Ultimate Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Quick Homemade Comfort with Rich Mushroom Gravy
Transform a beloved classic into a delightful bite-sized sensation with these incredibly easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs. In just 25 minutes, you can craft savory beef meatballs generously coated in a rich, homemade mushroom gravy, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively party, contributing to a potluck, or simply preparing a comforting weeknight dinner, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles for a truly satisfying meal that evokes warmth and nostalgia.
Why This Recipe Works: A Modern Twist on a Classic Comfort
Salisbury steak meatballs are precisely what their name suggests: a clever, miniature reimagining of the traditional Salisbury steak. This recipe takes all the comforting elements of the classic — the flavorful beef, the savory seasonings, and especially the irresistible homemade mushroom gravy — and transforms them into convenient, bite-sized portions. They leverage virtually the same core ingredients, but their unique shape offers a fresh perspective on a timeless favorite.
This dish captures the essence of cherished childhood memories, bringing forth the simple yet profound satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Salisbury steak, in its original form, has long been a benchmark for hearty American comfort food. By shaping it into meatballs, we’ve created a versatile dish that’s not only easier to serve for gatherings but also cooks more quickly and consistently. This innovative approach means you get all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic Salisbury steak, with an added layer of convenience and fun. It’s truly the perfect fusion of tradition and practicality, ensuring a delicious and memorable experience every time.
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Meatballs and Rich Gravy
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary components for these delectable Salisbury steak meatballs and their accompanying rich mushroom gravy. You’ll find a complete list of measurements, precise ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe version available at the conclusion of this post. Having everything prepped and ready will streamline your cooking process and ensure a smooth, enjoyable culinary experience.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips and Clever Substitutions
FOR THE MEATBALLS – The foundation of any great meatball lies in its meat. Both lean and medium ground beef are excellent choices for this recipe, and you can even use a combination to achieve your preferred texture and fat content. For those looking for a lighter alternative or a different flavor profile, ground turkey makes a fantastic substitute; just be mindful that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might need a touch more moisture to keep the meatballs tender. As a binder, panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture, but a classic trick we often employ is using crushed saltine crackers. They work just as effectively to hold the meatballs together while adding a subtle salty note. The minced yellow onion, egg, milk, and essential seasonings like sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder all contribute to creating deeply flavorful and moist meatballs.
FOR THE GRAVY – The magic of this dish truly comes alive with its rich, homemade mushroom gravy. This luxurious sauce is built upon a base of simple yet powerful ingredients: creamy butter, finely minced onion, and earthy mushrooms. We’ve opted for cremini mushrooms here, known for their robust flavor and firm texture, but feel free to use your favorite variety, such as white button mushrooms or even a mix of wild mushrooms for added complexity. All-purpose flour is crucial for creating a roux, which thickens the gravy to perfection. Beef broth provides the rich liquid base, infusing the sauce with savory depth, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of umami and a subtle tang that elevates the entire dish. If you’re managing sodium intake, using unsalted butter and low-sodium beef broth is a smart choice; just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed to ensure the gravy is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
Crafting Your Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- **Prepare the Meatball Mixture:** In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients specified for the meatballs: ground beef, minced yellow onion, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
- **Form the Meatballs:** Using a 3 Tablespoon cookie scoop will help you create uniform meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly. Scoop out portions of the meat mixture and gently roll them into neat, round balls. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet as you go, setting them aside while you prepare the skillet.
- **Cook the Meatballs:** Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cook the meatballs until they are fully browned on all sides and cooked through. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and prevent proper searing. Once each batch of meatballs is cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
EXPERT TIP – For food safety and optimal flavor, meatballs are considered fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can easily verify this using an instant-read thermometer.
- **Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:** Carefully drain most of the rendered grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to cook the vegetables. Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their moisture. Reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for the next step.
- **Prepare the Gravy:** Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pan with the onions and mushrooms. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux, which will help thicken the gravy and remove any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to stir regularly as the mixture heats and thickens into a rich, luscious gravy.
- **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the thickened gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs thoroughly, allowing them to rewarm in the savory sauce for a few minutes. Spoon extra gravy generously over the meatballs before serving. These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are now ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Meatballs
To maintain their freshness and flavor, store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs, along with their delicious gravy, in an airtight container. Keep this container in the refrigerator, and they will remain perfectly good to enjoy for up to 4 days. This makes them an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.
