Salisbury Steak Meatballs transform juicy ground beef with savory Worcestershire sauce into a comforting family dinner. Bite-sized and baked in a simple pan sauce, theyโre ready to serve over mashed potatoes or noodles in about 40 minutes, offering a satisfying, nostalgic meal any night of the week.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Meatballs
For the meatballs
- Ground beef โ Go for a good quality blend with a bit of fat for flavor and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs โ Plain or seasoned, theyโll help bind everything together beautifully.
- Milk โ Adds moisture and helps create tender meatballs.
- Egg โ Lightly beaten to keep the mixture cohesive without being heavy.
- Worcestershire sauce โ A must for that deep, savory umami kick.
- Garlic powder โ Skip the fresh garlic hereโthis keeps the flavor evenly distributed.
- Onion powder โ Adds a sweet, savory base without the texture of fresh onions.
- Salt โ Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper โ Freshly ground is best for a little warmth.
For the sauce
- Olive oil โ A good quality one for searing the meatballs to golden perfection.
- Beef broth โ Use a rich, flavorful one for the base of the sauce.
- All-purpose flour โ Just a bit to thicken the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Water โ Helps balance the sauce and bring it all together.
- Ketchup โ Adds a touch of sweetness and depthโdonโt skip it.
- Dijon mustard โ A little tangy zing that elevates the sauce beautifully.
Cook Time for Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs
One of the things I love most about these savory meatballs is how quickly they come together on a busy night. Itโs a classic easy ground beef recipe with creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug. From start to finish, youโre looking at less time than it takes to watch your favorite show.
I find that the prep goes by in a flash if I gather all my ingredients first. Before you know it, youโll have a pan of homestyle meatballs with Dijon mustard glaze simmering away. Itโs perfect for those nights when youโre craving a comforting meal but donโt want to spend hours in the kitchen. If youโre searching for more weeknight inspiration, my ground beef rice bowl is another family favorite that comes together quickly.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
How to Make Baked Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 lightly beaten large egg, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix, which can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape Your Meatballs
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth, round meatball approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the shaped meatballs on a clean plate or tray, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 3: Brown to Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 3โ4 minutes per side, turning them gently with tongs, until all sides are evenly browned and a crust forms. Transfer the meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Savory Gravy
In the same skillet, whisk together 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon ketchup, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2โ3 minutes.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer and spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10โ12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160ยฐF and the sauce becomes glossy and slightly reduced. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, Iโve learned a few secrets to making the absolute best tender beef meatballs in broth sauce. These little tweaks can make a big difference, whether youโre cooking for a special occasion or just a Tuesday night.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using half ground beef and half ground pork. It adds a wonderful richness that pairs beautifully with the savory gravy. If you enjoy blending meats, the technique in my crack burgers recipe works wonderfully here too.
- Diet Tweak: To make this recipe lower in carbs, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds and use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour for the gravy.
- Texture Fix: The secret to juicy meatballs is gentle handling. Mix the ingredients just until combinedโoverworking the meat is the most common mistake that leads to a dense texture.
- Storage Tip: These baked savory meatballs in rich gravy reheat beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Equipment
- skillet
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together the beef broth, flour, water, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is rich and glossy. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this comforting dinner isnโt pretending to be a salad, I believe itโs important to understand what weโre putting into our bodies. These Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates when served with thoughtful sides.
Ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins that support energy levels. By baking instead of deep-frying, we keep the fat content in check while still achieving that wonderful crust. For a lighter option, try my chicken burgers recipe which uses lean poultry as the base.
The gravy gets its richness from beef broth rather than heavy cream, making it lower in calories than many cream-based sauces. When Iโm looking for other broth-based comfort foods, I often turn to my hearty chicken soup for another nourishing option.
According to the history of Salisbury steak, this dish was originally created as a health food in the late 19th century, emphasizing lean meat and simple preparation. While our version has evolved, it still maintains that spirit of wholesome, satisfying nourishment.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 18g |
A Lighter Version of Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs
I understand that sometimes we want that comfort food feeling without the heaviness. Over the years, Iโve perfected a lighter approach to these baked Salisbury Steak Meatballs that still delivers on flavor.
Start by using 93% lean ground beef or even ground turkey to reduce the fat content significantly. The Worcestershire sauce and seasonings provide so much flavor that you wonโt miss the extra fat. For another lean protein option, my spinach and feta turkey burgers offer a Mediterranean twist on ground meat.
Instead of the flour-thickened gravy, try this trick: simmer the beef broth with mushrooms and onions until reduced naturally, then blend until smooth for a luxurious sauce without the added carbs. This technique creates tender beef meatballs in broth sauce that feels indulgent but stays light.
For the meatball binder, replace breadcrumbs with rolled oats processed into fine crumbsโthey add fiber and nutrients while keeping everything together beautifully. If youโre exploring other healthy dinner ideas, my black bean burger recipe offers a plant-based alternative thatโs equally satisfying.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In our family, weโve learned that food needs can vary greatly around the table, and I want everyone to enjoy these homestyle meatballs with Dijon mustard glaze. Whether youโre cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or simply being more sugar conscious, small adjustments can make this recipe work for various needs.
For those watching their sugar intake, the ketchup in the sauce can be replaced with tomato paste mixed with a pinch of stevia or your preferred natural sweetener. This creates a diabetic-friendly version that maintains the tangy-sweet balance without spiking blood sugar.
