Prepare to indulge in a comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner: Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy! This recipe takes all the beloved flavors of traditional Salisbury steak—tender, seasoned beef, and a rich, savory mushroom gravy—and transforms them into convenient, bite-sized meatballs. It’s a deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that comes together largely in one skillet, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a true winner in my kitchen. What I love most is how it delivers all the comforting nostalgia of the classic dish in a more accessible, quick-cooking format. The meatballs themselves are incredibly tender and flavorful, packed with aromatics like onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Searing them first creates a beautiful crust and leaves behind delicious “fond” in the pan, which is crucial for building the rich gravy.

And that mushroom gravy? It’s the star of the show! It’s deeply savory, with earthy mushrooms, and wonderfully thick, coating every meatball perfectly. Making it right in the same pan as the meatballs ensures every bit of flavor is captured. It feels like a gourmet meal, yet it’s surprisingly simple, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction. It’s truly a feel-good dish that brings smiles to every face at the dinner table.

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Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or preferred)
• 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 (for cooking meatballs)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work great)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal for juicy, flavorful meatballs. Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option, but the flavor will be different.
• Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs both work well. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Milk: Any type of milk can be used. It helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Onion & Garlic: Finely chopped onion and minced garlic are essential aromatics.
• Worcestershire Sauce (Meatballs): This adds a crucial savory, umami depth to the meatballs. Don’t skip it!
• Mushrooms (Gravy): Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms are excellent choices. Slice them uniformly.
• Beef Broth: Low sodium beef broth gives you control over the saltiness of the gravy.
• All-Purpose Flour (Gravy): This is used to create a roux base for thickening the gravy. For a gluten-free gravy, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with the 1/2 cup cold water as a slurry, adding it gradually to the hot broth (after cooking mushrooms) and simmering until thickened.
• Herbs (Optional): A sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf could be added to the gravy during simmering for extra aromatic depth.

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Instructions:

Creating these comforting Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is efficient and mostly done in one skillet.

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Using your hands, mix everything together thoroughly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet (preferably oven-safe or heavy-bottomed, like cast iron) over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which steams instead of browns). Brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Leave the drippings and any browned bits (fond) in the skillet.
3. Make the Mushroom Gravy Base: In the same skillet, add the 8 oz sliced mushrooms. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high if needed. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and beautifully browned, roughly 5-7 minutes.
4. Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked mushrooms in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux.
5. Create the Gravy Sauce: Gradually pour in the 2 cups beef broth and 1/2 cup water while continuously whisking or stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, continuing to stir. As it simmers, it will begin to thicken into a rich gravy.
6. Return Meatballs & Simmer: Return the browned meatballs and any accumulated juices from the plate to the skillet with the thickening mushroom gravy. Gently nestle the meatballs into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially (or fully if your lid vents steam well), and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Remove from heat. Serve hot, spooning plenty of mushroom gravy over the meatballs.

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Pro Tip:

The “fond” (the browned bits left in the pan after searing the meatballs and mushrooms) is packed with flavor. Don’t discard it! When you add liquids, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up these bits, incorporating them into your gravy for maximum richness. For an extra touch, a swirl of cold butter added at the very end (after removing from heat) will make the gravy extra glossy and velvety.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy are a complete and hearty meal perfect for any cozy dinner.

• Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich mushroom gravy. My Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Buttery Mash offers a great mashed potato recipe.
• Egg Noodles: Serve over hot, buttered egg noodles for a comforting pasta variation.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice would also be excellent for soaking up the gravy.
• Green Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad would provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Other Comfort Foods: If you enjoy deeply flavored, hearty meals, consider this alongside other comforting dishes like my Pot Roast & Gravy Recipe or a warm bowl of Country Pinto Beans & Hamhocks.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

• Storage: Store any leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Mushroom Gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has become too thick. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
• Freezing: Cooked Salisbury Steak Meatballs with gravy freeze well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this beef dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy one-pan meal with beef, check out my Best Ever Beef Stew.
• If you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked meats, don’t miss Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Buttery Mash for another melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• For a different take on a skillet meal packed with Southern flavor, consider my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• And for another comforting dish that simmers on the stove, my Country Pinto Beans & Hamhocks are a must-try.

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Final Thoughts

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy are a true testament to how classic comfort food can be both deeply satisfying and incredibly accessible. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, earthy mushroom gravy, it’s a meal that brings warmth and joy to any table. It proves that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create an unforgettable dining experience. Go ahead, make a batch, and savor every comforting bite!

What’s your favorite way to serve meatballs? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.