Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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Imagine the savory flavors of a classic Salisbury steak packed into tender, juicy meatballs and simmered in a rich brown gravy. Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or satisfying weeknight meals. They combine the old-school flavors you love with a modern, bite-sized twist that’s both fun and filling.

These meatballs are simmered to perfection in a velvety mushroom-onion gravy and often served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta. They’re hearty enough for winter nights yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep this dish in your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Rich, flavorful, and soul-warming.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these meatballs.
• Versatile: Serve over potatoes, noodles, or rice for a full meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance or freezing.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the juiciest Salisbury Steak Meatballs, use ground beef with some fat content—ideally 80/20 or 85/15. Too lean and the meatballs may dry out; too fatty and they could fall apart or become greasy. Ground chuck is an excellent choice for its balance of flavor and moisture.

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Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Every ingredient in these Salisbury Steak Meatballs plays a key role in delivering that rich, savory flavor and tender texture.

• Ground beef – The star of the show. It provides the hearty, meaty base for the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs together and keep them soft and juicy.
• Milk – Moistens the breadcrumbs and adds richness to the meatball mixture.
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• Onion (finely chopped) – Brings sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
• Worcestershire sauce – A splash adds umami depth and a signature Salisbury flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings for a balanced, savory bite.
• Olive oil or butter – For browning the meatballs and enhancing the flavor.

For the gravy:

• Beef broth – Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
• Onion (sliced) – Adds sweetness and texture to the gravy.
• Mushrooms (optional) – Traditional in Salisbury steak for an earthy touch.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy to coat the meatballs perfectly.
• Butter – Combines with flour to create a roux for thickening.
• Worcestershire sauce – Again, brings a deep, tangy richness to the gravy.

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How To Make the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs can become dense.

Step 2: Shape and Brown

Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—they’ll finish in the gravy.

Step 3: Sauté the Gravy Base

Remove the meatballs and add sliced onions (and mushrooms if using) to the same skillet. Cook until soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and cover. Let them simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the gravy is thick and luscious.

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How to Serve and Store These Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are best served piping hot, generously smothered in gravy, and paired with a starchy side to soak up every drop. Mashed potatoes are the classic go-to, but buttery egg noodles, rice, or even roasted cauliflower mash work beautifully.

This recipe yields around 20 meatballs and feeds 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. It makes a satisfying main course for a family dinner or a hearty meal prep option for the week.

To store leftovers, transfer cooled meatballs and gravy to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout.

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What to Serve With Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort pairing, soaking up the savory gravy like a dream.

Buttered Egg Noodles

These wide, tender noodles are great for catching all that luscious sauce in every bite.

Roasted Green Beans

A light, crisp veggie side to balance the richness of the dish.

Creamed Corn

Sweet and velvety, it adds a nostalgic Southern comfort feel to the meal.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright and simple, this is a great choice for adding fiber and color to your plate.

Garlic Bread

For those who love a hearty carb on the side, garlic bread is a satisfying and flavorful option.

Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness and adds freshness.

Cauliflower Mash

For a low-carb side, this is a delicious, creamy substitute for mashed potatoes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and even cook them a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat gently in the gravy before serving. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. You may want to add a splash of olive oil or an extra egg yolk to maintain moisture, as turkey tends to be drier than beef.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder—breadcrumbs, egg, and milk are essential. Also, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can break down the proteins and cause a crumbly texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

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Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or skip them? Did you try serving it over noodles or mashed potatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more cozy and crowd-pleasing meals, visit my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest.

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Conclusion

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are everything you love about classic home cooking in a bite-sized, gravy-smothered form. They’re easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or storing for future meals. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes on a chilly night or packing them for lunch the next day, this dish delivers cozy flavor every single time.

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