If you’re after a hearty, old-school comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Salisbury Steak Recipe will win you over. Tender beef patties simmer in a rich onion gravy, transforming everyday ingredients into a show-stopping favorite for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re new to classic American cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines with humble but standout ingredients, each one playing a key role in building those savory layers and craveable textures. No fancy shopping trip required—everything comes together to create the perfectly balanced, classic Salisbury Steak Recipe experience.
- Ground beef (80/20): Choosing beef with just enough fat keeps the patties moist and full of flavor—don’t go too lean here.
- Breadcrumbs: Help hold the patties together and soak up all those tasty juices.
- Finely chopped onion: Builds sweetness and texture right into each juicy patty.
- Large egg: Binds everything for patties that won’t fall apart.
- Ketchup (for patties and gravy): Adds tang and a hint of sweetness—you’ll use it twice for layered flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (for patties and gravy): Brings deep, savory notes and a little punch to both meat and gravy.
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory warmth without overpowering the beef.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential basics to enhance every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the gravy and helps sauté the onions for a silky base.
- Thinly sliced onion (for gravy): Turns sweet and golden, making the sauce irresistible.
- Beef broth: The backbone of your luscious homemade gravy.
- Cornstarch + water (slurry): Ensures your gravy turns smooth, glossy, and just the right consistency.
- Optional mushrooms (not required but delicious): Sauté along with the onions for more umami depth.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Make the Patties
Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl and combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—just until the ingredients come together. The less you work the meat, the more tender your patties will be! Shape into four oval patties, classic Salisbury style.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a slick of oil or a pat of butter. Lay your patties in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful brown crust—that’s flavor! Once browned and almost fully cooked through, transfer the patties to a plate to make room for your luscious gravy.
Step 3: Cook the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in those sliced onions. Let them soften and get just a little golden, about 3–4 minutes. Next, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Bring this to a gentle simmer, then whisk in your cornstarch slurry. The mixture will transform into a silky, glossy gravy in just a minute or two—don’t step away!
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return your browned patties to the pan, nestling them right into the onion gravy. Spoon a little sauce over the top, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This gives the patties time to finish cooking and soak up all those savory flavors. When you peek under the lid, you’ll see juicy steaks swimming in gravy—absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 5: Serve Hot
Spoon the flavorful gravy all over your perfectly cooked patties and serve immediately, while everything’s piping hot. Classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles work wonders to catch all that delicious sauce from your Salisbury Steak Recipe.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you love a touch of sharpness, try thinly sliced green onions over the top, or for a bit of decadence, a few sautéed mushrooms right in the gravy.
Side Dishes
The soul of this Salisbury Steak Recipe is its saucy gravy, so you’ll want something to soak it up! Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttered egg noodles are my personal favorites. Pair with something green—like steamed broccoli or peas—for balance and a little pop of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual steaks on a bed of mashed potatoes with the gravy poured dramatically over the top for a restaurant-worthy effect. For a cozy gathering, nestle all the steaks in a casserole dish, cover with gravy, and set in the center of the table family style. Leftover Salisbury Steak Recipe also makes a stunning open-faced sandwich over toasted bread with extra gravy ladled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Salisbury Steak Recipe completely before storing. Transfer the steaks and gravy into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Place cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy seems thick. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until everything is heated through. The Salisbury Steak Recipe will taste just as wonderful as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter take on the classic Salisbury Steak Recipe. Just be sure to use turkey with a bit of fat so the patties stay moist, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers or even rolled oats work well in place of breadcrumbs. They help bind the patties and soak up the delicious juices, keeping your Salisbury Steak Recipe tender.
Can I add mushrooms to the recipe?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms sauté beautifully with the onions and bring extra richness to the gravy. They’re a traditional addition and a personal favorite for many fans of the Salisbury Steak Recipe.
Is it okay to make the patties ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix and shape the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. This makes getting dinner on the table even easier when you’re short on time.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy isn’t thickening up, add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water (never add dry cornstarch directly). Stir and simmer, and your Salisbury Steak Recipe sauce should turn perfectly silky.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Salisbury Steak Recipe enough for anyone craving true, homestyle comfort food. Simple, satisfying, and made with love, it’s the kind of meal you’ll return to again and again. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’re in for a cozy, delicious dinner that everyone will devour!
Print
Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich onion gravy, perfect for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the patties: In a bowl, combine all patty ingredients, mix gently, and form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the patties: Brown patties in a skillet, then set aside.
- Prepare the gravy: Sauté onion, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Simmer: Return patties to the skillet, simmer in gravy until fully cooked and flavorful.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, topped with gravy.
Notes
- You can add sliced mushrooms for a classic touch.
- This dish freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
