Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Spinach Meatballs: Prepare to be amazed! Forget everything you think you know about meatballs because this recipe is about to redefine your comfort food experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, savory meatball, bursting with flavor and secretly packed with a healthy dose of spinach. Yes, you read that right – spinach!

Meatballs, in their various forms, have graced tables around the world for centuries. From the Italian “polpette” to the Swedish “köttbullar,” these humble spheres of ground meat have always been a symbol of home-cooked goodness and shared meals. But our version takes a modern, health-conscious twist on this classic. We’re sneaking in the goodness of spinach, making it a dish you can feel good about serving your family.

Why do people adore meatballs? It’s simple! They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and undeniably delicious. They can be served as appetizers, tossed with pasta, nestled in a sandwich, or enjoyed as a main course with a side of your favorite vegetables. And these spinach meatballs are no exception. The addition of spinach not only adds nutritional value but also creates a wonderfully moist and tender texture. The subtle earthy flavor of the spinach complements the savory meat, creating a harmonious balance that will have everyone coming back for more. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy meatballs!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb Ground Pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for browning)
• For the Salisbury Steak Gravy:
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup Red Wine (dry, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Meatball Mixture:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our dish – the meatballs! This is where we build all that delicious flavor. Trust me, taking the time to properly mix the ingredients makes all the difference.

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before we add the dry ingredients.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the wet mixture and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes. This helps them absorb the moisture and prevents the meatballs from being dry. You want the breadcrumbs to be nice and soft.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: While the breadcrumbs are soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Combine All Ingredients: In the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture, add the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix Gently: This is crucial! Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough meatballs. We want them to be tender and juicy. Think of it like you’re giving the mixture a gentle massage, not a vigorous workout.
6. Test for Seasoning: Before forming all the meatballs, it’s a good idea to cook a small test patty to check the seasoning. Fry a small amount of the mixture in a pan and taste. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Forming and Browning the Meatballs:

Now comes the fun part – shaping our little flavor bombs! Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; a rustic shape adds to the charm. Browning them is key to developing a rich, savory crust.

1. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, gently roll the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 24-30 meatballs from this recipe. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (or use two skillets if necessary) over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely seared. This step is important for developing flavor and creating a beautiful crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as they will finish cooking in the gravy.

Making the Salisbury Steak Gravy:

The gravy is what truly transforms these meatballs into Salisbury Steak Meatballs. It’s rich, savory, and packed with umami. Don’t be tempted to skip any steps – each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor profile.

1. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where a lot of the flavor is! Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the gravy for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Combining Meatballs and Gravy:

This is the final step! We’re bringing everything together to create a harmonious and delicious dish. The meatballs will soak up all that wonderful gravy flavor as they simmer.

1. Add Meatballs to Gravy: Gently add the browned meatballs to the gravy in the skillet. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the gravy.
2. Simmer and Cook: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened further. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, you can cut one open to check the center. If it’s still pink, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe these Salisbury Steak Meatballs are about to become a weeknight staple in your home, just like they have in mine. They’re quick, they’re comforting, and they’re packed with that savory, umami flavor that everyone craves. Forget boring dinners – these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.

Why are these a must-try? Because they offer all the deliciousness of classic Salisbury steak, but in a fun, bite-sized format that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can whip them up in under an hour, making them ideal for those busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. And let’s be honest, who can resist a juicy, flavorful meatball smothered in a rich, savory gravy?

But the best part? The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve these Salisbury Steak Meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. This is my go-to for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
* Pasta Power: Toss the meatballs and gravy with your favorite pasta – egg noodles, spaghetti, or even penne work beautifully. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
* Meatball Subs: Load toasted hoagie rolls with the meatballs and gravy, then top with melted provolone cheese for a delicious and hearty meatball sub. Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
* Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the meatballs and gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. This is a great way to use up leftover rice and create a quick and easy meal.
* Appetizer Adventure: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer at your next party. Simply place them in a slow cooker to keep them warm and offer toothpicks for easy serving.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little kick.
* Mushroom Mania: Increase the amount of mushrooms in the gravy for an even more earthy and flavorful dish.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the gravy for a richer, creamier sauce.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I poured my heart into creating a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, and I truly believe you’re going to love it. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination.

And now for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve made these Salisbury Steak Meatballs, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how your family enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Share your photos on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!