This recipe transforms the classic Salisbury steak into a fun and flavorful meatball version, smothered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy. These Salisbury steak meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy, making them a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering. The homemade mushroom gravy, with its deep, earthy flavors, elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: Meatballs are always a hit, and this recipe brings a familiar favorite in a new and exciting way. The tender meatballs and rich gravy appeal to all ages.
- Easy to Make: While the recipe might seem like it has a few steps, it’s surprisingly easy to put together. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the cooking process is straightforward.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a luscious mushroom gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: These meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even polenta. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare the meatballs and gravy separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (I recommend using 80/20 for the best flavor and texture)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind will work)
- 1 large egg (to bind the meatballs together)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is best)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for that umami boost)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (be generous!)
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted, your preference)
- 250g (8.8 oz) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix of your favorites)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is a good option)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth and richness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (adjust to your liking)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes until they become softened. This helps create tender meatballs.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
Add the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Mix Gently
Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs from this recipe.
Step 5: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 4-5 minutes, until they are nicely seared. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
Step 8: Add the Beef Broth and Soy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and soy sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits.
Step 9: Simmer the Gravy
Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and nestle them into the mushroom gravy. Spoon the gravy over the meatballs, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and heated through.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: Easy to Medium
- Flavor: Savory, Rich, and Comforting
- Overall: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy over mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting meal.
- Pair them with cooked rice or egg noodles for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- For a more casual meal, serve them on slider buns as mini Salisbury steak meatball sandwiches.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs: To ensure that your meatballs are all the same size, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
- Brown the Meatballs in Batches: If your skillet is too crowded, brown the meatballs in batches to ensure that they get a nice sear on all sides.
- Adjust the Gravy to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add Other Vegetables to the Gravy: Feel free to add other vegetables to the gravy, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs and a rich, savory mushroom gravy makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for Salisbury steak, you can definitely use other ground meats such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mixture of ground beef and ground pork. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different depending on the type of meat you use.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The meatballs and gravy can be prepared separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy and meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Q3: Can I freeze the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatballs and gravy in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Q4: I don’t have beef broth. Can I use chicken broth instead?
A: While beef broth is preferred for the best flavor, you can substitute chicken broth in a pinch. Keep in mind that the gravy will have a slightly different flavor profile. You could also use a combination of chicken broth and a beef bouillon cube or paste for a more intense beef flavor.
Q5: Can I add other seasonings to the meatball mixture?
A: Definitely! Feel free to customize the meatball mixture with your favorite seasonings. Some great additions include dried herbs such as Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You could also add a grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
