Salisbury steak meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish that is made with ground beef, seasonings, breadcrumbs, eggs, and are covered with a savory beef gravy. Salisbury steak meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
This Salisbury steak recipe is a classic dinner that has probably made more than one appearance on every dinner table in America. I know we had it a lot when I was growing up. It was a staple in my family, and when I got older, it became a staple for me, as well. It was so easy to make and so delicious that I just had to keep making it. Of course, it didn’t hurt that my kids love it. They and their friends absolutely devoured it after school if we had any leftovers!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This delicious variation on classic Salisbury steak starts with a mix of lean ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and zesty spices. I form it into meatballs and sear them on all sides until they have a great crust on the outside. After that, I make a classic gravy and simmer the meatballs for just about 30 minutes until they’re moist and tender. That’s all there is to it! After that, there’s nothing left but to serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It’s a classic, hearty dish that’s ready in no time and that everyone loves.
You’re going to love how rich and filling it is without having to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s really a cook’s delight on busy weeknights or when you just need something to satisfy a ravenous family full of big eaters!
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Recipe
- They are absolutely delicious, and the combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs makes a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- They are easy to make with a simple and straightforward recipe, and you can have these savory meatballs on the table in no time.
- They’re versatile and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and you can add your favorite toppings, such as cheese or sour cream for added flavor.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs Ingredients
Just like classic Salisbury steak, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to create that rich, signature flavor. You probably have many of them in your kitchen right now, and whatever you don’t have is easily found at your local grocery store in one quick trip. It just takes a simple in and out to get everything you need.
For the Meatballs
- Lean ground beef
- Onions
- Large egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parsley
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Butter
For the Gravy
- Beef broth
- All purpose flour
- Onions
- Cloves garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Can use mushrooms if desired
The actual measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Making this Salisbury steak variation is a straightforward process that even beginners will have no problem with. Making the meatballs is a snap, and the gravy comes together quickly, making this a great weeknight dinner idea for even the busiest days. I should know. I made this recipe on many a hectic night!
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Mix the ground beef, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, crushed red pepper, and peppers in a medium mixing bowl. Then, form them into small meatballs. You should get about 24 meatballs.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Add a tablespoon of butter to a cast iron skillet or large frying pan. When melted, add the meatballs and cover over medium heat until all sides of the meatballs are seared. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and drain the skillet if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet and sauté the onions and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping the pan drippings as you cook.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook for a few minutes while stirring.
Step 6: Finish the Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Add the meatballs to the gravy, cover with a lid, and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Recipe Tips
- The easiest way to mix the meatball ingredients is by hand.
- Be sure you scrape off all the little bits left behind by the meatballs when sautéing the onions. There’s a ton of flavor there!
- Stir frequently when making the roux and the gravy to prevent sticking.
- Remember, the gravy will thicken more as it cools!
- If your gravy seems too thin, add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to it and simmer it for a few more minutes.
Variations
- You can make this recipe with frozen meatballs if you prefer.
- Try adding a dollop of sour cream to the gravy at the end for a sort of Salisbury steak/Swedish meatballs mashup that’s so good.
- A mushroom gravy is great with this dish.
- You can add diced potatoes to this and serve it as a full meal all on its own!
- Try making the meatballs with a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Just like classic Salisbury steak, this meatball version is perfect when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also pair it with bread and butter, garlic bread, or breadsticks. Biscuits are also a great pairing with this dish. Dip them right in! It’s so good. Finally, your favorite vegetables make a nice accompaniment to these meatballs.
Recipe FAQ
Salisbury steak is a version of hamburger steak created in the USA. It’s served with a rich, thick beef gravy that usually contains mushrooms and is usually served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Salisbury steak’s rich gravy is usually made with a beef broth and Worcestershire sauce base, onions, and mushrooms and thickened with a roux of flour and butter.
If you simmer the meatballs, they’ll cook in sauce or gravy.
Typically, Salisbury steak is made from ground beef. However, some recipes may use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for additional flavor. Whether you stick with just beef or experiment with different meat combinations, the result is a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
Salisbury steak is typically made with ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and sometimes milk. Some recipes might even call for using a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
I like to sear the meatballs in a skillet and then fully cook them in the gravy. This allows for more melding of flavors.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Refrigerate these meatballs in their gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, add the meatballs and gravy to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until heated through. You can do this from the refrigerator or the freezer.
Try This Delicious Salisbury Meatball Recipe
These delicious Salisbury steak meatballs are a fun twist on an old favorite. They’re seared on the outside and then cooked to perfection on the inside while they simmer in the rich gravy that goes along with them. This recipe is super easy to make and can feed an entire family, making it the perfect family dinner for even busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s so easy and delicious, how could you not?
So whip up a batch of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and just smother them in these meatballs. You’ll never want to make regular Salisbury steak again. I guarantee it!
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup onions, diced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Gravy
- 4 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix ground beef, onions, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, crushed red peppers and pepper together. Make small size meatballs (should get about 24 or 25).
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a cast iron pan, or large frying pan, and after butter melts, add meatballs.
- Heat over medium heat, cook until all sides are pan-seared then remove from pan, place on a plate.
- Drain any excess grease, if needed.
For the Gravy
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes scraping pan drippings.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic. Stir, cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper into the pan. Stir for a few minutes and place meatballs back into the pan. Stir.
- Cover pan, cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy will also thicken up as it cools. And if the gravy seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then add to the pan, stir and let simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
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