If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs soaked in rich, flavorful gravy bring together the heartiness of classic Salisbury steak with the cozy appeal of meatballs. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss, this dish balances simple ingredients with big, satisfying taste. Every bite delivers a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and buttery flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to bring this dish to life. Each one plays its unique part—whether it’s adding moisture, depth, or that irresistible tang—that makes the meal truly amazing.
- Lean ground beef (1 ½ pounds): The star protein that ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Keeps meatballs tender and adds a light texture without heaviness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything perfectly together so your meatballs hold their shape.
- Ketchup (¼ cup + 1 tbsp for gravy): Lends a tangy sweetness that brightens the flavors.
- Coarse grain mustard (¼ cup): Brings a subtle kick and complexity to the meat mixture.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp for meatballs + 1 tbsp for gravy): Adds umami richness that deepens savory notes.
- Seasoning salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp for gravy): Enhances all flavors perfectly without overwhelming.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a mild heat and balanced spice.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): A quick way to add mellow onion flavor inside the meatballs.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning meatballs to develop that gorgeous caramelized crust.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, for gravy): Creates a velvety base for the savory gravy.
- Large onion, chopped (1): Simmered until translucent, it provides sweetness and body to the gravy.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the gravy for that luscious coating on every meatball.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Builds the savory liquid that makes the gravy shine.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor garnish.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the lean ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands just until everything is combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Avoid overmixing, which can make them dense. Once mixed, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—you should get about 30. This step sets the foundation for those perfectly tender Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe meatballs everyone will love.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. Browning adds an incredible depth of flavor and helps the meatballs hold together during cooking. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate while preparing the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Savory Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook the onions until they are soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to coat, cooking for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps, followed by Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasoning salt. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened to your liking. If the gravy gets too thick, simply add a bit more broth to loosen it up.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, gently tossing to coat each one. Allow them to warm through in the gravy for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness and vibrant color.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple but perfect way to add some green vibrancy to your dish. You can also try a dusting of freshly ground black pepper for extra aroma or a few thinly sliced green onions to give a mild bite and beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty and pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles so the gravy can be soaked up with every bite. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a crisp, colorful balance that brightens the meal without competing with the meatballs’ rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the meatballs in a large rustic bowl alongside plenty of gravy and dippers. Alternatively, place individual servings over creamy polenta or even inside soft sandwich buns for a fun twist on a meatball sub with savory gravy. Either way, presentation is all about highlighting that luscious gravy coating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gravy helps seal in moisture, keeping the meatballs tender and flavorful even after reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze both meatballs and gravy separately or together once fully cooled. Freeze in tightly sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy seems too thick. Heating slowly helps maintain their juiciness and prevents the gravy from scorching or separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean ground beef is classic and flavorful in this dish, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used if you prefer. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a bit more moisture or careful cooking to avoid dryness.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work perfectly fine. You can also crush crackers or oats as alternatives—each will slightly alter the texture but still keep your meatballs tender.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Definitely. Swap out regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the gravy, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs. These simple swaps keep the flavors and textures close to the original.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
To thicken the gravy, add a little more flour or cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. For a thinner gravy, simply add more broth or water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-make the meatballs and refrigerate them before browning, or cook the entire dish and reheat gently when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe is a true comfort food champion that feels special without any fuss. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. I genuinely hope you give it a try soon—once you taste those tender meatballs swimming in rich gravy, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Savory Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe combines classic savory flavors into juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade onion gravy. Perfect as a comforting dinner, these meatballs are flavored with ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then browned to develop a delicious crust before being coated in a smooth beef gravy. Served hot with a garnish of fresh parsley, this dish offers a flavorful twist on traditional Salisbury steak in a convenient meatball form.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup coarse grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, coarse grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything gently with your hands just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into approximately 30 evenly sized 1-inch meatballs.
- Browning Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet and brown them on all sides. This step creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside temporarily.
- Make Gravy Base: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds the savory flavor foundation for the gravy.
- Thicken Gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked onions, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste, about 1 minute. If using cornstarch instead, first make a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water, then add this after the onions are softened. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, then add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and ketchup. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if necessary, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat in the thickened gravy. Allow them to simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors and heat the meatballs through completely.
- Serve: Garnish the Salisbury Steak meatballs with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while keeping the meatballs juicy.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the gravy.
- If you prefer a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when cooking the onions.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
