These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory flavors and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. Made with lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings, these meatballs are perfectly browned and served with a thick, flavorful gravy. Pair them with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salisbury Steak Meatballs combine everything you love about classic Salisbury steak in a more convenient and bite-sized form. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, savory mushroom gravy, it’s a meal that feels like a comforting classic. This recipe is easy to make, filling, and perfect for a family dinner or any occasion when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1½ pounds lean ground beef
½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for frying)

For the Mushroom Gravy:

1.74 ounces brown gravy mix
1¾ cups water
4 ounces mushroom pieces and stems, drained
1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet seasoning sauce (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix until well combined, using a spoon or your hands.
Scoop out 1½-tablespoon portions of the meat mixture and roll into round meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. (If using a 10-inch skillet, cook the meatballs in batches.)
Once the skillet is heated, add the meatballs and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, turning to ensure even browning. Cook until the meatballs are completely browned and cooked through.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

For the Mushroom Gravy:

Prepare the brown gravy mix according to the package instructions, adding water and mixing until smooth.
Stir in the drained mushrooms and Kitchen Bouquet seasoning sauce (if using).
Once the gravy is thickened and hot, return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them with the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve:

Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 32 meatballs

Variations

Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Extra mushrooms: Add more mushrooms to the gravy for a richer flavor and heartier texture.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatballs or gravy for an extra spicy twist.
Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the meatballs before serving for a cheesy addition.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the gravy if it thickens too much when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to make up for the milder flavor of turkey.

3. Can I make the gravy without using a mix?

Yes, you can make the gravy from scratch by using beef or vegetable broth, a little flour to thicken, and your favorite seasonings. Add sautéed mushrooms for flavor and texture.

4. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

5. Can I make this recipe with ground beef that’s higher in fat?

You can use ground beef with a higher fat content, but be sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meatballs to avoid greasy gravy.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatball mixture or gravy for a spicy kick.

7. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure the gravy mix is also gluten-free.

8. How can I make the gravy richer?

To make the gravy richer, you can substitute part of the water with beef broth, or add a splash of heavy cream.

9. Can I use a slow cooker to make this dish?

Yes, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the gravy over the meatballs and cook on low for 3-4 hours until everything is heated through.

10. How should I serve this dish?

Salisbury steak meatballs are traditionally served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, but you can also serve them with rice, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with savory goodness. The tender meatballs paired with a rich mushroom gravy will satisfy your cravings for classic comfort food, and the dish comes together in less than an hour. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or any other side, this meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family!