If youโre aiming for low glycemic ingredients, consider using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs in the meatballs themselves. The result is still wonderfully tender while being more suitable for glycemic control. You might also reduce the portion size and serve with non-starchy vegetables instead of potatoes for a complete glucose-friendly meal.
For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats, and thicken the gravy with cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour. These simple swaps mean everyone can enjoy this easy ground beef recipe with creamy sauce without compromise.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Iโll never forget the first time I served these Salisbury Steak Meatballs to my extended family during a rainy autumn gathering. The way the rich gravy pooled into the mashed potatoes and the comforting aroma filled our dining room created one of those perfect food memories that still makes me smile.
For the classic preparation, nothing beats serving these pan-fried meatballs with onion gravy over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. The way the gravy seeps into the potatoes is pure comfort food magic. If youโre looking for potato inspiration, my ground beef tacos recipe includes a great seasoned potato option that would work wonderfully here too.
But donโt stop thereโthese baked savory meatballs in rich gravy are incredibly versatile. Try them over egg noodles, rice, or even creamy polenta for different textural experiences. For nights when you want something lighter, theyโre delicious alongside roasted green beans or buttered peas.
When planning a complete comfort food dinner ideas menu, consider starting with a simple green salad and ending with a light dessert. For another complete meal idea, my Mexican sweet potato chicken soup offers a different take on satisfying, well-rounded dinners that please the whole family.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, Iโve made every possible mistake with these Salisbury Steak Meatballs so you donโt have to. Learning from errors is how we grow in the kitchen, and Iโm happy to share what Iโve discovered through trial and error.
The most common mistake is overmixing the meatball combination. When you work the ground beef too much, the result is tough, dense meatballs instead of tender beef meatballs in broth sauce. Gently combine until just mixedโyour hands are the best tool for this.
Another error I made early on was rushing the gravy. If you donโt let the flour cook out properly before adding liquid, youโll end up with a raw flour taste in your pan-fried meatballs with onion gravy. Take that extra minute to let it turn golden and fragrant.
Donโt forget to taste as you go! Seasoning is personal, and Iโve learned that even the best easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe needs adjustment based on your ingredients. For other flavor-building techniques, my BBQ chicken breasts show how proper seasoning makes all the difference.
According to culinary experts, Salisbury steak traditionally benefits from proper resting time after cooking, much like steak. Let your meatballs sit in the gravy for a few minutes before servingโtheyโll absorb more flavor and stay juicier.
How to Store Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Iโll never forget the winter when I made a double batch of these baked savory meatballs in rich gravy before a big snowstorm. Having that comforting meal ready in the freezer got us through three days of cozy hibernation, and the flavor only improved with time.
For refrigeration, store your Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container with the gravy for up to 4 days. The gravy actually helps keep them moist and flavorful. When reheating, do it gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth to refresh the sauce.
Freezing is where this easy ground beef recipe with creamy sauce truly shines. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Theyโll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. I often freeze individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.
When youโre ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For another great freezer-friendly option, my Mexican sweet potato chicken soup also freezes and reheats beautifully for busy nights.
Try This Salisbury Steak Meatballs Yourself
I truly hope youโll experience the joy of making these homestyle meatballs with Dijon mustard glaze in your own kitchen. Thereโs something magical about the way the aroma fills your home and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe has become one of those cherished dishes that my family requests regularly. Itโs the meal I make when friends need comfort, when celebrations call for something special, or when we simply need a taste of home.
Whether youโre cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, these tender meatballs deliver every time. For more family-winning dinner ideas, try my ground beef tacos or ground beef rice bowls for equally satisfying meals.
If youโre exploring other comfort food dinner ideas, donโt miss my hearty chicken soup for those days when only broth-based comfort will do. And for lighter options, my cilantro lime chicken brings bright flavors to your weeknight rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?
These baked Salisbury Steak Meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. The versatility makes them perfect for any comfort food dinner ideas you might have.
What are common mistakes making Salisbury steak?
The main mistakes include overmixing the meat (which makes tough meatballs), not properly browning the meatballs for flavor, and rushing the gravy preparation. Taking your time with each step ensures perfect pan-fried meatballs with onion gravy every time.
What is Salisbury steak sauce made of?
The rich gravy for these Salisbury Steak Meatballs typically combines beef broth, sautรฉed mushrooms and onions, Worcestershire sauce, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. This creates that signature savory sauce that makes this easy ground beef recipe with creamy sauce so beloved.
What is the secret to juicy meatballs?
The secret to tender beef meatballs in broth sauce lies in not overmixing the meat, using a combination of breadcrumbs and milk to retain moisture, and not overcooking them. For more juicy meatball tips, check out my best burger recipe which uses similar techniques.
More Comforting Dinner Recipes Youโll Love
If these Salisbury Steak Meatballs hit the spot, youโll adore these other family-friendly recipes that bring warmth and flavor to your table.
- Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos โ A fiesta of flavors with seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and that perfect crunchy shell everyone craves.
- Juicy Chicken Burgers โ Lighter than beef but packed with Mediterranean herbs and served with tangy yogurt sauce.
- Hearty Sweet Potato Chicken Soup โ Comfort in a bowl with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and just the right amount of spice.
- Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken โ Bright, fresh flavors that transform simple chicken into a tropical-inspired weeknight miracle.
