If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and just a little bit of nostalgia, this Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy beef meatballs infused with savory onion powder, lovingly simmered in a luscious mushroom sauce made rich with real beef broth and freshly sliced mushrooms. It’s an easy-to-make centerpiece that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular, warming you from the inside out and sure to become a beloved classic in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity, showcasing everyday ingredients that each bring a unique, essential role. From the rich ground beef forming the base of the meatballs to the earthy mushrooms lending their deep flavors, each component works together perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein providing juicy, tender meatballs with great texture.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and keeps the meatballs tender and moist.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binder, holding the meat mixture together beautifully.
- 1 tsp onion powder: A simple seasoning that infuses the meatballs with savory depth.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates the flavorful base for the mushroom sauce, making it rich and comforting.
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced): Adds an earthy, meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 tbsp flour: Used to thicken the mushroom sauce to just the right consistency.
How to Make Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Meatball Ingredients
Start by mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, egg, and onion powder in a large bowl. This blend is key because each ingredient helps create a tender yet firm meatball that holds its shape and soaks up flavors during cooking.
Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into individual meatballs—try to keep them uniform for even cooking. Then brown them in a hot skillet until they develop a beautifully caramelized crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Broth
Remove the meatballs temporarily, and in the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender and browned. Then, pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. This broth will become the base of your delicious mushroom sauce.
Step 4: Thicken Your Mushroom Sauce and Simmer
Mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the broth and mushrooms. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
How to Serve Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the rich mushroom sauce beautifully. For a touch of comfort, a little dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top works wonders too.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the savory mushroom sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe over buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice to catch all that delicious sauce. For a crowd-pleaser, arrange meatballs on a platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables—this makes any meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover meatballs with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy next-day meal or lunch that still tastes fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, ready whenever you need a comforting dinner fix.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be delicious alternatives, though you might find beef gives the richest flavor that classic Salisbury steak is known for.
Do I have to use fresh mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are ideal for the best texture and flavor in your mushroom sauce, but in a pinch, well-drained canned mushrooms can work too.
What’s the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Using the egg as a binder along with breadcrumbs helps hold everything together. Also, gently mixing ingredients and not over-handling the meat helps keep them tender and intact.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour for thickening, like rice flour or cornstarch, to keep the sauce just as delicious.
How thick should the mushroom sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily over the meatballs. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more broth or slurry as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe is pure comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s a perfect dish to make on a weekend or any night you want something satisfying without a fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in every bite.
Print
Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe features tender ground beef meatballs cooked in a rich mushroom and beef broth sauce. Perfectly browned and simmered to develop deep flavors, this comforting dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Mushroom Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create the meatball base.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they have a rich, golden crust, about 5-7 minutes. This helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor.
- Add Mushrooms and Broth: Once the meatballs are browned, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, stirring briefly to soften them. Then pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meatballs are at least partially submerged in the liquid.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and to thicken the mushroom sauce around the meatballs.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the mushroom sauce for 20 minutes. This cooking time allows the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the beef mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can add minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- The mushroom sauce can be enhanced by adding a splash of red wine or cream if desired.
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