Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Cast Iron (Easy Recipe)

Some dinners just scream comfort food, and Salisbury steak meatballs are right at the top of that list. Juicy beef meatballs seasoned just right, browned in a cast iron skillet, and smothered in rich onion-mushroom gravy—this recipe takes a classic TV dinner favorite and makes it homemade and better than ever.

My family calls these Meatball Steaks because the mixture can be shaped into patties or left as meatballs depending on what we’re craving. Whether you spoon them over mashed potatoes, serve them with rice, or tuck them into a crusty roll, they’re hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food classic – tastes just like Grandma’s cooking.
Versatile – make as patties (steaks) or leave as meatballs.
Budget-friendly – uses simple pantry staples like Ritz crackers and ground beef.
Perfect for cast iron – skillet cooking gives them a beautiful sear.
Family-friendly – mild, savory flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers – crushed into fine crumbs.
1 egg
1 Tbsp parsley – dried or fresh.
1/2 Tbsp onion powder
1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Milk – enough to form a paste with the crackers.
2 1/2 cups brown gravy with sautéed white onion
1 cup mushrooms – optional but highly recommended.

💡 Tip: The Ritz crackers add buttery flavor and make the meatballs extra tender compared to breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the binder. In a large bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, egg, and enough milk to form a loose paste.
Mix in beef. Add ground beef and gently mix until combined. Don’t overwork the meat or it can get tough.
Form meatballs. Shape into 8 large meatballs (about 1 1/2 golf balls in size).
Brown in cast iron. Heat butter and oil in a cast iron skillet. Add meatballs and gently press down to flatten into patties if making steaks. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the gravy. Drain excess grease, add sliced onions and mushrooms, and sauté until tender. Stir in brown gravy.
Finish cooking. Return the meatballs (or patties) to the skillet, spoon gravy over, and simmer 10 minutes.
Serve. Plate over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Meat falling apart? Add a bit more cracker crumbs for structure.
Too dry? Use a splash more milk in the mixture.
Want deeper flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.
Make-ahead option: Brown the meatballs ahead, then refrigerate. Finish cooking in gravy later.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Classic Salisbury Steaks: Form patties instead of meatballs.
Swedish-Style: Use sour cream in the gravy for a creamy twist.
BBQ Version: Swap gravy for barbecue sauce.
Cheesy Surprise: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball.
Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve meatballs on toast with gravy poured over.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with gravy up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or microwave covered.
Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe—freeze half for an easy weeknight dinner.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Swap for lighter meats but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.

What’s the best gravy to use?
Homemade is always best, but packaged brown gravy works well with added onions and mushrooms.

Do I need Ritz crackers?
They add buttery flavor and softness, but breadcrumbs or crushed saltines can be substituted.

Why cook in cast iron?
Cast iron holds heat, browns beautifully, and makes the gravy extra flavorful with all those caramelized bits.

Conclusion

These homemade Salisbury steak meatballs in cast iron are hearty, savory, and loaded with flavor. With buttery Ritz crackers in the mix and rich onion-mushroom gravy on top, this is comfort food at its finest. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, they’re bound to become a family favorite.

What’s your favorite way to serve Salisbury steak meatballs—over mashed potatoes or rice? 🥔🍚 Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!