Absolutely, Salisbury steak meatballs freeze beautifully, offering a convenient make-ahead meal solution. You have two main options for freezing:
- Meatballs without Gravy: If you prefer to prepare fresh gravy later, you can freeze just the cooked meatballs. First, flash freeze them by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a gallon-sized freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Finished Meal with Gravy: For maximum convenience, you can freeze the entire cooled finished meal, including the gravy. Place the cooled meatballs and gravy into an airtight, freezer-safe container. This method works well for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen meatballs (with or without gravy) in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Yes, absolutely! If mushrooms aren’t to your liking or you have dietary restrictions, feel free to omit them from the gravy. The gravy will still be incredibly flavorful thanks to the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sautéed onions. You can also substitute them with finely diced bell peppers or carrots for added vegetables, or simply make a plain brown gravy.
Yes, using pre-made frozen meatballs is a fantastic shortcut to drastically reduce your prep time, especially on busy weeknights. Simply add them directly to the skillet and cook them according to package directions until they are fully heated through. Once warm, you can proceed with preparing the gravy in the same pan, then combine them to simmer and soak up all the delicious flavors. This modification makes an already quick recipe even faster!
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Ideas
These versatile Salisbury steak meatballs offer a myriad of serving possibilities, making them suitable for casual family dinners and elegant gatherings alike. For a classic, comforting meal, serve them generously spooned over a fluffy bed of creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, allowing the rich mushroom gravy to meld with your chosen starch. Alternatively, they pair beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful rice pilaf. Don’t forget a side of vibrant roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to complete the plate with freshness and nutrition.
Planning to bring them to a party or potluck? These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser! After cooking, transfer the finished Salisbury steak meatballs to a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. This keeps them at the perfect temperature for transporting and serving, ensuring they remain succulent and appetizing. Offer toothpicks on the side, transforming them into an effortless and elegant appetizer that guests can easily grab and enjoy. For a final flourish, consider garnishing the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving; it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors beautifully. Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic comfort food!
Explore More Delicious Meatball Creations
If you’ve enjoyed the savory goodness of these Salisbury steak meatballs, you’ll be thrilled to discover our other fantastic meatball recipes. Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit almost any palate or occasion. Here are some more of our favorites that you might love:
- Irresistible Sausage Balls: A popular appetizer, perfect for breakfast or parties.
- Authentic Swedish Meatballs: Coated in a creamy, savory sauce, a true comfort food delight.
- Sweet & Savory Grape Jelly Meatballs: An unexpectedly delicious and super easy appetizer.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: All the flavors of your favorite burger, in a convenient meatball form.
- Light and Flavorful Chicken Meatballs: A leaner alternative that’s just as satisfying.
I absolutely adore cooking and baking, and I find immense joy in sharing my culinary experiences with all of you! Remembering to visit the blog daily for new recipes can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a fresh recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your next meal!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
- 1 small yellow onion minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Gravy
- ¼ cup salted butter 1/2 stick
- 1 medium yellow onion minced
- 12 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Things You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Large skillet
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3 tablespoon cookie scoop
Before You Begin: Essential Tips for Success
- If you find the meat mixture is sticking excessively to your hands while rolling the meatballs, a simple trick is to either lightly spray your hands with cooking oil or keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands as needed. This helps prevent sticking and makes shaping much easier.
- While not strictly necessary, using a cookie scoop (like a 3 Tablespoon scoop) for forming the meatballs is highly recommended. It ensures that each meatball is uniform in size, which is key for them to cook evenly and consistently in the skillet. This prevents some meatballs from being overcooked while others are still undercooked.
- When making the gravy, if you opt to use unsalted butter and low-sodium beef broth, remember to taste the gravy before serving and add salt as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance. The natural sodium in salted butter and regular broth contributes significantly to the final taste.
- For the meatballs, both lean (e.g., 90/10) and medium (e.g., 80/20) ground beef will work wonderfully. You can even combine the two to customize the fat content and flavor. If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey can be successfully substituted for ground beef, offering a lighter option. Just ensure it’s well seasoned.
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
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Using a 3 Tablespoon cookie scoop, form the meatballs and set them aside.
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In a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat, cook the meatballs in batches until fully cooked. Once all meatballs are done, set them aside.
**Expert Tip:** Meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer.
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Drain most of the grease from the pan. Over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onion until soft, scraping down any browned bits. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
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Add flour to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir regularly until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet to rewarm, spooning the rich gravy over them. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQs (Detailed)
- **Storage:** Store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs and their gravy in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- **Freezing:** This recipe is freezer-friendly! You can choose to freeze the meatballs either with or without the gravy.
- Meatballs Only: For ultimate flexibility, cook the meatballs as directed, then let them cool completely. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (this prevents them from sticking together), then transfer them to a freezer-safe gallon-sized zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then prepare the gravy fresh.
- Complete Meal: If you want to freeze the full dish, including the gravy, allow the entire meal to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. This method is great for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition Information
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.