Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Rich Mushroom Gravy take everything comforting about the classic diner-style dish and transform it into tender, flavour-packed meatballs bathed in a silky, savoury sauce. This recipe delivers deep, beefy flavour, balanced by earthy mushrooms and a velvety gravy that coats every bite. It is the kind of meal that feels nostalgic yet practical—easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to serve as a hearty family dinner. One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how adaptable it is; I once thinned the gravy slightly with almond milk when I was out of regular milk, and it still turned out smooth and delicious. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, these Salisbury steak meatballs are pure comfort on a plate.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Rich Mushroom Gravy: A Comfort-Food Classic Reinvented
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender, juicy meatballs inspired by classic Salisbury steak, simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and onions until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper until smooth.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until cooked through and gravy thickens.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Do not overmix meatballs to keep them tender.
- Add a splash of cream for an extra-rich gravy.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option.
- This dish reheats well and is freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
The foundation of the meatballs. It provides richness, moisture, and classic Salisbury steak flavour.
Breadcrumbs
Help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender rather than dense.
Egg
Acts as a binder, giving structure to the meatballs so they hold their shape.
Onion
Adds sweetness and depth to both the meatballs and the gravy.
Garlic
Enhances the savoury notes and rounds out the flavour profile.
Worcestershire sauce
A key Salisbury steak ingredient that adds umami and depth.
Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavour of the beef.
Mushrooms
Earthy and hearty, mushrooms form the backbone of the rich gravy.
Butter
Adds richness and helps build the base of the gravy.
Flour
Used to thicken the gravy into a smooth, luscious sauce.
Beef broth
Creates the savoury liquid base of the mushroom gravy.
Milk
Adds creaminess to the gravy. Almond milk works well as a substitute.
Soy sauce
Deepens the colour and savoury flavour of the gravy.
Directions
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add sliced mushrooms and onions. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the milk and soy sauce, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy is rich and smooth. Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–5 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed. This dish also freezes well for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Onion Gravy
Reduce mushrooms and add more onions for a sweeter, onion-forward sauce.
Turkey Salisbury Meatballs
Use ground turkey for a lighter version while keeping the same seasoning.
Garlic Butter Mushroom Gravy
Add extra garlic and a touch more butter for deeper richness.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute flour with cornstarch.
Cheesy Salisbury Meatballs
Serve over mashed potatoes topped with shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
Herb-Enhanced Meatballs
Add thyme or parsley to the meatball mixture for freshness.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown meatballs first, then finish cooking them in the gravy in a slow cooker.
Peppercorn Gravy
Add cracked black pepper for a bold, steakhouse-style flavour.
Low-Sodium Adaptation
Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt levels.
Extra Mushroom Version
Double the mushrooms for a heartier, more vegetable-forward dish.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F until lightly browned, then finish cooking in the gravy.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but any variety works.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use almond milk in the gravy?
Yes, almond milk works well and keeps the gravy creamy.
How do I prevent tough meatballs?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and cook gently.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas or carrots pair nicely with the gravy.
What should I serve this with?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are excellent choices.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger families.
Why is my gravy too thick?
Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it to your liking.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavours are mild and comforting.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Rich Mushroom Gravy offer everything you want in a comfort-food dinner: tender meatballs, deep savoury flavour, and a smooth, satisfying sauce. This recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for cozy family meals or make-ahead planning. Whether served traditionally or customised to your taste, it is a reliable, hearty dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table every time.
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