Salisbury Steak Meatballs Stovetop

Salisbury Steak Meatballs in a Rich Gravy – A Stovetop Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic Salisbury steak drenched in a rich, savory gravy. But let’s be real – sometimes you just want a bite-sized version that cooks faster and is just as satisfying. That’s where Salisbury Steak Meatballs come in! Made entirely on the stovetop, these easy, homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a luscious mushroom gravy that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.

I remember the first time I made this recipe on a busy weeknight. I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I thought – why not turn my favorite comfort dish into meatballs? It was an instant hit with my family, and now it’s a go-to meal in my house. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for your family or meal-prepping with frozen meatballs for later, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food experience.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy & Quick: Everything cooks in one pan in under 45 minutes.

Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.

Rich & Hearty: The brown gravy is silky, flavorful, and coats the meatballs beautifully.

Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

½ lb ground turkey (for extra juiciness, but you can use all beef if preferred)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Mushroom Gravy:

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles

Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture, as it can make the meatballs tough.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to coat the mushrooms.

Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the mushroom gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Spoon extra sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

1. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

A heavy-duty skillet for perfect browning.

A good cast iron skillet is a game-changer when it comes to achieving the perfect sear on meatballs. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet distributes heat evenly and gives you a deep, golden-brown crust.

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2. GORILLA GRIP Stainless Steel Meat Baller

Make uniform meatballs with ease.

This handy tool ensures that all your meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly. No more messy hands!

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3. Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Ensure perfectly cooked meatballs.

An instant-read thermometer helps you check if your meatballs have reached 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked without being dry.

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Perfect Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must! Their smooth texture soaks up all that homemade brown gravy beautifully.

2. Buttered Egg Noodles

For a change, try serving the meatballs over egg noodles tossed with butter and fresh herbs.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts balances out the richness of the dish.

4. Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

If you want to save time, these meatballs can be frozen for future meals.

To Freeze: Cook the meatballs as directed but do not add them to the sauce. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the gravy on the stovetop until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well, but it will be leaner. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the meatballs juicy.

How Do I Make This Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch when making the gravy.

What If My Gravy Is Too Thick or Too Thin?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs stovetop recipe is truly the ultimate comfort meal. The rich mushroom gravy, juicy meatballs, and creamy mashed potatoes make every bite irresistible. Whether you make it fresh or keep frozen meatballs on hand for easy meals, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! And don’t forget to share this with a fellow foodie who loves comforting home-cooked meals.