Savory Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Introduction
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting twist on a classic mid-century favorite. Tender, seasoned beef meatballs are simmered in a rich, velvety gravy with onions and celery, perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness).
½ cup plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
½ cup finely diced yellow onion.
½ cup finely diced celery.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon salt.
1 teaspoon black pepper.
For the Gravy:
2 cups beef broth.
2 tablespoons butter.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon onion powder.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until just combined.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time and roll into uniform meatballs, roughly golf ball-sized.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until light brown and nutty.
Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.
Return the meatballs to the gravy. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
How to Make
Dice onions and celery very small so they soften during simmering without breaking the meatballs apart.
Deglaze the pan when adding the broth—scrape up the browned bits for maximum flavor.
Pour gravy generously over meatballs just before serving for that glistening, restaurant-style look.
Variations
Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms before making the gravy.
Cheesy Center: Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in each meatball before rolling.
Turkey Salisbury: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken; add 1 extra tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
Tips
Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
Wet your hands while rolling meatballs to prevent sticking.
Adjust gravy consistency: whisk in more beef broth if too thick, simmer uncovered if too thin.
Browning meatballs is essential for deep flavor; don’t skip this step.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a cozy, flavorful comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these savory bites bring hearty satisfaction to the table.
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