Salisbury Steak Meatballs are tender, juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich beef gravy with deeply caramelized onions. They have all the classic comfort of Salisbury steak, but in easy meatball form.
Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables for a cozy dinner that feels hearty, nostalgic, and satisfying. This is the kind of meat-and-potatoes meal that instantly becomes a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Tender homemade meatballs
- Rich savory beef gravy
- Sweet caramelized onions
- Perfect over mashed potatoes
- Great comfort food dinner
- Family-friendly recipe
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
What Are Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a fun twist on classic Salisbury steak. Instead of shaping the beef mixture into patties, the seasoned ground beef is rolled into meatballs, browned in a skillet, then finished in a thick, flavorful gravy.
The gravy is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a simple cornstarch slurry. It is rich, cozy, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef
Ground beef gives the meatballs classic Salisbury steak flavor. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or a mixture of ground beef and pork.
Breadcrumbs
Plain breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together and keep them tender. Panko, crushed crackers, rolled oats, or crushed cornflakes can also work.
Dry Mustard
Dry mustard adds a subtle tangy depth. If you do not have dry mustard, use about 1 teaspoon yellow mustard instead.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder gives the meatballs savory flavor. Minced garlic can also be used.
Yellow Onion
Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing because they become sweet, soft, and golden as they cook.
Beef Broth
Beef broth gives the gravy the richest flavor. Low-sodium broth can be used if preferred.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds deep savory flavor to the gravy. If needed, use a small amount of soy sauce as a substitute.
Cornstarch Slurry
Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth texture.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently until just combined.
Do not overmix, or the meatballs can become tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
You should get about 16 meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil.
Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning to brown evenly.
The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked yet because they will finish cooking in the gravy.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Increase the heat to medium.
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring constantly.
Let the gravy simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs
Return the meatballs to the skillet.
Spoon gravy over the top.
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Can You Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can assemble the meatballs ahead of time before cooking.
Refrigerate
Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Freeze
Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, or cook from frozen with a little extra time.
Can You Use Store-Bought Frozen Meatballs?
Yes. Store-bought frozen meatballs can be used if you need a shortcut.
Cook the meatballs according to the package directions first.
Then make the onion gravy and simmer the cooked meatballs in the gravy until heated through.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Don’t Overmix the Meat
Mix just until combined so the meatballs stay tender.
Brown the Meatballs First
Browning adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Caramelize the Onions Slowly
Cook the onions low and slow until golden for the best flavor.
Scrape the Skillet
Those browned bits on the bottom of the pan add richness to the gravy.
Simmer in the Gravy
Letting the meatballs finish in the gravy makes them extra flavorful.
Variations
Turkey Salisbury Meatballs
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Pork and Beef Meatballs
Use half ground beef and half ground pork for extra richness.
Mushroom Gravy
Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for a mushroom Salisbury steak flavor.
Creamy Gravy
Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
Extra Garlic Version
Add minced garlic to the onions while they caramelize.
Best Sides for Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These meatballs are delicious with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
Storage Instructions
Let the meatballs cool to room temperature.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
If possible, store extra gravy separately so the meatballs do not become too soft.
Freezing Instructions
Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
You can freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, but the meatballs may be a little leaner.
Can I Add Mushrooms?
Absolutely. Mushrooms are delicious in the gravy and add extra savory flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko, rolled oats, or crushed cornflakes can be used.
How Do I Know the Meatballs Are Done?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes. You can assemble the meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: About 4
Final Thoughts
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are rich, hearty, and full of classic comfort food flavor. The tender beef meatballs, caramelized onions, and savory gravy make this recipe perfect for cozy family dinners.
Serve them over mashed potatoes for the ultimate homestyle meal, or pair them with egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables for an easy dinner everyone will love.