If you’re searching for a delicious comfort food dinner that’s hearty, nostalgic, and easy enough for any weeknight, look no further than this Easy Salisbury Steak. This classic dish features flavorful ground beef patties simmered in a rich, oniony gravy—a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy adults and kids alike. The beauty of Easy Salisbury Steak lies in its simplicity: in just about half an hour, you get a savory main course that tastes like you fussed all day, but involves nothing more than everyday kitchen staples and a few foolproof steps.

Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salisbury steak is all about maximizing flavor and texture with a handful of key players. These straightforward ingredients aren’t just accessible—they each play an essential role in building those homey layers of taste and the glorious, glossy gravy this dish is known for.

1 pound ground beef: The heart of your Easy Salisbury Steak—choose 85% lean for juicy, flavorful patties.
¼ cup breadcrumbs: Helps hold the patties together and lends a tender bite.
1 large egg: Acts as the “glue,” binding everything for smooth, cohesive steak patties.
1 tablespoon ketchup: Infuses subtle tang and a touch of sweetness to the meat mixture.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers savory, umami depth that truly sets this dish apart.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds foundational flavor to the patties, enhancing the beefiness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: For that perfect, mellowed aromatic kick in every bite.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the patties without overpowering the other flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the earthy warmth of the steak mixture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the steaks, creating a flavorful crust.
1 medium onion (thinly sliced): Brings sweetness and savoriness, and becomes irresistibly soft in the gravy.
2 cups beef broth: Forms the backbone of the luscious gravy.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the gravy without masking the deep beef flavor.
1 tablespoon water: For dissolving the cornstarch so the gravy stays smooth and lump-free.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and garden-fresh aroma to finish.

How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Steaks

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a fork and mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing is a no-no if you want juicy patties! Divide the mixture into quarters, then form each into an oval patty about an inch thick. Don’t stress about perfection; rustic shapes mean lots of crispy edges.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your patties without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting them develop a deep golden-brown crust. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet—they’ll finish in the gravy. Transfer the browned patties to a plate and keep them handy.

Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy

With all that flavorful fond left in the skillet, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Stir and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for maximum flavor. When the onions turn soft and translucent, pour in the beef broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer—that bubbling action lifts every tasty bit from the pan, ensuring your gravy is absolutely loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly drizzle this mixture into your simmering broth, stirring constantly. You’ll see the gravy come together and thicken in a matter of minutes—this step turns a good meal into a great one, making it wonderfully spoonable over the steaks and your favorite sides.

Step 5: Simmer the Easy Salisbury Steak

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling onion gravy. Spoon some sauce over each and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let everything simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; this gently finishes cooking the steaks and melds all those savory flavors together. When you lift the lid, you’ll be hit with a mouthwatering aroma that promises serious comfort food bliss.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the Easy Salisbury Steak with chopped fresh parsley if you like. This simple finishing touch adds brightness and makes the whole dish feel restaurant-worthy. Grab your favorite serving spoon—and get ready for the best bite of the week!

How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

For that classic look and an extra layer of freshness, a shower of chopped parsley does wonders over the top of Easy Salisbury Steak. If you’re a fan of a little more zing, a sprinkling of sliced green onions or even a crunchy fried onion finish can also elevate the presentation. The pop of green against the rich brown gravy is simply gorgeous.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with Easy Salisbury Steak than a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes—those creamy swirls are just begging to soak up all that delicious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a nice snap and color, while fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up that plate. Buttered noodles or a scoop of rice are also cozy alternatives for an old-school diner-style meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Easy Salisbury Steak open-faced over a thick slice of toasted sourdough, ladled with extra gravy and topped with crispy onions. Mini patties are a cute option for party sliders, while layering leftovers between slices of crusty bread for a hearty sandwich will earn rave reviews at lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Salisbury Steak keeps beautifully. Transfer cooled patties and gravy to an airtight container, refrigerating within two hours of cooking. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—making them a fantastic meal-prep solution for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your Easy Salisbury Steak, let the patties and gravy cool completely first. Place the steaks individually or together in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, then pour over the gravy. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat for even warming. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy as it heats. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power until piping hot. Just be sure not to overdo it, so the patties stay juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Easy Salisbury Steak adapts nicely to leaner meats like ground turkey or ground chicken—just watch the cooking time, as these proteins tend to be a bit drier and cook faster. Add a splash of extra broth to the gravy for extra moisture if you go this route.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can easily swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for the regular ones, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor or texture.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

Yes, mushrooms are a classic addition to Easy Salisbury Steak. Simply slice and sauté them along with the onions, letting them cook down before adding the broth. Their earthy flavor is a perfect match for the savory gravy.

What’s the best way to keep the patties moist?

Mixing the meat mixture gently and not overcooking are key. Don’t press down on the patties while browning, and let them finish cooking in the gravy to stay moist and juicy. The breadcrumbs and egg also help lock in tenderness.

How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If the gravy is too thin, simmer it uncovered a bit longer, or add a touch more cornstarch (dissolved in a little cold water first). For a thinner sauce, whisk in a splash of extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Salisbury Steak is one of those feel-good, family-friendly dinners you’ll want on repeat all year long. It’s comforting, satisfying, and so simple you can whip it up anytime. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so easy can taste this incredible!

Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Salisbury Steak recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is quick and simple to make. Tender ground beef patties are smothered in a savory onion gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:

1 pound ground beef
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 oval patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, cook the sliced onion until softened. Add beef broth and simmer. Whisk together cornstarch and water, then add to the skillet. Return patties to the pan, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.