Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining lean ground beef and turkey with savory seasonings and a rich mushroom gravy. These tender meatballs are crafted with minced onions, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices, then seared to perfection before simmering in a flavorful sauce made from tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar.

Topped with sliced mushrooms and simmered until tender, these meatballs are versatile, pairing beautifully with mashed cauliflower, potatoes, or rice for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and comforting.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Ingredients

½ pound lean ground beef

½ pound lean ground turkey

½ cup onions, minced

⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs

1 large egg, beaten

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

¼ tsp mustard powder

5 ounces sliced mushrooms

1 ¼ cup beef broth

Instructions

Step 1:

Take one ounce of the mushrooms and finely chop them. Set these to the side

Add olive oil to a skillet and toss in the onions, cook until softened

Step 2:

Divide the cooked onions in two portions

In a large bowl combine half the onions with the ground beef and ground turkey, chopped mushrooms, bread crumbs, beaten egg, 1 tbsp tomato paste, ¼ cup beef broth, ¾ tsp salt and the black pepper

Step 3:

In a small bowl blend together the flour and 1 cup of beef broth until this is smooth.

Mix in the remaining onions, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce and red wine vinegar and mustard powder

Step 4:

Carefully form the mix into 20 small meatballs

Add the remaining oil into a pan and saute the meatballs, do the meatballs in batches so as to not overcrowd them. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side also.

Step 5:

Add in the remaining mushrooms, salt and black pepper.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook for 20 minutes on medium heat. In the crockpot cook 6 to 8 hours on low.

Serve over mashed Cauliflower, mashed potatoes, or rice

Enjoy!

Notes:

Meat Mixture: Using a combination of lean ground beef and turkey ensures a lighter yet flavorful meatball. The addition of seasoned breadcrumbs and beaten egg helps bind the mixture together.

Flavor Enhancers: Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and mustard powder add depth and complexity to both the meatballs and the gravy.

Onions: Sauteed onions provide a sweet and savory base flavor for both the meatballs and the sauce. Dividing and incorporating them into different stages of the recipe ensures even distribution of flavor.

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms are used both within the meatballs for texture and flavor, and in the sauce for richness. Finely chopping a portion of mushrooms adds another layer of flavor and texture to the meatballs.

Sauce Preparation: The sauce is created by blending flour with beef broth until smooth, then adding the remaining onions, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and mustard powder. This creates a velvety gravy that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Cooking Method: Searing the meatballs in batches ensures they brown evenly without overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain their shape and texture. Cooking the meatballs in the sauce for 20 minutes on the stove or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions: Salisbury Steak Meatballs can be served over mashed cauliflower, potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. This makes it a versatile dish suitable for various dietary preferences.

Adjustments: Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout the cooking process, ensuring the dish is seasoned to your preference.

Make-Ahead Tips: These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving, making them convenient for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Enjoyment: The combination of tender meatballs and savory gravy makes Salisbury Steak Meatballs a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use all ground beef instead of a mixture of beef and turkey?

Yes, you can use all lean ground beef if you prefer. The mixture of beef and turkey provides a lighter option while still maintaining flavor.

What can I substitute for seasoned bread crumbs if I don’t have any?

You can use plain bread crumbs and add additional seasoning like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder to taste.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze both the uncooked and cooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Thaw before cooking or reheating.

Do I have to use a crockpot, or can I cook them entirely on the stove?

You can cook them entirely on the stove. Simmer them in the sauce for about 20 minutes on medium heat until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

How can I ensure the meatballs stay tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and gently form the meatballs. Searing them in batches and simmering them in the sauce helps retain moisture and tenderness.

What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar in equal amounts for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of sliced mushrooms?

Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms. Slice them thinly and add them in Step 5 along with the salt and black pepper.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

What sides go well with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, or rice. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complements the meal nicely.

How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Taste the meat mixture before forming the meatballs and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can also adjust the salt and pepper in the sauce to suit your preferences.