Craving a comforting, classic dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day? This Salisbury Steak Recipe brings all the nostalgia of a diner favorite straight to your kitchen, with juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to a timeless meal, this dish is sure to become a regular request at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salisbury Steak Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient has a role in building bold flavors and a crave-worthy texture. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics, you’ll be amazed at how easily this dish comes together.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): Provides the juicy, flavorful base for those classic steak patties.
- Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Help bind the patties and keep them beautifully tender.
- Egg (1): Acts as the glue, ensuring your patties hold together perfectly during cooking.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and sweetness to both the steak and the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon for patties, 1 tablespoon for gravy): Delivers that signature umami depth and a touch of savory magic.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle zing that wakes up the flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the patties with a mellow garlicky note.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the beef and ties in perfectly with the fresh onions.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ensures a gorgeous sear on your patties and a hint of richness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Brings out the sweetness in the onions and adds a silky finish to the gravy.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Cooks down into sweet, caramelized ribbons that flavor the gravy.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Forms the robust, savory base for the luscious gravy.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon for gravy): Balances the savory notes with just enough brightness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the gravy to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a fork—just until combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so keep it light and fluffy for the juiciest results.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions, then shape each into an oval patty about 3/4-inch thick. The oval shape is a classic for the Salisbury Steak Recipe, giving it that signature look and making it easy to fit in the skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the patties. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they develop a rich, brown crust. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked all the way through yet—they’ll finish later in the gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Onions
Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. The onions will soak up all those delicious browned bits left by the beef, infusing the gravy with extra flavor.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits. Bring everything to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to a silky consistency.
Step 6: Simmer the Patties
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the sauce over each patty, then cover and let everything simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. This final step ensures the steaks are cooked through and absolutely bursting with flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and lightness that brightens up the rich, savory dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a few thinly sliced scallions or a dusting of cracked black pepper on top make a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Salisbury Steak Recipe is practically made for a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of that luscious onion gravy. Rice or buttered egg noodles are also fantastic, and a side of green beans or roasted carrots brings a fresh, colorful contrast to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy, family-style meal, serve the steaks straight from the skillet at the table. Or, for a dinner party twist, plate each patty individually with a swoosh of mashed potatoes and a generous spoonful of gravy. Leftovers also make an incredible open-faced sandwich—just pile a patty and some gravy onto toasted bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Salisbury Steak Recipe completely before transferring the patties and gravy to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked steaks and gravy cool, then pack them in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Rewarm the patties and gravy gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions—just be sure to cover them so the gravy doesn’t splatter.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this Salisbury Steak Recipe. Just be mindful that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of milk to keep the patties moist.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
The combination of breadcrumbs and egg is key for binding. Be sure to mix just until combined and shape the patties firmly, but not too tightly. Chilling the shaped patties for 10 minutes before cooking can also help them stay together.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to make a gluten-free Salisbury Steak Recipe that everyone can enjoy.
What else can I add to the gravy?
Sautéed mushrooms are a fantastic addition, lending an earthy richness to the gravy. You can also stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra velvety texture or a pinch of thyme for a herby twist.
How do I know when the steaks are done?
The patties are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Simmering them in the gravy for 10 to 12 minutes after searing ensures they’re cooked through, juicy, and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe to bring comfort and smiles to your dinner table. With its easy prep and soul-satisfying flavors, this dish is a delicious way to treat yourself and your loved ones—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new family favorite!
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Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Salisbury Steak recipe offers a comforting and flavorful American classic made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich onion and beef gravy. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice. With simple ingredients and stovetop preparation, it’s an easy weekday meal that delivers satisfying flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
Steak Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Sear the patties: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Make the gravy: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup with the onions. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the gravy: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet while stirring. Cook for about 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Simmer the patties: Return the browned patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes until the patties are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, topped with onion gravy, alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
