Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury steak is one of those timeless dishes that instantly brings comfort to the table. It is hearty, deeply flavorful, and built around simple ingredients that transform into something truly satisfying. Juicy beef patties are gently pan-seared, then simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy that coats every bite with warmth and depth. This is the kind of meal that feels nostalgic yet still holds up beautifully for modern home cooking.
I have made this recipe countless times, especially when I want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It pairs effortlessly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered vegetables, making it incredibly versatile. What I appreciate most is how forgiving it is. The patties stay tender, the gravy thickens naturally, and the flavors improve as everything simmers together. If you are looking for a reliable, family-friendly dinner that delivers comfort and flavor, this Salisbury steak is a dependable classic.
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Salisbury Steak: A Classic Comfort Food with Rich Onion Gravy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Salisbury Steak is a classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, typically served with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown patties on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring until gravy thickens.
- Return patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with gravy spooned over the steaks.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat to keep patties tender.
- Can be served with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef forms the base of the patties. An 80/20 blend provides the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness, ensuring the steaks remain tender after cooking.
Breadcrumbs help bind the patties while keeping them soft. They absorb moisture and prevent the beef from becoming dense or dry.
Egg acts as a binder, holding the patties together and contributing to their structure during cooking.
Onion adds both texture and sweetness. Finely chopped onion works best inside the patties, while sliced onion builds flavor in the gravy.
Garlic enhances the savory profile of the beef and gravy. It provides depth without overpowering the dish.
Milk adds moisture to the meat mixture, resulting in a softer and more tender patty.
Worcestershire sauce delivers umami richness and a subtle tang that defines classic Salisbury steak flavor.
Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the patties and balancing the gravy.
Beef broth forms the backbone of the gravy. It adds richness and ties all the flavors together.
Mushrooms are optional but highly recommended. They contribute earthiness and texture to the gravy.
Flour is used to thicken the gravy, creating a smooth and velvety consistency.
Butter and oil are used for browning the patties and sautéing the onions, adding depth and color.
Directions
Begin by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into oval patties.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side until browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook until softened and lightly browned. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to create a smooth gravy. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the patties to the skillet. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the patties to finish cooking and absorb the gravy flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes, making it suitable for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage/reheating
Leftover Salisbury steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 180°C until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
For a lighter version, ground turkey can replace beef, though additional seasoning may be needed. For extra richness, a splash of cream can be stirred into the gravy near the end of cooking.
If mushrooms are not preferred, they can be omitted entirely, focusing the gravy on onion flavor. For added herbs, a small amount of thyme or parsley complements the dish nicely.
Those avoiding breadcrumbs may substitute crushed crackers or oats. Each variation keeps the core comfort intact while adapting to personal preference.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Gentle Mixing
Overmixing the beef can lead to tough patties, so mix only until combined.
Even Browning
Allow the patties to brown undisturbed for proper crust development.
Gravy Thickness
If the gravy becomes too thick, add broth gradually until desired consistency.
Flavor Boost
A small splash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy enhances depth.
FAQs
What is Salisbury steak made of?
It is made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in rich brown gravy.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and often tastes better the next day.
Can I freeze Salisbury steak?
Yes, freeze the patties with gravy in an airtight container for up to two months.
What should I serve with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles work best.
How do I keep the patties tender?
Avoid overmixing and use ingredients like milk and breadcrumbs.
Can I bake Salisbury steak instead?
Yes, but stovetop cooking provides better gravy development.
Conclusion
Salisbury steak remains a beloved comfort food for good reason. With tender beef patties and rich onion gravy, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. This homemade version proves that classic dishes never go out of style and deserve a place at the modern dinner table.
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