Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delightful twist on the traditional Salisbury steak, transforming the classic dish into bite-sized, flavorful meatballs. These meatballs are typically made from a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and seasonings, shaped into small balls and then browned to perfection. They are then simmered in a rich, savory gravy made from beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of ketchup for sweetness. The result is a comforting, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Ingredients

To prepare Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of oil for frying

For the gravy:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Forming the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. Browning the Meatballs: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Gravy

1. Preparing the Roux: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue to whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

2. Adding the Broth and Seasonings: Gradually add the beef broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Simmering the Gravy: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the gravy has thickened, return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the gravy.

Final Steps

1. Simmering the Meatballs: Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the meatballs are cooked through.

2. Serving Suggestions: Salisbury Steak Meatballs are best served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The gravy can be generously spooned over the meatballs and the side dish to enhance the flavor.

3. Garnishing: For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the rich, savory meal.

Tips and Variations

1. Substitute Proteins: While traditional recipes use ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a meat blend for a different flavor profile.

2. Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added texture and nutrition.

3. Flavor Enhancements: Incorporate a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste into the gravy for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Storing and Reheating

1. Storage: If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing: Salisbury Steak Meatballs freeze well. Place the cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Reheating: Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a hearty dish, and knowing the nutritional content can help with meal planning. Each serving (about 5-6 meatballs with gravy) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Summary

Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish that can easily become a family favorite. The combination of tender meatballs and rich gravy creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving suggestions to make this dish your own.