If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of Salisbury steak with the convenience of meatballs, Salisbury Steak Meatballs are your answer. These tender and flavorful meatballs are packed with savory seasonings, complemented by the rich and indulgent taste of brown mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. The addition of beef bouillon ensures a deep, meaty flavor that’s perfect for anyone who loves hearty, classic comfort food.
This recipe is a great way to make Salisbury steak in a new, easy-to-prepare form. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or a bed of greens, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this recipe works, how to make it, and how you can elevate it further.
Why This Recipe Works
Salisbury steak is a classic dish often made with ground beef, cooked into patties and served with a savory gravy. By transforming it into meatballs, this version becomes even more versatile, making it easier to serve in different ways. The ground beef serves as a great base, and the seasonings—mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and powdered beef base—combine to create the rich, savory profile that we all know and love.
The inclusion of seasoned breadcrumbs ensures that the meatballs are moist and tender, while the beef bouillon or powdered beef base deepens the flavor without overpowering it. Using salted butter adds an extra level of richness, rounding out the overall taste and texture of these Salisbury steak-inspired meatballs. This recipe works because it simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the satisfying flavors.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
The beauty of this Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is that it only requires a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
2 pounds Ground Beef – The star of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture. The fat content will contribute to the richness of the meatballs.
3/4 cups Seasoned Breadcrumbs – This helps to bind the meat mixture and adds a slight crispness to the exterior of the meatballs while keeping the inside tender.
1/4 cup Brown Mustard – Brown mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef.
1/4 cup Ketchup – Ketchup balances the mustard’s tang with a slight sweetness, bringing a unique flavor to the meatballs.
1 teaspoon Powdered Beef Base or Crumbled Beef Bouillon Cubes – This ingredient enhances the savory depth of flavor, giving your meatballs that meaty, umami-rich taste.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce – This adds complexity and a bit of tang, making the flavor profile more rounded and delicious.
1/2 teaspoon Salt – This enhances the flavors of the meat and seasonings.
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – Adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall seasoning of the meatballs.
1/4 cup Salted Butter – This adds richness and a velvety texture to the meatballs. The butter also helps them to brown and cook evenly.
How to Make This Recipe
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are easy to prepare and cook, making them a fantastic option for a quick yet hearty dinner. Here’s how to make them:
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, brown mustard, ketchup, powdered beef base or crumbled bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this could make the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs: Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the meat into meatballs, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. This size allows for a tender, juicy meatball that cooks evenly. You should end up with approximately 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the salted butter. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Finish Cooking: Once the meatballs are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you prefer a more crispy exterior, you can cook them for a few extra minutes, uncovered.
Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and serve. You can drizzle the pan drippings over the meatballs for added flavor or serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To ensure your Salisbury Steak Meatballs come out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to consider:
Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ground beef with the seasonings, try to handle the mixture as little as possible. Overworking the meat can result in tough, dense meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined, then stop.
Use Lean Beef: While fatty ground beef can make meatballs juicier, lean beef will still yield tender results, and it makes the dish a bit lighter. If you use fatty ground beef, you may want to drain some of the excess fat after browning.
Add Some Extra Flavor: For added depth, you can stir in some garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika into the meatball mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also work well if you want to introduce a fresh note.
Create a Gravy: If you want to elevate the dish even further, you can make a quick gravy using the drippings left in the pan. Add a little flour or cornstarch to the fat, stir in some beef broth, and let it simmer until thickened. Pour the gravy over the meatballs for a rich, savory finish.
Serving Suggestions
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:
With Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are a natural pairing. The creamy potatoes complement the savory meatballs perfectly.
Over Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying and filling meal.
With Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots, add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the meatballs.
On a Bun: For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on a toasted bun with some melted cheese, making a Salisbury steak sandwich.
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, they are a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Try them out and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of Salisbury steak in a convenient meatball form!