Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Salisbury steak, featuring tender beef meatballs smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. With their flavorful meatball base and a luscious onion gravy, these Salisbury steak meatballs are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion (or finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot, spooning the rich onion gravy over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Cook Notes
- Meatball Size: Try to make the meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken it.
- Lean Beef: For a healthier version, use ground beef with a lower fat content or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Variations
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the onions for a mushroom-onion gravy.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just skip the meatball-making steps and follow the gravy instructions, then simmer the pre-cooked meatballs in the gravy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Pair them with steamed vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender meatballs paired with a rich onion gravy make this recipe a family favorite. Serve them with mashed potatoes or noodles, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy-to-make comfort food classic!
