One of the Very Best Salisbury Steak

Introduction

Salisbury steak is one of those timeless comfort meals that instantly transports you back to cozy dinners around the family table. Made with seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a comforting weeknight dinner or serving it for a Sunday family meal, this Salisbury steak recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

My recipe story

Growing up, Salisbury steak was one of the first “fancy” homemade dinners I ever learned to make. While the frozen versions were convenient, nothing compared to the taste of a fresh, homemade Salisbury steak with gravy simmered to perfection. I remember watching my grandmother carefully mix the beef with breadcrumbs and eggs, shaping each patty with love, and then letting the kitchen fill with the rich aroma of onions sizzling in butter. Over time, I’ve perfected my own version, balancing the flavors of the beef and gravy so each bite feels like the warmest hug. Today, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, as it has become a treasured comfort meal in my home and one I know will bring joy to yours as well.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of Salisbury steak lies in its simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. At the heart of the dish are the beef patties. Ground beef provides the base, while breadcrumbs and an egg bind everything together, ensuring the patties hold their shape during cooking. A touch of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper infuses them with deep flavor, making each bite well-seasoned and satisfying.

The gravy is where the magic truly happens. Onions and mushrooms are sautéed until tender, releasing natural sweetness and earthiness that perfectly complement the beef. Beef broth forms the base of the gravy, while Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of umami depth. Flour helps thicken the sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency that coats every patty. The combination of these ingredients results in a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated to make.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Serving platter

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the beef mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties tough. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ¾-inch thick, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the patties. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil or butter. Place the beef patties in the skillet and sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the onions and mushrooms. In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter if needed. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow their natural sweetness to develop.

Step 4: Make the gravy. Sprinkle flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer until the gravy thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Simmer the patties in gravy. Return the seared beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through and the gravy has deepened in flavor. Spoon gravy over the patties occasionally as they cook.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Transfer the Salisbury steak patties to a serving platter and spoon plenty of mushroom onion gravy over the top. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.

Variations & substitutions

There are many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use ground pork for added richness. If you prefer a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking. For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Vegetarians can try making “Salisbury-style” patties using lentils or mushrooms as a base, paired with vegetable broth for the gravy.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftover Salisbury steak stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. To freeze, allow the patties and gravy to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed. You can also prepare the patties ahead of time, sear them, and refrigerate until ready to simmer in the gravy for a quick weeknight meal.

Serving ideas & pairings

Salisbury steak is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes, but it also pairs beautifully with buttered egg noodles, rice, or roasted potatoes. Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or buttery peas for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the gravy. For drinks, pair this dish with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a classic iced tea for a family-style dinner.

FAQ

Can I make Salisbury steak without mushrooms?
Yes! Simply omit the mushrooms and increase the onions, or add another vegetable such as bell peppers for texture and flavor.

What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
They’re very similar, but Salisbury steak usually includes binders like breadcrumbs and eggs, and it’s always served with a gravy, whereas hamburger steak can be simpler.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook the patties in batches so they sear properly.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to use an egg and breadcrumbs in the mixture, and chill the patties in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking for extra firmness.

Can I use pre-made gravy?
While you can use store-bought gravy in a pinch, homemade gravy makes a huge difference in flavor and texture, so I highly recommend making it from scratch.

Final thoughts

This Salisbury steak recipe is more than just a dinner—it’s a comforting, nostalgic experience that never goes out of style. With its tender beef patties, rich mushroom onion gravy, and versatility in pairings, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it once, and it just might become one of your household’s most requested meals.

One of the Very Best Salisbury Steak

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy ground beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. A hearty comfort food dinner perfect with mashed potatoes or rice.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and shape into 6 oval patties.

2. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned, then remove to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.

5. Return patties to the skillet, nestle into the gravy, cover, and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked. Serve hot with extra gravy spooned over the top.
   

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American