The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that wraps you up in comfort, satisfies cozy cravings, and comes together in under an hour, get ready to fall in love with The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy. Each tender beef meatball is brimming with flavor and gently simmered in a luscious, earthy gravy loaded with mushrooms. Whether you pile them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, the result is a homestyle meal that’s equal parts nostalgia and gourmet. It’s the kind of food you make once and crave forever!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy truly special is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every item serves an important purpose—for flavor, tenderness, or that signature silky gravy. Here’s how these pantry staples come together to create magic:

• Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for juicy, tender meatballs that stay moist in the simmering gravy.
• Breadcrumbs: They’re the secret to that light, tender bite—no dense meatballs here!
• Egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together from first mix to final simmer.
• Milk: Adds a touch of richness and keeps the meatballs extra moist.
• Ketchup: Don’t skip this! It lends subtle tang and a hint of sweetness that makes the beef sing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deep, savory notes come from this magical splash—use it in both the meatballs and the gravy.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Easy way to layer big flavor without any chopping required.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season boldly to let the beef really shine.
• Olive Oil: For achieving that irresistible, golden-brown sear on your meatballs.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the mushroom gravy for a luxurious finish.
• Mushrooms: Go for cremini or white button—they both add earthy depth to the sauce.
• Yellow Onion: Sliced thin, it melts right into the gravy and adds natural sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy to that just-right, cling-to-your-meatball consistency.
• Beef Broth: The base of your gravy; opt for low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a touch brightens up the entire sauce, making flavors pop.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh finish—totally worth the quick chop!

How to Make The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything just comes together—overmixing can make meatballs tough, so keep it gentle! Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 16 generous meatballs, perfect for four hungry people.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, giving each one breathing room. Sear for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally to crisp up all sides. They’ll develop a deep, golden crust and lock in all that juiciness. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate while you dive into gravy-making.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

Lower the heat to medium and, in the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally for 6–8 minutes—the veggies should soften, release their moisture, and take on beautiful caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed mushrooms and onions. Stir for about a minute to gently toast the flour and ensure it gets mixed in smoothly. Then, slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking, scraping up all those irresistible browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then bring the mixture up to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy

Carefully return the browned meatballs to the pan. Reduce your heat to low, tuck the meatballs into the bubbling gravy, and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the meatballs finish cooking through. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the gravy is irresistibly rich. Give it a final spoon-stir and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like that extra flourish.

How to Serve The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy

Garnishes

A generous shower of fresh parsley over the top adds a bright, herbal counterpoint to the earthy mushroom gravy. If you want to turn the dial up even further, try a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. It’s those finishing touches that make The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

For the ultimate comfort plate, you can’t go wrong serving these savory meatballs over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes. Egg noodles, buttered rice, or even cauliflower mash are all excellent sidekicks. Spoon plenty of that luscious mushroom gravy over everything so not a drop goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up your presentation by layering the meatballs in individual ramekins with extra gravy and a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes on top for single-serving pot pie vibes. Or, for casual gatherings, offer The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, letting guests serve themselves family-style. So many ways to let this dish shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, lucky you! Simply let the meatballs and mushroom gravy cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy for later. Once cooled, pack them with the gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for the sauce to expand. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the meatballs and gravy in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce is very thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, for a super speedy lunch or dinner.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both make a lighter swap. If you go this route, just take care not to overcook the meatballs since leaner meats dry out more quickly. You may also want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for added moisture.

Do I have to use mushrooms in the gravy?

If you aren’t a mushroom fan, you can omit them—simply increase the amount of onion for more depth, or add finely diced carrots and celery. The gravy will still be creamy and satisfying without mushrooms.

What’s the best way to form perfectly round meatballs?

A cookie scoop makes forming perfectly uniform meatballs a breeze! Otherwise, dampen your hands with a little water or oil before shaping to prevent sticking and get smooth, even rounds every time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a large Dutch oven or two skillets, and brown your meatballs in batches. You’ll want plenty of gravy to go around—double-up on all sauce ingredients and enjoy!

Is The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy gluten free?

As written, the recipe contains breadcrumbs and flour, so it’s not gluten free. However, you can absolutely use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend; you’ll hardly notice the difference!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to build new mealtime traditions or just want a fuss-free comfort food classic, do yourself a favor and try The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy. It’s old-school, home-cooked goodness elevated for modern appetites, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe any time you need something hearty, wholesome, and downright delicious.

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