory notes.
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt — To enhance all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup — Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) — Optional, but brightens the dish.

Optional Additions:

• Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): If you like a hint of garlic.
• Mushrooms (1 cup sliced): Stir into gravy for extra flavor and texture.
• Red pepper flakes (pinch): For mild heat if preferred.

Variations for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for a leaner option—adjust breadcrumbs if needed for moisture.
• Add Mushrooms: Stir sautéed mushrooms into the gravy for an earthy twist.
• Make Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour.
• Dairy-Free: Skip butter and use olive oil for the gravy.
• Egg-Free Option: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes).

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These meatballs are versatile and pair well with many sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Classic pairing to soak up the gravy.
• Rice: White, brown, or wild rice all work well.
• Egg Noodles: A comforting, hearty option.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or peas for a balanced meal.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every bit of gravy.

How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Coarse grain mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoning salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder

Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid over-mixing — this keeps the meatballs tender, not tough. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk or water to moisten.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Once mixed, scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1 ½ tablespoons each) and roll them into small, round meatballs. You should get 20-24 meatballs depending on size.

Place them on a plate or tray, and set aside while you prepare to cook.

Tip: Lightly oil your hands to prevent the meat from sticking as you roll.

3. Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.

• Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently with tongs or a spoon. This should take about 6-8 minutes total.
• Do not cook fully — just brown the outside. They will finish cooking in the gravy.

Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate. Set aside.

4. Make the Onion Gravy

Using the same skillet (with all those flavorful browned bits in the bottom), reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter. Let it melt, then stir in diced onions.

• Cook the onions until soft and translucent — about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Once onions are softened:

• Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. It will look like a thick paste.
• Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking as you pour to keep the gravy smooth.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasoning salt. Whisk everything together until combined.

5. Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy

Once the gravy is smooth and begins to simmer, gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

• Cover and cook over low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
• Stir occasionally and turn the meatballs gently to coat them in the gravy as they cook.

The gravy will thicken as it simmers. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and a pop of fresh flavor.

Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot, spooned generously with gravy.

Tip for Success:

• If adding mushrooms, sauté them with the onions before adding the flour to incorporate their flavor into the gravy.
• For an ultra-smooth gravy, whisk constantly as the broth is added — this prevents lumps.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These rich and savory meatballs are perfect for hearty dinners and versatile enough to match different sides. Here are some serving ideas to complete the meal:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural match for soaking up all that flavorful gravy.
• Buttered Egg Noodles: Toss egg noodles with a little butter and parsley for a simple, comforting side.
• Steamed Rice: White, brown, or wild rice works well to absorb the savory gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a pop of color and freshness.
• Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

Light Side Dishes:

If you want to balance the richness of the meatballs, pair them with:

• Simple Green Salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans with lemon zest.
• Coleslaw for a tangy crunch contrast.

Storing Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Refrigerator:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if it thickens too much.

Freezer:

• You can freeze cooked meatballs and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Meal Prep Tip:

Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for a quick future meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Do Not Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Mixing just until combined keeps the meatballs tender. Overmixing leads to tough meatballs.
• Brown for Flavor: Browning the meatballs adds a deep flavor to both the meatballs and the gravy.
• Use a Whisk for Gravy: Constant whisking while adding broth keeps the gravy smooth and lump-free.
• Low and Slow Simmer: Cooking the meatballs gently in the gravy keeps them moist and allows flavors to meld.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If the gravy becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	140mg
Sodium	850mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g

Note: Nutrition values are estimated based on 1 serving (about 4-5 meatballs with gravy). Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portions used.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I freeze Salisbury steak meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

3. What can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey or chicken are good substitutes for a lighter version. You may need to adjust breadcrumbs to maintain the right texture.

4. How do I thicken gravy if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If needed, you can also whisk in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

5. Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing onions for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect blend of hearty comfort food and everyday simplicity. Juicy, flavorful meatballs wrapped in rich onion gravy are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, this dish delivers a satisfying, balanced meal with minimal effort.