If you’re craving a heartwarming, classic comfort dish that bursts with rich, savory flavors, this Salisbury Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a luscious, homemade onion gravy make for a meal that feels both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with family and friends, making it a must-have recipe in your culinary arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this soulful dish. Each component plays a vital role — from the juicy ground beef that forms the base of the steaks to the fragrant onions and rich beef broth that build the gravy’s depth.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose an 80/20 mix for juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keep them moist without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the meat mixture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the patties hold their shape well.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Provides a touch of sweetness and tanginess in the patties and gravy.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a subtle savory kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes with gentle garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds mild onion undertones to complement the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to season and enhance all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the patties to a golden-brown perfection.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy’s onion sauté.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Sweetens and flavors the gravy with a delicate caramelized touch.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to a silky and satisfying consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth: The heart of the gravy’s savory flavor and body.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated — overmixing can make the meat tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into an oval-shaped patty that will cook evenly and hold tender juiciness.
Step 2: Brown and Cook the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep golden crust that seals in the flavor and juices. Once cooked through, transfer the patties to a plate and set them aside — don’t discard the flavorful drippings still clinging to the pan!
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add thinly sliced onions. Let the onions cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and turn a lovely golden color, intensifying their natural sweetness. Stir in the flour and let it cook for a minute to remove the raw taste, then gradually whisk in the beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking to break up any lumps and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the patties to the skillet and spoon the thickened gravy generously over them. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes over low heat to marry the flavors perfectly. This step finishes cooking the patties gently and allows them to soak up all that delicious gravy.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herbal note that lifts the dish beautifully. If you love mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms can be a fantastic garnish as well, adding earthiness and texture that complement the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are an unbeatable partner for Salisbury steak, soaking up every bit of gravy. If you want to mix things up, creamy rice or buttery egg noodles also soak up the sauce beautifully, rounding out the meal with comforting carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving slices of Salisbury steak over a bed of garlic-infused polenta or alongside steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest and toasted almonds. Playing with texture and freshness on the plate makes this homestyle dish truly shine and excite your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, let the dish cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covering to keep moisture locked in. Adding a splash of beef broth can help restore gravy’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this Salisbury Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. Just be mindful that leaner meats tend to dry out faster, so you might want to add a bit more moisture or cook them gently.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the gravy?
Yes! Adding mushrooms or even finely chopped bell peppers to the onion gravy not only boosts flavor but also adds texture and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
The key is not to overmix the meat and to include binding ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Also, shaping the patties firmly and handling them gently during cooking helps them hold together.
Can I make this Salisbury Steak Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour for the gravy.
What wine pairs well with Salisbury steak?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel complements the meat’s robust flavors and the savory onion gravy beautifully. These wines bring out the richness without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury Steak Recipe is a warm hug of comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again. Its rich flavors, tender patties, and luscious gravy come together in a way that feels both timeless and effortlessly delicious. Don’t hesitate to give this classic a spot on your dinner table — once you try it, it might just become a new family favorite.
Print
Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, this hearty American comfort food pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steak
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden brown. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked patties to the skillet, spoon the gravy over them, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for meal prep.
