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Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Rich Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury steak meatballs served with a rich mushroom gravy, making it the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/3 cup milk for soaking breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated onion or finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
For the mushroom gravy
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth low-sodium if preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional for silkiness
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until softened. Add the egg, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently to combine.
  2. Form the mixture into 12–14 evenly sized meatballs (about golf-ball size). Wetting your hands slightly helps them stay neat and keeps the mix from sticking.
Cooking the Meatballs
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until nicely seared. Transfer to a plate.
Preparing the Gravy
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and the mushrooms release their juices, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet, spoon some gravy over them, and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp ~160°F) and the flavors have melded. If desired, stir in the cream at the end.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a simple rice pilaf.

Notes

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk keeps meatballs moist and forgiving for reheating. Don't crowd the pan while browning; overcrowding creates steam, not a crust. If the gravy gets too thick, whisk in a splash of broth.