Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic dish, bringing tender meatballs packed with flavor that are baked to perfection. They’re enveloped in a rich mushroom and onion sauce, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Tender: These meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a blend of seasonings and fresh ingredients.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 26 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious dinner in under an hour.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs over various bases like mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles to suit your dietary preferences.
- Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: Using almond meal instead of breadcrumbs makes this recipe suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets without sacrificing taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Salisbury Steak Meatballs, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meatball scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the meatballs, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Large mixing bowl: Allows enough space for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and creating the sauce that complements the meatballs beautifully.
Ingredients
To make Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1/3 cup almond meal for gluten-free/low-carb version (or breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (more for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar (Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients:
1. Add ground beef.
2. Stir in almond meal (or breadcrumbs), chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a 1½-inch scoop:
1. Form meatballs from the mixture.
2. Place them evenly spaced on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the meatballs bake:
1. In a large skillet over high heat, add olive oil.
2. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside; reduce heat to medium-high.
Step 6: Cook Onions and Garlic
Add butter and onions to skillet:
1. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are soft.
2. Add minced garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
Add beef broth:
1. Stir in fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce (or balsamic vinegar), Italian seasoning, cooked mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 8: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Add baked meatballs back into skillet:
1. Gently coat them in sauce while cooking together for about 5 minutes.
2. Serve warm garnished with additional fresh parsley.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the rich mushroom and onion sauce, soaking up all the flavor.
With Pasta
- Toss the meatballs and sauce with spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty Italian-inspired dish.
On Rice
- Serve over steamed rice to add a touch of texture and absorb the savory sauce for a filling meal.
With Zucchini Noodles
- For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. They add freshness and crunch while keeping it light.
In a Submarine Roll
- Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll and top with cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
As an Appetizer
- Serve smaller meatballs on toothpicks with toothsome dipping sauces for an irresistible appetizer at gatherings.
How to Perfect Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To make your Salisbury Steak Meatballs truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
-
Use Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while still providing juicy meatballs.
-
Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or thyme can brighten up the flavor profile and add vibrancy to your dish.
-
Don’t Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined to ensure tender meatballs without a dense texture.
-
Bake Instead of Fry: Baking the meatballs allows them to cook evenly and reduces excess grease compared to frying.
-
Simmer in Sauce: After baking, let the meatballs simmer in the sauce to absorb flavors thoroughly before serving.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed when making the sauce for a perfectly balanced dish.
Best Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Pairing side dishes with Salisbury Steak Meatballs can create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options:
-
Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery element that complements the meal.
-
Steamed Broccoli: This bright green vegetable adds color and nutrition, making it a healthy choice alongside rich meatballs.
-
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings balance with sweetness and crunch.
-
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers crispness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the meatballs.
-
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice serves as a light base that pairs well with savory sauces.
-
Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with almonds provide both texture and flavor that complement your main dish.
-
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a crowd-pleaser, adding sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
-
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory Salisbury steak flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salisbury Steak Meatballs, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
-
Wrong Ingredient Substitutions: Using regular breadcrumbs instead of almond meal can alter the dish significantly, especially if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version. Stick with the recommended ingredients for best results.
-
Overmixing the Meat: Mixing the meatball mixture too much can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed to maintain tenderness.
-
Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in bland meatballs. Ensure you measure the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce correctly for maximum flavor.
-
Not Preheating the Oven: Baking meatballs in a cold oven may cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees before baking.
-
Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking if the meatballs reach 165F can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
-
Using Low-Quality Beef: Using low-quality ground beef can impact both taste and texture. Opt for lean ground beef for better flavor and moisture retention.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Salisbury Steak Meatballs that might help you along the way.
How do I make Salisbury Steak Meatballs gluten-free?
Using almond meal instead of breadcrumbs makes this recipe gluten-free. Always check labels on sauces too!
Can I use other meats for Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives. Adjust seasoning accordingly based on your choice.
What sides pair well with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
These meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
How long does it take to cook Salisbury Steak Meatballs?
The total cooking time is about 36 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Final Thoughts
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve with various sides. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite herbs or spices! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish, featuring juicy meatballs that are baked to perfection and smothered in a rich mushroom and onion sauce. This delightful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it combines convenience with taste. Serve these savory meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. With just 10 minutes of prep time and less than an hour of cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup almond meal (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, almond meal, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temp reaches 165°F).
- While meatballs bake, sauté mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until fragrant; add beef broth and other sauce ingredients.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then return baked meatballs to the skillet to coat in sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (180g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg