Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
Meatballs with a Twist: Elevate Your Comfort Food Game
If you’re a fan of classic comfort food, get ready to meet your new favorite dish. Salisbury Steak Meatballs take the traditional Salisbury steak concept and transform it into bite-sized, flavor-packed meatballs that are perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley.
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. A golf ball-sized portion works well, yielding approximately 12 meatballs.
2. Sear the Meatballs:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches.
- Sear the meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich, brown crust. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
3. Make the Gravy:
- Once all the meatballs are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring there are no lumps in the gravy.
- Let the gravy simmer and thicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet with the gravy.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the gravy for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and flavorful.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Salisbury Steak Meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and accompanied by steamed green beans.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, you can include a dash of red wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard in the gravy.
- If you prefer a creamier gravy, increase the amount of heavy cream to your liking.
Variations:
- Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
- You can also make this dish with ground chicken, turkey, or a meatless alternative for a unique twist on a classic favorite.
Cook’s Note:
Salisbury Steak Meatballs provide all the comforting flavors of traditional Salisbury steak but in a convenient and appetizing meatball form. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and hearty appeal. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this classic comfort food with a fresh twist.