Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
If you’re longing for a comforting, homey dinner that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying, you’ll want to try this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe. Tender, juicy beef patties are blanketed in a savory mushroom and onion gravy, creating a dish that’s hearty enough for a Sunday supper but simple enough for any weeknight. This recipe brings together classic flavors in the easiest way possible, promising a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is how it relies on just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each adding its own magic. From the rich beef to the aromatic veggies and that luscious gravy, every component works together to make this dish shine.
- Ground beef (85% lean): The heart of the dish; 85% lean gives just the right balance of flavor and juiciness for tender patties.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and keep them moist, never dense or dry.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together for perfectly shaped steaks.
- Ketchup: Adds a hint of tangy sweetness to the beef mixture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Essential for savory depth in both the patties and the silky gravy.
- Onion powder: Delivers subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the beef.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlic rounds out the flavor, making each bite irresistible.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory notes in the steak and gravy.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Olive oil: For browning the patties, ensuring a gorgeous crust.
- Small onion, thinly sliced: Sweet and aromatic, onions melt into the gravy beautifully.
- Sliced mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms soak up the sauce, adding texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to just the right consistency for smothering the steaks.
- Beef broth: The rich base of the gravy, bringing all the flavors together.
- Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): A second hit for deeper umami in the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: A little zing that makes the gravy special and complex.
How to Make Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough! Once the mixture holds together, divide it into four portions and shape each into a classic oval steak. This step sets the stage for a juicy, flavorful base.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef patties to the hot pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they develop a deep, mouthwatering crust. Browning gives the steaks rich flavor and locks in their juices. When both sides are golden, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside—you’ll finish cooking them in the gravy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out, those browned bits are flavor gold!), toss in the thinly sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and just turning golden. They’ll soak up the savory beef drippings and form the aromatic backbone of your gravy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly—this helps avoid lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the gravy thickens and becomes irresistibly glossy.
Step 5: Simmer the Steaks in Gravy
Nestle the browned patties back into the skillet, spooning some of the rich gravy over each one. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through. This gentle simmer bathes the steaks in flavor and ensures every bite is juicy and tender. Serve hot, making sure to spoon plenty of that luscious mushroom-onion gravy over the top!
How to Serve Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that balances the rich gravy. If you want to make it extra special, try scattering some finely chopped chives or a dusting of cracked black pepper over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is practically begging to be served with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that savory gravy. Fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles are also perfect partners. If you’re looking for something green, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the steak and gravy in a shallow bowl over a bed of mashed potatoes, almost like a hearty stew. Or, layer the patties atop thick slices of rustic toast for a comforting open-faced sandwich. You can even pile the components into a casserole dish and broil with a little cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer the patties and gravy to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the next-day leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is freezer-friendly! Place cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the patties and gravy in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave works, too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe if you’re looking for a lighter version. You might want to add a splash of extra olive oil to keep the patties juicy, as turkey tends to be leaner than beef.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients until just combined, and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs—they’re essential binders. Chilling the patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I make the Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully cook the patties and gravy a day in advance, then reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely; swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version and use a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten.
What’s the secret to extra-rich gravy?
For an ultra-luxurious finish, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking. It adds creaminess and a beautiful sheen to the gravy that takes this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe over the top.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a regular in your comfort food rotation. Give it a try and discover just how easy and delicious homemade Salisbury steak can be!
Print
Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Salisbury Steak recipe features tender ground beef patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful mushroom and onion gravy. It’s an easy, comforting American classic that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, served best with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Gravy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Brown the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties carefully and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and mushrooms are softened.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour and coat the vegetables. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
- Simmer Patties in Gravy: Return the browned patties to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the patties, cover the skillet, and let them simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, generously topped with mushroom gravy. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice.
Notes
- For extra richness in the gravy, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat option without sacrificing flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the patties to keep them tender.
- Leftover Salisbury steak and gravy refrigerate well and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
