Salisbury steak meatballs are tender meatballs that are smothered in mushroom brown gravy. This easy dinner recipe can be made in less than 45 minutes.

No ratings yet

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Salisbury steak meatballs are tender meatballs that are smothered in a rich, mushroom brown gravy. This easy dinner recipe has all of the flavors if Salisbury steak in flavorful meatballs.

Salisbury steak meatballs have the flavor of Salisbury steak in yummy meatball form. These tender meatballs are smothered in rich, brown gravy.

They are made in one pan for easy cleanup, and they can be whipped up in less than 45 minutes.

I've included step-by-step photos, recipe substitution ideas, and tips to help you make the recipe.

Ingredients for salisbury steak meatballs in dishes.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Ground beef: I prefer to use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef to make meatballs. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. However, ground turkey and ground chicken will give you drier meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: You can use gluten free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Flour: To thicken the gravy with a flour alternative, use 1 ½ -2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of broth and add it along with the Worchester sauce, mustard, and thyme.
Mustard powder: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of Dijon or yellow mustard, or leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Beef broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth to make the gravy.
Mushrooms: You can use canned mushrooms, but fresh mushrooms are recommended for better flavor and texture.

How to make Salisbury steak meatballs

Here you'll find step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.

Salisbury steak meatball mixture in a white mixing bowl.

Step 1: Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Shaped Salisbury steak meatballs on a plate.

Step 2: Shape the meat mixture into 20 meatballs, each about 1 ½ tablespoons.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Browned Salisbury steak meatballs in a skillet.

Step 4: Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.

Sauteed onions and mushrooms in a skillet.

Step 7: Add the sliced mushrooms and sliced onion, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring the entire time, for 30 seconds.

Flour mixture stirred in sauteed onions garlic and mushrooms.

Step 9: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 10: Gradually whisk in the beef broth.

Thickened brown gravy in a black skillet.

Step 11: Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 12: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Meatballs rewarming in gravy in a skillet.

Step 13: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the mushroom gravy, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and meatballs to reheat.

A black skillet with salisbury steak meatballs next to a dish of mashed potatoes.

Tips

To bake: You can bake the meatballs instead of pan frying. Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
To make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
To freeze: Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Gravy is too thin: If the gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of broth to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
Gravy is too thick: Stir in more broth, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

A plate of Salisbury steak meatballs in gravy next to dishes of salt and pepper.

Serving suggestions

Here are some ideas to help you turn this dish into a meal.

Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with the rich gravy.
Egg noodles: Serve over cooked egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
Simple tossed salad: A light, fresh salad balances out the richer, heavier sauce. Serve with your favorite salad dressing.
Roast vegetables: Roast vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, carrots, or asparagus are all good alongside the meatballs.

Two plates of salisbury steak meatballs in gravy over mashed potatoes.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

More ground beef dinner recipes!

If you’ve tried this Salisbury steak meatball recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

You can follow me on Pinterest for even more delicious food!