Salisbury Steak Recipe

This Salisbury Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, juicy beef patties simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. It’s an easy, hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a special occasion. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Salisbury steak is far better than any store-bought version. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with deep, comforting flavors. The tender ground beef patties are seasoned to perfection, and the rich mushroom-onion gravy ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s an affordable, one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for freezing or meal prep.

Ingredients

this Recipe

For the Salisbury steak patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the mushroom onion gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with flour for a slurry)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Salisbury steak patties:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2. Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Cook the patties: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the mushroom onion gravy:

4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and onions, and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and browned.
5. Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, mix the flour with water until smooth.
6. Make the gravy: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then slowly whisk in the flour slurry until the gravy begins to thicken.
7. Simmer the steaks: Return the beef patties to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the gravy is thickened.

Serve:

8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Turkey Salisbury steak: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• No-mushroom gravy: Omit mushrooms if preferred and double the onions for a caramelized onion gravy instead.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.
• Cheesy version: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked patties (with or without gravy) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. Just be sure not to overcook, as leaner meats dry out faster.

2. How do I thicken the gravy?

If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens, or mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.

3. What’s the best side dish for Salisbury steak?

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables are all great sides.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time, store them separately, and reheat just before serving.

5. What type of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini, white button mushrooms, or baby bella mushrooms all work well in this recipe.

6. Can I use store-bought gravy?

You can, but homemade gravy adds more depth of flavor and is easy to make in the same pan as the steaks.

7. Why are my patties falling apart?

Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg to bind the mixture together, and avoid overmixing the ground beef.

8. Can I cook the patties in the oven?

Yes, bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then finish them in the skillet with the gravy.

9. How do I prevent the gravy from getting lumpy?

Whisk the flour and water together thoroughly before adding it to the gravy to avoid lumps.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook the patties in batches.

Conclusion

This Salisbury Steak recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and full of rich, savory flavors. Juicy beef patties simmered in a homemade mushroom and onion gravy make this dish perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. Serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for the ultimate hearty meal—this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!

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