There’s nothing quite like the savory, nostalgic comfort of a classic Salisbury Steak Recipe. This isn’t just a simple hamburger patty; it’s a tender, perfectly seasoned beef patty, pan-seared to perfection and then lovingly smothered in a rich, flavorful mushroom and onion gravy. If you’re searching for a meal that warms the soul and satisfies the heartiest of appetites, you’ve found it. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, delicious, and absolutely foolproof.
We’re taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into a spectacular weeknight dinner that feels special. Forget the bland TV-dinner versions of your past; this homemade Salisbury Steak will redefine the dish for you and your family. Let’s dive in and make the best comfort food classic you’ve ever had.
What Makes This The BEST Salisbury Steak Recipe?
The secret to an unforgettable Salisbury Steak Recipe lies in the details. It starts with creating incredibly tender and flavorful beef patties—we use a gentle hand and the right combination of seasonings. Unlike some recipes that result in dry, tough patties, our method ensures they stay moist and juicy.
But the real star is the gravy. We build layers of flavor by first searing the patties, then sautéing fresh onions and mushrooms in the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits. A rich beef broth, a touch of Worcestershire sauce, and a little Dijon mustard create a gravy that’s deeply savory with a perfect consistency. It’s the kind of gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything on your plate, especially some creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy Salisbury steak recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients. The magic is in how we combine them to create such a rich and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works best)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup Panko or plain breadcrumbs
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon each, or to taste
For the Mushroom & Onion Gravy:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Beef Broth: 3 cups, low-sodium
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
How to Make Salisbury Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping meal. We’ll walk through making the patties, searing them for maximum flavor, and then creating that irresistible gravy to bring it all together.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough. Gently shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
Step 2: Cook the Salisbury Steaks
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in two batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. The patties will not be cooked through at this point. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Mushroom & Onion Gravy
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This will create a roux that thickens the gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, and watch as it begins to thicken. Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Return the seared patties (and any accumulated juices from the plate) to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender. Serve immediately, with plenty of extra gravy spooned over the top.
Tips for Perfect, Tender Salisbury Steak
Making a truly great old-fashioned Salisbury steak is easy when you know a few key tricks. Follow these tips for guaranteed success.
- Don’t Overmix: When forming the patties, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overworking the ground beef will result in tough, dense steaks.
- Get a Good Sear: Searing the patties over medium-high heat is crucial. This step creates a flavorful brown crust (the Maillard reaction) that adds immense depth to both the steak and the final gravy.
- Scrape the Pan: Don’t clean the pan after searing! The browned bits left in the skillet are packed with flavor. Scrape them up as you add the beef broth to incorporate them into your gravy.
- Simmer Gently: Letting the patties simmer in the gravy allows them to finish cooking while soaking up all that amazing flavor, making them extra tender and juicy. For a different take on tender meat, try this delicious French Onion Pot Roast.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
This Salisbury Steak Recipe is a star, but every star needs a supporting cast. The rich, savory gravy is perfect for pairing with anything that can soak it up. Here are some classic and creative serving suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: The quintessential pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for that delicious mushroom gravy.
- Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are another classic choice that complements the dish beautifully.
- Rice: Simple steamed white or brown rice works wonderfully to soak up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
- Dinner Rolls: You’ll want some crusty bread like these Homemade Garlic Knots to mop up every last drop of the gravy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Salisbury steak is a fantastic make-ahead meal and leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so!
- Storage: Store leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the steaks and gravy in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook the patties.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked Salisbury steak for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Salisbury Steak Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can simply omit them. The onion gravy will still be incredibly flavorful on its own. You can add extra onions if you like.
This recipe uses a flour-based roux to thicken the gravy. If your gravy isn’t thick enough, you can let it simmer longer to reduce, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
The key is using a binder like an egg and breadcrumbs to hold the meat together. Also, handle the patties gently when forming and flipping them in the pan. Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. Roasted green beans, broccoli, or a simple side salad also work beautifully.
A Salisbury steak typically includes binders like breadcrumbs and egg, and is served with a brown gravy. A hamburger steak is often just seasoned ground beef, sometimes served with grilled onions but not always with a distinct gravy.
Your New Favorite Comfort Food
This classic Salisbury Steak Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a feeling of warmth, comfort, and home-cooked goodness. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly delicious. We know this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
Salisbury Steak Recipe
Salisbury Steak Recipe (The BEST Classic)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. They will not be cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil, sliced onions, and mushrooms. Cook until softened and browned, about 10-12 minutes total. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and the remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Return the patties and any juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened. Serve hot.
Notes
Tip 2: For a richer gravy, use a good quality beef broth or stock.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
