These Salisbury steak meatballs are a warm and hearty dish that feels like a big hug on a plate! Made with beef, onion, and tasty seasonings, they are swimming in a rich gravy that makes every bite special.
Honestly, who can resist the combo of juicy meatballs and delicious gravy? I love serving them over mashed potatoes or noodles for a truly cozy meal. Your comfort food cravings will be totally satisfied! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work as well, but they may require more seasoning to kick up the flavor.
Breadcrumbs: For binding, regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can use panko for a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead!
Onion: Freshly chopped onions add moisture and sweetness. If you’re short on time, onion powder can substitute, but use about 1 teaspoon instead of fresh.
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient provides a unique umami flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce can be a good stand-in, though the taste will be slightly different.
Mushrooms: Adding mushrooms elevates the dish with extra flavor. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, just skip them or substitute with bell peppers for something different.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Meatballs?
Making meatballs can be tricky, but focusing on browning them first really boosts the flavor. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Ensure your meat mixture is well combined but don’t overmix; this keeps them tender.
- Shape the meatballs evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
- Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet, allowing a nice crust to form. This seals in the juices!
- Simmer them in the gravy afterwards for even cooking and added flavor absorption.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush the cooking. Enjoy those delicious meatballs!
Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of cooking time. That means you can have these comforting meatballs ready in about 50 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they are evenly shaped for even cooking.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms:
If you’re adding mushrooms, toss them into the same skillet. Sauté them over medium heat until they are tender, which should take about 3 minutes. This adds lots of flavor to the dish!
5. Make the Gravy:
In the skillet, pour in the beef broth along with the ketchup and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
While the gravy is simmering, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly drizzle this slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens up nicely.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently spoon some gravy over them. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Pour plenty of that delicious gravy over the top. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
FAQ: Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be aware that turkey may require a little extra seasoning since it’s milder in flavor than beef.
What Should I Do If My Meatballs are Falling Apart?
If your meatballs are falling apart, it might be due to too much moisture. To fix this, consider adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together. Also, make sure to shape them firmly.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra gravy if needed to keep them moist.
