Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Rich Mushroom Gravy
Tender meatballs combined with a rich mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 4 slices sandwich bread, torn into small pieces
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon mushroom powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce and Add-ins
- 12 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced
- 2-3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 2.5 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.33 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tablespoon browning sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine torn bread and milk in a bowl. Press until soaked and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and seasonings to a large bowl. Pour in soaked bread and egg. Mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop 3 tablespoons per meatball and roll into 2-inch balls with damp hands. Set aside.
Cooking
- Lightly brown meatballs in a skillet (2–3 minutes per side) then move to slow cooker.
- Sauté mushrooms and shallots, add tomato paste and spices, then deglaze with beef broth. Pour over meatballs.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours, until meatballs reach 165°F.
Making the Gravy
- Remove meatballs. Bring cooking liquid to boil and add browning sauce if using.
- Whisk cornstarch and cream, pour in, and cook until thickened (5–6 minutes).
Serving
- Return meatballs to gravy and warm through. Adjust salt and pepper.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the gravy. Pair with a green vegetable or simple salad for balance.