Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

This Salisbury Steak Meatloaf combines the rich, savory flavors of classic Salisbury steak with the hearty structure of meatloaf. Topped with a luscious mushroom gravy, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lb (1 kg) ground beef (85% lean) – Provides a juicy but not greasy base
• 1 small onion, quartered – Adds subtle sweetness and moisture
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens and freshens the mix
• 3 garlic cloves – Boosts savory aroma and flavor
• ½ green bell pepper – Adds crunch and mild sweetness
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Helps bind while keeping texture light
• 2 large eggs – Acts as a natural binder
• ½ cup marinara sauce – Moisturizes and adds a tangy depth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Classic umami enhancer
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang and complexity
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper – Freshly ground for best flavor
• Salt, to taste – Balances and enhances flavors

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and mushrooms
• 1 small onion, sliced – Builds savory base
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Deepens flavor
• 8 oz (250 g) brown mushrooms, sliced – Earthy and hearty
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickening agent
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef broth – Adds rich beef flavor
• ¾ cup water – Balances gravy consistency
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Deepens savory notes
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a loaf pan with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mince the Vegetables: Using a food processor, blend the onion , garlic , green bell pepper , and parsley until evenly minced. This ensures even flavor distribution without large chunks.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the minced veggies with the ground beef , panko breadcrumbs , eggs , marinara sauce , Worcestershire sauce , Dijon mustard , black pepper , and salt . Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.
4. Shape and Bake: Transfer the mixture to your greased loaf pan, pressing it down gently and evenly. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes , or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C ).
5. Rest Before Slicing: Let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes . This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender slices.

Crafting the Mushroom Gravy

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat . Add the sliced onions and cook until they become golden brown, about 5–7 minutes .
2. Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes , until the mushrooms soften and take on a light brown color.
3. Add Flour to Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium . Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 30 seconds to remove any raw flour taste.
4. Create the Gravy Base: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Then add the water , Worcestershire sauce , Dijon mustard , salt , and pepper .
5. Simmer to Thicken: Continue cooking, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency—usually 5–7 minutes .
6. Finish with Parsley: Stir in fresh chopped parsley just before serving to brighten flavors.

Assembling and Serving

1. Slice the rested meatloaf into thick portions and place them on plates or a serving platter.
2. Spoon the warm mushroom gravy generously over the meatloaf slices.
3. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered egg noodles for a complete comfort meal.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap the green bell pepper for red bell pepper or add grated carrots for extra sweetness and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices of meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salisbury Steak Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy is the ultimate comfort food mashup. The meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, while the mushroom gravy adds a rich, earthy touch that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite. Dive into this savory masterpiece and savor the cozy goodness of homemade comfort food!