If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s both easy to make and full of delicious flavor, this Salisbury Steak recipe is just what you need. With tender beef patties smothered in a savory onion and mushroom gravy, it’s the perfect comfort food for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or even special gatherings. Best of all, this dish comes together quickly with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
🥩 Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak
This isn’t your average ground beef dinner. Salisbury steak is like a hybrid between a burger and a meatloaf—pan-fried to perfection and drenched in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served over velvety mashed potatoes, a bed of steamed rice, or buttery egg noodles, this Salisbury steak brings cozy, satisfying flavor to any dinner table.
📋 Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steak Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness)
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Mushroom and Onion Gravy
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a bright, tangy depth to the gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🔪 How to Make Salisbury Steak – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just incorporated—overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties instead of tender, juicy ones.
2. Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty, about 3/4 inch thick.
3. Sear the Patties
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, ensuring the pan is hot enough to give the patties a nice sear. Add the patties and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to coat the pan and soak up all those flavorful brown bits left from the patties. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden.
5. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir constantly and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and allow it to lightly toast. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
6. Return Patties to Skillet
Gently place the browned patties back into the skillet, nestling them into the rich gravy so they soak up all the savory flavors.Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Salisbury steaks piping hot, generously spooning that luscious, rich mushroom gravy over each patty for the ultimate comforting bite.Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
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💡 Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips for Success
- Use ground chuck or 80/20 beef to create juicy, flavorful patties that hold their shape perfectly during cooking.
- Don’t skip the searing step—it adds depth of flavor and keeps the patties from falling apart in the gravy.
- For extra smooth gravy, strain the onions and mushrooms before adding flour, or chop them finely beforehand.
Variations
- No mushrooms? Omit them and double the onions for a classic onion gravy.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add extra veggies like diced carrots or peas to the gravy for more nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the Salisbury steak on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth as needed to loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much.
- Freeze patties and gravy in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This homemade Salisbury steak recipe is the ultimate comfort meal—simple, satisfying, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish that always delivers. Give it a try tonight and bring some cozy, old-school charm back to your dinner table!
