Cozy Up with Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Mushroom Gravy—A Classic Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

If you're looking for a meal that screams comfort and brings hearty flavors to the table, Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy should be at the top of your list. This dish, a twist on the classic Salisbury steak, transforms traditional flavors into perfectly sized meatballs that are easy to serve and even easier to eat. These tender beef meatballs, simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, are the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it combines rich, savory flavors. The meatballs are packed with seasoned beef, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, while the mushroom gravy provides a velvety sauce that soaks into each bite, making it ideal for pairing with mashed potatoes or a side of rice. Plus, the dish is easy to adapt—you can add your favorite herbs and vegetables to the gravy, just like some home cooks do, for an extra burst of flavor.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs: Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Blend everything together until it forms a smooth mixture. Then, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, making sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes. After browning, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the gravy.

Make the Mushroom Gravy: Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and start to brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step is crucial to getting a smooth, rich gravy.

Create the Gravy Sauce: Gradually add the beef broth and water to the mushrooms, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the liquid is well combined, bring the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens into a rich, smooth sauce.

Combine and Simmer: Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb the savory gravy while finishing their cooking.

Season and Serve: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the meatballs with mushroom gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. The savory meatballs paired with the rich mushroom sauce create a truly comforting meal that's sure to satisfy.

Final Thoughts: Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy offer a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The recipe combines familiar flavors in a way that's sure to make everyone at the table happy. Whether you serve it with potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. You can even make extra and freeze the meatballs for an easy, quick meal later. It’s all about comfort, flavor, and convenience in one delicious dish.

Here are a few reliable sources for Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy recipes that offer slight variations and helpful tips:

1. RecipeTin Eats provides a detailed recipe that includes a slurry to thicken the mushroom gravy, along with advice on browning the meatballs and sautéing the mushrooms to perfection. They recommend using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs, and the gravy is thickened with a mixture of flour and beef broth​RecipeTin Eats.
2. Kitchen Dreaming offers an easy version of Salisbury steak meatballs with some great suggestions for making the gravy smooth, such as using cornstarch instead of flour if you prefer a gluten-free option. Their recipe includes an optional step to add more beef broth if the gravy thickens too much during cooking​Kitchen Dreaming.
3. Best Recipe Box emphasizes the importance of searing the meatballs for the best texture and flavor. Their version uses both mushrooms and onions in the gravy, and they provide guidance on adjusting the consistency of the sauce as it simmers​Best Recipe Box.

These sources provide comprehensive instructions and tips, so you can choose the recipe or modifications that best suit your taste and dietary preferences.