Name: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 blend); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp flour; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

If comfort food had a lovechild with a classic TV dinner, Salisbury Steak Meatballs would be it. These bite-sized savory meatballs are smothered in a rich onion gravy and served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. It’s everything you love about Salisbury steak, just rolled into juicy, tender meatballs.

Perfect for weeknights and cozy weekends alike, these meatballs are a family-friendly dinner that delivers all the nostalgic flavors of diner-style meals but made from scratch at home. Whether you’re prepping ahead for meal prep or serving them straight out of the skillet, this dish is satisfying and simple.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, choose ground beef with about 85% lean and 15% fat. This ratio helps keep the meatballs moist while still holding their shape. Avoid extra-lean blends, as they can make the meatballs dry out during cooking.

Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1 lb ground beef (85/15 blend)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Gravy:

1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to cook through, just develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add sliced onions. Cook until soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.

Serving and Storing Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Serve these savory meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta for a hearty meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) and avoid overmixing the meat, which can make them crumbly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but you may need to add a splash of oil or extra milk for moisture, as turkey tends to be leaner.

Can I bake the meatballs instead?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer them to the gravy to simmer.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a dash of sugar.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and check your broth and Worcestershire for hidden gluten.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you’ll enjoy these comforting favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a skillet dish full of garlicky goodness.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you want easy cleanup.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s creamy, dreamy, and made for sharing.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for rich Italian-inspired flavors.
Shipwreck Dinner for a retro-style, one-pan family meal.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up any time you need cozy comfort on a plate.

Let me know how it turned out! Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles? Add mushrooms to the gravy? Share your twist or ask a question—I’m always here to chat and help you make it perfect.

Check out more of my daily comfort recipes on Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy Salisbury Steak Meatballs smothered in a rich onion gravy. This comforting dinner is perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles and makes a nostalgic, hearty meal the whole family will love.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.

2. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Brown them in olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, turning to sear all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth. Add Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the gravy thickens.

5. Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked. Serve warm.