If you have a craving for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy that’s bursting with savory goodness. This recipe is a wonderful twist on classic Salisbury steak, bringing all the flavor you love in a convenient meatball form, making dinner both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these meatballs deliver an unbeatable combination of hearty taste and satisfying textures that will quickly become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe lies in using simple yet essential ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one brings a special touch, from the juicy ground beef to the aromatic mushrooms, ensuring a flavorful and comforting dish from start to finish.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: This is the star protein providing rich flavor and juiciness to the meatballs.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping everything together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami depth and enhances the beefy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a mild tang to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow, savory punch without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Elevates the aroma and taste, layering complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a perfect crust.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Builds richness in the mushroom gravy.
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and texture in the gravy.
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced): The heart of the gravy that adds earthiness and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy into a beautiful silky sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful base for the classic gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): Amplifies savory notes within the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Boosts umami for a well-rounded gravy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal hint that complements the mushrooms.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning adjustments for perfect balance.
How to Make The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs dense, and we want them tender and juicy. Then, shape the mixture into uniform 1½-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, careful not to crowd the pan, and brown them on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes total. This step builds a flavorful crust that adds texture and locks in juices. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate while you prepare the glorious mushroom gravy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter then add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes — this releases sweetness that complements the savory gravy. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’ve released their moisture and have turned a lovely golden brown, around 6 to 8 minutes. This rich, earthy base is what truly makes the gravy sing.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well, letting it cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet — those bits pack incredible flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this allows the gravy to thicken while marrying all those savory flavors.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the mushroom gravy. Cover and let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the meatballs cook through and absorb the rich sauce. The result is tender, juicy meatballs bathed in the most luxurious mushroom gravy you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation and fresh dimension, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top works wonders. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch and enhances the aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up that luscious mushroom gravy. Alternatively, serve it over buttered egg noodles or even a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Roasted green beans or a simple side salad also add a lovely contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your dinner experience, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a generous ladle of mushroom gravy and garnish with fresh herbs. For a cozy family-style meal, serve the meatballs on a platter with sides arranged around for everyone to help themselves, making it feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs and mushroom gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare in advance, freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing and leave some space to allow for expansion. This makes for an easy, quick meal anytime you need a comforting dish.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure the mushroom gravy stays smooth and coats the meatballs perfectly. You might want to add a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times since these meats cook slightly faster and can dry out if overcooked.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try using a mix of soy sauce and a little balsamic vinegar or a dash of barbecue sauce to mimic the tangy and savory complexity it brings.
Is there a way to make the gravy creamier?
Yes! For a richer, creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. It adds a silky texture that complements the mushrooms and meatballs beautifully.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Sure! Baking is a great alternative to pan frying. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through. Then continue making the mushroom gravy on the stovetop.
How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Alternatively, cut one in half—it should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
Give The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe a try and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to delight anyone at the table. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with loved ones. Once you taste these juicy meatballs swimming in rich mushroom gravy, I’m certain they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen too.
Print
The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy offer a comforting, hearty meal featuring juicy ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this classic American dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Gravy Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides, about 5–7 minutes total. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become browned, approximately 6–8 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, spooning mushroom gravy over them. They are delicious when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the gravy just before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
