Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Salisbury steak meatballs: a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine the savory, rich flavor of Salisbury steak, but in a fun, bite-sized meatball form. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Salisbury steak itself has a fascinating history, dating back to Dr. James Salisbury in the late 19th century. He advocated for a meat-centric diet and believed that ground beef, prepared in a specific way, could cure various ailments. While his theories are certainly outdated, his namesake dish has endured, evolving into the comforting, gravy-smothered delight we know and love. Now, we’re taking it one step further!

What makes these Salisbury steak meatballs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy meatballs are packed with savory beef flavor, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Then, they’re simmered in a luscious, umami-rich gravy that coats every meatball in pure deliciousness. People adore this dish because it’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a weeknight winner that feels like a weekend treat. Plus, the meatball format makes it kid-friendly and perfect for appetizers or even a fun twist on spaghetti night. Get ready to elevate your meatball game!

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb Ground Pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
• For the Mushroom Gravy:
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine (optional, but adds depth)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Meatball Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Gently break up the meat with your hands, being careful not to overwork it. Overworking the meat can result in tough meatballs.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. This creates a binding agent that will help hold the meatballs together.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk and egg mixture, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the meat.
4. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed, but the mixture should still be relatively loose.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.

Forming and Searing the Meatballs:

1. Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator.
2. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent size so they cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the meatballs to steam instead of sear.
4. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, leaving some space between them. Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. The meatballs don’t need to be cooked through at this point; you just want to develop a good crust.
5. Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Making the Mushroom Gravy:

1. In the same skillet or Dutch oven (don’t wipe it out!), melt the butter over medium heat. The browned bits left in the pan from searing the meatballs will add extra flavor to the gravy.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. If using, add the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the gravy.
6. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
7. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness.

Combining Meatballs and Gravy:

1. Gently add the seared meatballs back to the skillet with the mushroom gravy.
2. Spoon some of the gravy over the meatballs to coat them evenly.
3. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).

Serving:

1. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot, spooned over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Meat: Feel free to use all ground beef if you prefer, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the gravy, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or gravy for a little heat.
• Wine: If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Slow Cooker: You can also make these meatballs in a slow cooker. Sear the meatballs as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Pour the gravy over the meatballs and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for soaking up the delicious mushroom gravy.
• Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are another great option for serving with Salisbury steak meatballs.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice also works well.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over cauliflower mash.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is a delicious and comforting side dish.
• Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans adds a touch of freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are also great accompaniments.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another meatball recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The Salisbury steak meatballs offer a comforting, savory experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. The rich, umami-packed gravy, combined with the tender, juicy meatballs, creates a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear from the plate.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own home. It’s the perfect weeknight meal solution, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a sophisticated addition to your next potluck. Plus, who can resist a good meatball?

But the best part? The versatility! Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Imagine the fluffy potatoes soaking up that delicious gravy – pure bliss! Or, try them with egg noodles for a classic pairing that’s always a winner. For a lighter option, serve them over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a deeper, more complex flavor. Stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick. You could even incorporate some finely chopped onions and bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added texture and flavor. Get creative and make it your own!

These Salisbury steak meatballs are also fantastic as appetizers. Simply serve them on skewers with a side of the gravy for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and satisfying bite.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Don’t be shy – give it a try! I promise, you won’t be disappointed. The combination of savory flavors and tender texture is simply irresistible.

And remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. So, feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Add your favorite herbs and spices, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or try a different type of gravy. The possibilities are endless!

Once you’ve made these amazing Salisbury steak meatballs, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. These Salisbury steak meatballs are calling your name! Happy cooking!

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