Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When the craving for classic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food hits, few dishes deliver like a perfectly prepared Salisbury Steak. But today, we’re taking that beloved concept and giving it a meatloaf twist, creating Perfectly Seared Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Velvety Mushroom Gravy. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a nostalgic journey to homestyle deliciousness, packed with savory flavors and topped with a rich, luscious gravy that you’ll want to pour over everything!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Salisbury Steak Meatloaf because it truly embodies the best of hearty comfort food with a gourmet touch. It’s incredibly flavorful, combining seasoned ground beef with savory Worcestershire and tangy Dijon. The initial sear on the meatloaf (before baking) creates a beautiful crust that locks in juices, ensuring an exceptionally moist and tender result. And that velvety mushroom gravy? It’s the ultimate finishing touch, adding an earthy richness that ties the whole dish together. It feels indulgent and special, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Perfectly Seared Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Velvety Mushroom Gravy:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean or 80/20 works best)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing meatloaf and sautéing onions/mushrooms)
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: For the best flavor and moisture, I recommend using an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef. You can also use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for added tenderness.
• Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are used here; Panko breadcrumbs would also work for a slightly crisper exterior on the meatloaf.
• Onions & Garlic: Finely chopping the onion for the meatloaf mixture ensures it blends seamlessly. Sliced onions for the gravy add more texture and flavor as they caramelize slightly.
• Mustard & Worcestershire: These are key for that classic Salisbury steak flavor profile, adding depth and tang. Don’t skip them!
• Mushrooms: Any type of mushroom (cremini, button, shiitake) will work well for the gravy.
• Gravy Thickener: Flour is used here, creating a classic opaque gravy. For a gluten-free option, you could use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, whisked into simmering broth) or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the gravy. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190∘C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped small onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until just well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
2. Form and Sear Meatloaf: Form the meatloaf mixture into a compact loaf shape. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel works great) over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatloaf into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. This step adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meatloaf juicy.
3. Bake the Meatloaf: Once seared, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven (if your skillet is oven-safe) or carefully transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71∘C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
4. Make the Gravy (While Meatloaf Bakes): While the meatloaf is in the oven, start on the gravy. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sliced small onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the onions begin to caramelize and the mushrooms soften and release their liquid.
5. Thicken Gravy: Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Finish Gravy: Stir in the heavy cream and let the gravy simmer for another 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Keep warm over low heat.
7. Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist meatloaf. Slice the meatloaf into generous portions. Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, topped generously with the rich mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

• Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step for the meatloaf! It adds a beautiful crust and a layer of savory flavor that baking alone can’t achieve.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Resting is Crucial: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking is vital. It lets the juices settle back into the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
• Build Gravy in Layers: Sautéing the mushrooms and onions, then adding flour before broth, builds a rich flavor foundation for your gravy.
• Whisk Constantly: When adding broth to the flour mixture, whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Perfectly Seared Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Velvety Mushroom Gravy is a complete, hearty meal, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: The traditional and ultimate pairing for soaking up that rich gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or carrots complement the richness of the meatloaf beautifully.
• Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread or crusty bread for extra sauce mopping.
• Other Comfort Dishes: This meatloaf would fit perfectly into a spread with other hearty, family-friendly meals like my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage for a touch of Southern flair.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this Salisbury Steak Meatloaf are absolutely fantastic, often tasting even better the next day! Store cooled meatloaf, gravy, and any sides separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat meatloaf, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth or water, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150∘C) oven until heated through. Gravy can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. This meatloaf also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting nature of this Salisbury Steak Meatloaf, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite satisfying and easy-to-make main courses:

• For another classic and comforting pasta meal, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• If you’re a fan of convenient one-pan dinners packed with flavor, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• For a true taste of the South and another hearty, flavorful stew, dive into a bowl of my incredibly comforting Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

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Final Thoughts

This Perfectly Seared Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Velvety Mushroom Gravy is a testament to how classic comfort food can be elevated with a few simple techniques. It’s a dish that fills your home with incredible aromas and your belly with warmth and satisfaction. Simple to make, yet profoundly delicious, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your family’s dinner rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy every savory, tender, gravy-drenched bite!

What are your favorite classic comfort food dishes that bring you back to your childhood? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.