If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying, you’ve got to try these Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic. This dish brings together tender, juicy meatballs lovingly simmered in a rich, savory gravy that perfectly hugs each bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these meatballs serve up nostalgia and comfort with every mouthful—making them an instant favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box.

Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building that classic flavor and texture that make these meatballs irresistible. From the seasoning to the broth, every item contributes to a satisfying and beautifully balanced dish.

1 pound ground beef: The foundation for tender, flavorful meatballs with the perfect amount of juiciness.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat while adding moisture and a gentle texture.
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a aromatic punch that elevates the overall taste.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the savory elements of the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
2 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful gravy that complements the meatballs beautifully.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex, tangy umami boost to the gravy.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy for that luscious, silky finish.
1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry for thickening.

How to Make Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mixing these together ensures every meatball is full of flavor and holds its shape perfectly after cooking.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Next, gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs. Not too big or small—think perfect bite-size—so they cook evenly and remain tender.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step locks in juices and builds that delicious crust that’s so satisfying when paired with the gravy.

Step 4: Simmer in Broth and Worcestershire Sauce

Remove the browned meatballs and pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then carefully return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and let everything cook together for 20 minutes, allowing the meat to soak up all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy. This quick step transforms the cooking liquid into a luscious, silky sauce that perfectly coats each meatball.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic are now ready to be served hot with their irresistible gravy. Get ready for a plateful of pure comfort!

How to Serve Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic

Garnishes

To add a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the meatballs just before serving. A light garnish brightens the rich gravy and provides a lovely visual contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, as they soak up the gravy beautifully. For some added greens, steamed broccoli or roasted carrots complement the hearty flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these meatballs over buttered egg noodles or even toasted sandwich buns for a comforting meatball sandwich experience. Either way, presenting them with extra gravy on the side invites everyone to savor every bite exactly how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days and are just as delicious when reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before placing them together in a freezer-safe container. They freeze wonderfully for up to three months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method preserves their juicy texture and prevents the gravy from becoming too thick or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a mix of meats for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Mixing ground beef with pork or veal can add extra flavor and tenderness to your meatballs, but ground beef alone works perfectly well for that classic taste.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before simmering?

Browning adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps seal in moisture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and cook them directly in the broth, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make the gravy gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the wheat-based breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener to keep everything safe and delicious.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Simmering the meatballs for about 20 minutes usually does the trick, but you can check by cutting one open—there should be no pink inside, and the juices should run clear.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic the tangy, umami flavor it provides.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about gathering around a plate of Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic. It’s a dish that wraps you in nostalgia and fills your home with cozy aromas. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that your family will beg for again and again.

Delicious Salisbury Meatballs: A Comforting Family Classic Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Delicious Salisbury Meatballs are a comforting family classic featuring tender ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory beef broth gravy. This hearty dish is perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes, making it a cozy and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Instructions

Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together firmly.
Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the meatballs in it. Cook them on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust to seal in the juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Set aside the meatballs: Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate. This will prepare the pan for making the gravy.
Make the gravy base: Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the same skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Simmer the meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover with a lid, and let them cook in the simmering gravy for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
Thicken the gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering gravy and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve: Spoon the Salisbury meatballs and rich gravy over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute half the beef with ground turkey.
You can add chopped fresh parsley or herbs to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Ensure the gravy simmers gently to prevent it from becoming too thick or separating.
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American