Coated in rich, flavorful gravy and served with mashed potatoes, these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. This easy-to-make dish combines bite-sized meatballs with a savory onion gravy, creating a meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as an appetizer. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a quick and hearty dish that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Why Choose Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish that appeals to all ages. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for various occasions, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
- Quick and Easy: The entire recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a practical option for busy schedules.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender meatballs and rich onion gravy delivers a warm, satisfying taste that feels like a hug in every bite.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer to serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables, these meatballs adapt beautifully to your preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The small, flavorful meatballs are a hit with kids, while the savory gravy appeals to adults.
What Sets Salisbury Steak Meatballs Apart
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are distinguished by their rich flavor and hearty texture. Each component of the dish contributes to its overall appeal:
- The Meatballs: Made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, the meatballs are juicy and flavorful. Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and ketchup add depth, while onion powder enhances the savory profile.
- The Gravy: The onion-based gravy is the star of the dish. Butter provides richness, while a blend of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup creates a velvety, umami-packed sauce that perfectly coats the meatballs.
- A Balanced Dish: While hearty and indulgent, the dish can be balanced with light sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Tips for Making Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
- Uniform Sizes: For even cooking, shape the meatballs into uniform sizes. Using a small cookie scoop can help achieve consistency.
- Brown for Flavor: Browning the meatballs in the skillet adds a layer of flavor through caramelization. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent proper browning.
- Make a Smooth Gravy: Whisk the flour thoroughly into the butter and onions to avoid lumps in the gravy. Gradually adding the broth while whisking ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust the Gravy: If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some popular options:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up the delicious gravy and complementing the savory meatballs.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide a hearty base that works well with the rich sauce.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice offers a neutral backdrop for the flavorful meatballs and gravy.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the gravy.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a great option for meal prep. Here’s why:
- Make-Ahead Option: The meatballs can be prepared and browned ahead of time, then stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Once cooked, the meatballs and gravy freeze beautifully. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat the meatballs and gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Meat Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for a subtle heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Why This Dish is a Comfort Food Classic
Comfort food is all about nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction, and Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver on all fronts. The tender meatballs and rich, savory gravy evoke a sense of home-cooked love, while the easy preparation ensures it’s accessible even on busy nights.
The dish’s adaptability also contributes to its status as a comfort food staple. Whether served as a main course with hearty sides or as an appetizer at a gathering, these meatballs fit seamlessly into any setting.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, offering a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and universally loved. The combination of tender meatballs, savory onion gravy, and versatile serving options ensures that this recipe will become a family favorite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish is as practical as it is delicious. Its nostalgic flavors and comforting textures make it a go-to recipe for any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Description
Coated in rich, flavorful gravy and served with mashed potatoes, these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. This easy-to-make dish combines bite-sized meatballs with a savory onion gravy, creating a meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as an appetizer. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a quick and hearty dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup coarse grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 cup beef broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into about 30 small 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and ketchup. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss them in the gravy until fully coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.