Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Salisbury steak dish, offering the same rich and savory flavors in a bite-sized form. These meatballs are made with a blend of beef and seasonings, simmered in a savory gravy for a comforting meal that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for a juicy meatball)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1/4 cup onion powder)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-14 meatballs, depending on size.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

1. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes in total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the gravy. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy:

1. Create the Roux: In the same skillet, add the flour and cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux to thicken the gravy.
2. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
3. Season the Gravy: Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed.

4. Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy:

1. Return the Meatballs: Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top of each meatball.
2. Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally and spoon the gravy over the meatballs as they cook.

5. Serve:

• Once the meatballs are cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking, serve them hot. They go perfectly over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. You can garnish with some fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips and Variations:

• Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of these meatballs, but be aware that the texture might be a bit different.
• Gravy Adjustments: For a richer gravy, you can substitute some of the beef broth with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an extra depth of flavor, just like traditional Salisbury steak.

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a cozy, comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The savory gravy and tender meatballs combine to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Enjoy!