Name: Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1 egg, beaten; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Short Description

Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that combines juicy, well-seasoned meatballs with a rich, savory brown gravy. This recipe delivers classic homestyle flavors, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish is warm, hearty, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for cold nights.
Rich and Savory Flavors: The meatballs are well-seasoned and paired with a deep, flavorful brown gravy.
Versatile Serving Options: It pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even a side of vegetables.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an easy yet impressive meal to prepare.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs in advance, making this dish great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Bread crumbs
Egg
Onion
Garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Flour
Beef broth
Tomato paste
Heavy cream (optional)
Mushrooms (optional)
Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the meat.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and heavy cream (if using) for a richer consistency.
If using mushrooms, add them now and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
Stir occasionally, ensuring the meatballs are well-coated with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Variations

Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative.
Extra Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for some heat.
Mushroom-Free Version: Simply omit mushrooms if you prefer a smoother gravy.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked frozen meatballs can be used. Just simmer them in the gravy until heated through.

What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare and cook the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the gravy on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the gravy over and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

What can I serve with Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad pair well with this dish.

Can I make this without flour?

Yes, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour for the gravy.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure you use enough binding ingredients like eggs and bread crumbs. Also, avoid over-mixing the meat.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar or A1 steak sauce can be a good alternative.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make it keto, use almond flour instead of bread crumbs and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the heavy cream.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Gravy is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying homemade meal!

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