Salisbury Steak
If you’re looking for a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Salisbury Steak recipe is just what you need! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! The combination of juicy ground beef patties drenched in savory mushroom and onion gravy is simply irresistible.
What makes this Salisbury Steak so special is how approachable it is. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that brings everyone together. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavor and comforting texture.
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Deliciously versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a full meal that satisfies.
- Homemade goodness: There’s something special about making everything from scratch that elevates your cooking game!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! This Salisbury Steak recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have at home. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish flavorful and satisfying.
For the Beef Patties
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
For the Gravy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 1 medium onion (sliced or chopped)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Variations
This Salisbury Steak recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients to suit your taste.
- Swap the protein: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped spinach or grated carrots into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Change up the sauce: If you love tangy flavors, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to your gravy!
- Go dairy-free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative to make it suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
How to Make Salisbury Steak
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before diving in, take a moment to prep all your ingredients. This makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Chop your onions and mushrooms, mince your garlic, and measure out everything you’ll need. Trust me; having everything ready saves time!
Step 2: Make the Beef Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the beef patty ingredients except for the olive oil. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly until well combined—this helps create juicy patties. Shape the mixture into four oval patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking!
Step 3: Brown the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties to the pan. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This browning adds flavor through caramelization, which makes your steaks extra tasty!
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Remove the cooked patties from the skillet but leave that delicious fat behind. Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté them gently until they are seared and most of their moisture has evaporated—about 7-9 minutes—bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 5: Create Your Gravy Base
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet with onions and mushrooms. Once melted, sprinkle in flour while stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes—this cooks out any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth; this will be your rich gravy!
Step 6: Combine Everything Together
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder into your gravy mixture before adding back those lovely patties along with any juices from their resting plate. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through and thickened slightly. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or more broth!
Now that you’ve made this hearty Salisbury Steak from scratch, it’s time to serve it hot! Enjoy every bite with your favorite sides; I promise it will be a hit at any table!
Pro Tips for Making Salisbury Steak
Creating the perfect Salisbury steak is all about attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
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Choose Quality Beef: Using lean ground beef helps create a juicy and flavorful patty without too much grease, ensuring your Salisbury steak is hearty but not overwhelming.
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Don’t Overmix the Patties: When combining your ingredients for the beef patties, mix just until combined. This helps keep the patties tender rather than tough.
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Let the Gravy Simmer: After adding the patties back into the gravy, allow it to simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures that the beef is fully cooked through.
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Adjusting Thickness of Gravy: If you find your gravy too thick, simply add a splash of water or extra beef broth as the dish simmers. This will keep your sauce silky without compromising flavor.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste your gravy before serving! Adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that perfect flavor balance.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak
Serving Salisbury steak can be as simple or as elegant as you’d like. Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and satisfying.
Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the savory dish.
- Chopped Green Onions: These lend a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that absorbs the rich mushroom gravy beautifully.
- Green Beans Almondine: The crunch from sautéed almonds complements the tenderness of the steak while providing a fresh contrast.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized roasted carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your plate, making it visually delightful.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is an excellent base that soaks up any leftover gravy and adds a new texture to each bite.
These pairing ideas not only enhance your Salisbury steak experience but also create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking and sharing this comforting dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Salisbury steak recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring that delicious comfort food is always ready to go.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the gravy is also stored with the patties to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
- For longer storage, wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, labeled with the date.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, at medium power until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!
What is Salisbury Steak made of?
Salisbury steak is primarily made from ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then shaped into patties and served with a rich mushroom and onion gravy.
How do I know when Salisbury Steak is cooked through?
To ensure your Salisbury steak is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The gravy should also be bubbling gently as it cooks.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Salisbury Steak?
Yes! Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey may require slightly less time than beef.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this homemade Salisbury steak! It’s such a wonderful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—I know you’ll love every bite!
Salisbury Steak
Savor the warmth of a homemade Salisbury Steak, a classic comfort food that is both hearty and satisfying. This recipe features juicy ground beef patties enveloped in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen when enjoyed the next day. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete and delightful dinner experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 1 medium onion (sliced or chopped)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, breadcrumbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape into four oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until softened (7-9 minutes).
- Add butter to the skillet; once melted, stir in flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth to form gravy.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder; return patties to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy (175g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
