Salisbury Steak Recipe
This Salisbury Steak Recipe is the definition of classic American comfort food—juicy, savory beef patties simmered in a rich onion gravy that begs to be spooned over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes. Each bite is a nostalgic trip back to hearty family dinners, but with a homemade touch that makes it so much more flavorful than any frozen version. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or craving a crowd-pleaser that’ll bring everyone to the table, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Salisbury Steak Recipe is its simplicity—you probably already have most of these kitchen staples on hand! Each ingredient brings something special to the table, building layers of flavor and creating that signature savory sauce.
- Ground beef (80/20): The perfect balance of fat keeps the patties juicy and tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder and help the steak patties stay moist.
- Large egg: Adds richness and holds everything together.
- Ketchup: A touch of tangy sweetness that enhances the beef.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami flavor and gives the gravy that classic steakhouse vibe.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle zip to the patties.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the meat with a gentle garlicky warmth.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth throughout the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For browning the patties to golden perfection.
- Butter: Used in the gravy for an extra silky, rich texture.
- Small onion (thinly sliced): Caramelizes beautifully, building the foundation of the gravy.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory base of the luscious sauce.
- More Worcestershire sauce: For deep flavor in the gravy.
- More ketchup: Adds another layer of tangy-sweetness to the sauce.
- Cornstarch mixed with cold water: Thickens the gravy to just the right consistency.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix until everything is just incorporated—overmixing will make the patties tough. Shape the mixture into four oval patties, pressing them together firmly so they hold their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Steaks
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage—just get that gorgeous crust on the outside, then set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the thinly sliced onions. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are softened and turning golden, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized onions are what give the gravy its irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Next, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to the pan, stirring well. Let the gravy cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until it thickens up and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the sauce over each steak, cover the pan, and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes. This last step cooks the patties through and melds all those savory flavors together. Serve hot, spooning plenty of gravy over each portion.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a pinch of cracked black pepper on top brings out the rich flavors even more. For a little extra flair, try a few crispy fried onions or a dusting of smoked paprika.
Side Dishes
Salisbury Steak Recipe practically begs for creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. Steamed green beans, buttered peas, or roasted carrots are also perfect companions. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve your Salisbury Steak Recipe over a bed of cheesy polenta or buttery egg noodles instead of potatoes. You can also make mini patties and turn them into sliders for a fun appetizer or family-style platter—just don’t forget to drizzle on plenty of gravy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury Steak Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the patties and gravy together in an airtight container to keep everything moist and flavorful. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to two months. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of parchment directly onto the gravy before sealing.
Reheating
Reheat your Salisbury Steak Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to keep the gravy from splattering and drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version of this Salisbury Steak Recipe. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might be a little less juicy, so consider adding a splash of milk or a bit of extra olive oil to the mix.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. Double-check all labels, and you’ll have a gluten-free Salisbury Steak Recipe everyone can enjoy.
Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
Definitely. Sautéing finely chopped mushrooms with the onions adds a savory, earthy note that takes the gravy to the next level. You could also toss in some diced carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No problem! You can substitute with an equal amount of flour to thicken the gravy. Just whisk it into the melted butter and onions before adding the broth, and continue with the recipe as usual.
Can I make Salisbury Steak Recipe ahead of time?
Yes—this recipe is a meal prep superstar. You can form the patties and mix the gravy ingredients a day ahead, then cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat. Or, fully prepare the dish and simply reheat for a quick homemade dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying, give this Salisbury Steak Recipe a try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company, and those tender beef patties in rich onion gravy will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
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Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion and beef gravy. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden brown, these classic American comfort food steaks are quick and easy to make on the stovetop, ideal served with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Salisbury Steak Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Instructions
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough patties, then form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a browned crust. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions for Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the thinly sliced onions until softened and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Liquids for Gravy: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Patties and Gravy: Return the patties to the skillet, spoon the rich gravy over them. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 10 minutes to cook through and allow flavors to blend deeply.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning extra gravy over the top. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, finely chopped mushrooms can be added to the onions while sautéing.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.
- To keep gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
