Introduction
Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich, savory flavors of a classic Salisbury steak with the convenience and deliciousness of meatballs. This dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner, offering a warm, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The tender meatballs are cooked in a luscious mushroom gravy, making them the ideal topping for mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
- Large Skillet: For browning the meatballs and cooking the mushroom gravy.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and turning the meatballs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: The base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the meat mixture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatballs together.
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the meatballs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the meatballs and sautéing the mushrooms.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Adds depth to the gravy with their earthy flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the mushroom gravy.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the gravy’s consistency.
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1/2 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms until they are browned and tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Making the Mushroom Gravy
- Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Final Cooking Steps
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the mushroom gravy. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Conservation
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of tender meatballs and rich, savory mushroom gravy is irresistible, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious, hearty flavors of this classic comfort food!