Name: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the meatballs:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For the gravy:; 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp cornstarch (or flour); 2 tbsp water (for slurry); Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavor of Salisbury steak in an easy-to-serve meatball form
Rich, homemade mushroom and onion gravy
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Pairs well with a variety of sides
Can be made in advance for convenience

Ingredients

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

For the meatballs:

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper

For the gravy:

Butter
Onion, thinly sliced
Mushrooms, sliced
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Cornstarch (or flour)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix just until combined.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet or plate.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until soft and golden.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the gravy to thicken.
Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Add finely chopped onions or mushrooms directly into the meatball mix
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch
Add a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for extra richness
Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally
Freeze meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then add to the gravy to finish cooking and soak up flavor.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

An 80/20 ground beef blend works well for flavor and tenderness.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Form and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance or freeze raw for later use.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

No, you can omit mushrooms or replace them with more onions if preferred.

Can I use a pre-made gravy?

Yes, but homemade gravy brings the best flavor. You can still use pre-made gravy in a pinch.

What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, steamed vegetables, or even a baked potato pair perfectly.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, cooked meatballs and gravy freeze well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer containers.

How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?

Use a flour-based roux or reduce the gravy longer to naturally thicken.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the meatballs are mild and familiar, and the creamy gravy is usually a hit with kids.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meatballs first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Conclusion

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a cozy, comforting dinner that delivers all the classic flavors of Salisbury steak in a fun, bite-sized format. With rich gravy and tender meatballs, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or saving it for a freezer-friendly meal prep option, it’s always a winner.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs