Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting, savory flavor of classic Salisbury steak, but in a fun, bite-sized meatball form. This isn’t just another meatball recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for more. Are you ready to transform a weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure?

Salisbury steak itself has a fascinating history, originating in the late 19th century with Dr. James Salisbury, a physician who advocated for a meat-centric diet. While his dietary theories are now outdated, his namesake dish has endured, evolving into a beloved comfort food across generations. We’ve taken that classic flavor profile and reimagined it for the modern kitchen, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and incredibly convenient.

People adore Salisbury steak for its rich, umami-packed gravy and the satisfying texture of the seasoned ground beef. Our Salisbury Steak Meatballs capture all of that deliciousness in a form that’s perfect for appetizers, quick dinners, or even lunchboxes. The tender meatballs, smothered in a luscious mushroom gravy, offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
• 1/2 lb Ground Pork (adds richness and depth of flavor)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (crushed)
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
• For the Salisbury Steak Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 3 cups Beef Broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup Red Wine (dry, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot – optional, but adds great flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (or to taste, remember the broth is already salted)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Preparing the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until well combined. This creates a binding agent for the meatballs and infuses them with flavor.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the wet ingredients and let them soak for about 5 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture, resulting in more tender meatballs.
3. Sauté Aromatics: While the breadcrumbs are soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the mixing bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs. Add the ground beef, ground pork, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently Mix: Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. The mixture should be uniform, but not overworked.
6. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs from this recipe. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sear the Meatballs: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a nice crust on the meatballs. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches to ensure proper browning. Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set aside. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just browned.

Making the Salisbury Steak Gravy:

1. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet or Dutch oven you used to sear the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Caramelizing the onions is key to a rich and flavorful gravy.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Again, be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy. The roux should be a light golden brown color.
4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the gravy. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the Gravy: Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Combining Meatballs and Gravy:

1. Add Meatballs to Gravy: Gently add the seared meatballs to the gravy. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the gravy.
2. Simmer Together: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the gravy has thickened further. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
3. Check for Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Sear the Meatballs Properly: Searing the meatballs adds flavor and texture. Make sure to brown them on all sides.
• Caramelize the Onions: Caramelizing the onions is key to a rich and flavorful gravy. Don’t rush this step.
• Use Good Quality Beef Broth: Using a good quality beef broth will enhance the flavor of the gravy. Low sodium broth is recommended so you can control the salt level.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different.
• Make Ahead: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The gravy can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Instructions: The cooked meatballs and gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing for Salisbury steak meatballs.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
• Egg Noodles: A comforting and satisfying side dish.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is a great alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a side salad.

Variations:

• Mushroom Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for a richer, earthier flavor. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions.
• Creamy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to the gravy at the end for a creamier texture.
• Spicy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the gravy is rich and savory. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Meatballs? Again?” But trust me on this one. The rich, savory gravy combined with the tender, juicy meatballs creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated with a touch of sophistication, and surprisingly easy to make.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a perfectly textured meatball that’s bursting with flavor. Then, the Salisbury steak-inspired gravy, with its deep, umami notes, takes it over the top. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover bread you might have lying around!

But the real magic lies in the versatility of these Salisbury Steak Meatballs. They’re not just for serving over mashed potatoes (although, let’s be honest, that’s a classic for a reason!). You can get creative with your serving suggestions. Imagine them nestled in a crusty baguette as a meatball sub, drizzled with extra gravy and topped with melted provolone cheese. Or, how about serving them over egg noodles or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal? For a lighter option, try serving them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

And the variations? The possibilities are endless! Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy. Feeling adventurous? Try using a blend of ground beef and ground pork for a richer flavor. You could even add some finely chopped mushrooms to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of earthiness. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought gravy, but I highly recommend making your own – it really does make all the difference. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans.
* Meatball Sub Magic: Stuff them into a toasted baguette with provolone cheese and extra gravy.
* Noodle Nirvana: Toss them with egg noodles or your favorite pasta shape.
* Rice Bowl Bliss: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
* Veggie Delight: Pair them with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
* Pork Power: Use a blend of ground beef and ground pork.
* Mushroom Mania: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the meatball mixture.
* Gluten-Free Goodness: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

I truly believe that this Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, and it’s so easy to customize to your own tastes. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give it a try!

I’m so excited to hear what you think of this recipe. Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and how much your family loved it. Sharing your experiences helps other readers and inspires me to create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your Salisbury Steak Meatballs success!