If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Picture juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a rich and velvety mushroom gravy that clings to each bite. It’s comfort food elevated with simple ingredients, cooked with love, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and soul. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to something special, this dish hits all the right notes of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing together a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comforting texture. From the tender meatballs to the luscious gravy, these simple ingredients ensure every bite is a delight.
- Ground beef: The hearty base providing juiciness and flavor for the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meat mixture.
- Ketchup: Introduces a subtle tang and sweetness to balance the meat.
- Worcestershire sauce: A punchy umami booster enhancing both meatballs and gravy.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a slight zing that lifts the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds warm savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Butter and olive oil: Create a rich base for sautéing mushrooms and forming the gravy.
- Mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a meaty texture to the gravy.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to perfect consistency.
- Beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation of the gravy.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch for garnish.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Begin by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined so the meat doesn’t get tough. Then roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs—this ensures even cooking and that delicious, tender bite each time.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil if needed. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally so all sides develop a lovely brown crust. This process locks in juices and creates the flavor foundation for the dish. Once browned and nearly cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total, remove the meatballs and set aside for the gravy step.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, melt butter combined with olive oil to create a delicious fat base. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until golden brown and softened, around 5 to 6 minutes. Their earthy aroma will fill your kitchen, promising the rich gravy to come.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for about a minute to form a roux, which thickens the gravy and prevents lumps. Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep cooking until the gravy thickens nicely, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy
Return the meatballs to the skillet and nestle them into the luscious mushroom gravy. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking through. This last step ensures every bite is soaked in that irresistible mushroom sauce.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a fantastic finishing touch, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish. You can also add a few cracks of black pepper on top for extra aroma and zing.
Side Dishes
This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even a serving of steamed rice. Each side soaks up the mushroom gravy beautifully, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors you’ll want to savor in every forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange the meatballs and gravy on a rustic wooden board or shallow serving dish, garnished with parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread to mop up every bit of that fabulous mushroom gravy. Alternatively, try plating meatballs over a bed of buttery polenta for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked meatballs by shaping them and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight before cooking. Cooked leftovers freeze well too when stored properly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick while reheating to keep it silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option, and mixing it with beef can also maintain the juiciness and flavor you love in Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and a bit of cornstarch or gluten-free flour work perfectly to keep the texture and gravy consistency.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Meatballs are done when browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Simmering them in the gravy for the final 5 to 7 minutes ensures they’re cooked through and soaking with flavor.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time, freeze them, or refrigerate before cooking. This is a real time-saver when you want a quick weeknight meal.
What variations can I try with the mushroom gravy?
Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma or swap mushrooms for caramelized onions if you want a sweeter gravy twist. Adjust Worcestershire and mustard levels to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is truly a kitchen treasure, blending simplicity and soul-warming flavors in every bite. It’s a delightful way to bring family and friends together over a plateful of comfort and satisfaction. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—it’s one dish you’ll want to return to time and time again!
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy offer a comforting and hearty meal featuring juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, this classic American dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and almost cooked through, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Mushroom Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they are browned and softened.
- Make the Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring constantly to combine and prevent lumps.
- Simmer until Thickened: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish Cooking Meatballs in Gravy: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover with gravy, and simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and infused with flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the Salisbury steak meatballs and mushroom gravy onto plates. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use a beef-turkey mixture.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen uncooked; thaw before cooking.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste, especially when using low-sodium beef broth.
