Salisbury Steak is the kind of comfort food that instantly transports you to a cozy family dinner, with juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. This classic American dish is pure nostalgia on a plate, blending homestyle flavors and simple ingredients for a meal that always gathers everyone around the table. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a special Sunday supper, this recipe promises fork-tender steaks drenched in sauce, with a flavor so satisfying you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Salisbury Steak is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something memorable. Each component here brings something essential — from juicy beef and sweet onions to that ultra-comforting gravy that ties it all together.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Opt for 80/20 for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): These lock in moisture and give the patties their signature texture.
- Onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the patties juicy.
- Egg (1): The classic binder ensures the patties hold together beautifully.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle tang and depth to both the meat and the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Umami overload! This magic ingredient ties all the flavors together.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors sing.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a touch of heat and balance.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Starts your gravy off on the right, rich note.
- Onion, sliced (1 medium): Delivers sweetness and texture to the gravy.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): The base of that luscious, savory sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon, for gravy): Another hit of savoriness, amping up the umami in the sauce.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon, for gravy): Coupled with Worcestershire, it creates incredible depth.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): This thickens the gravy to perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Taste as you go for just the right seasoning in the gravy.
How to Make Salisbury Steak
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to squish everything together! Once everything is thoroughly mixed, shape the blend into four oval patties, gently pressing them so they hold, but not too tightly that they get tough. The oval shape is a tradition, and it makes them perfect for soaking up loads of gravy.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Fire up your favorite large skillet over medium heat, and lay in the steak patties. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, letting them develop a beautiful brown crust. This step locks in the juices and builds an irresistible flavor base in the pan. Once browned, set the patties aside on a plate — don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet (leave all that tasty browned goodness), melt your butter and toss in the sliced onions. Sauté them for about five minutes, stirring often, until they soften and start turning golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for a minute to cook off any raw taste. Now, gradually whisk in the beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and watch it transform into a thick, glossy gravy after about five minutes. Make sure to scrape up every flavorful bit from the bottom of the skillet!
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Gently nestle your browned Salisbury Steak patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of that luscious sauce over each one, cover the pan, and let them simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes. This finish not only cooks the patties through but infuses them with all that savory gravy flavor. Once the patties are tender and the gravy is bubbling, you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak
Garnishes
Finish your Salisbury Steak with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a fan of extra flavor, try a little cracked black pepper or a delicate grating of Parmesan over the top. The onions themselves are such a hero in the gravy that a little pile on each steak adds rustic charm to every plate.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for a heap of classic mashed potatoes—everything about Salisbury Steak just screams for something creamy and mellow to soak up that rich gravy. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or even buttered peas make terrific sides, balancing out the boldness of the main event and offering a pop of green and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a homestyle twist, pile the steaks and gravy over slices of toasted country bread for a rustic, open-faced sandwich. Or spoon the patties onto fluffy rice or creamy polenta for a Southern spin. Want a family-style showstopper? Place everything in a big, shallow platter and let everyone scoop their steak and gravy, just like a comforting Sunday dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature and transfer the Salisbury Steak and gravy to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen as they mingle!
Freezing
Salisbury Steak is one of those freezer-friendly wonders. Once completely cooled, place the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Label it (don’t be the mystery dinner detective later) and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the steak and gravy in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Gently warm until heated through—about 10 to 15 minutes. Microwaving works, too; just use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring the gravy occasionally.
FAQs
Can I make Salisbury Steak with ground turkey?
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the patties as poultry can cook a bit faster, and consider adding a little extra seasoning for punch.
What’s the difference between Salisbury Steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury Steak typically includes extras like breadcrumbs, egg, and sauces mixed into the patties, plus that unmistakable onion gravy. Hamburger steaks are plainer beef patties, often just seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled or seared on their own.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes—mushrooms make a fantastic addition! Sauté them with the onions for a heartier, deeper-flavored sauce. White or cremini mushrooms both work perfectly.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones (or even crushed gluten-free crackers) and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free. The taste and texture will be just as delightful.
Can Salisbury Steak be made ahead?
Definitely. You can fully cook the patties and gravy a day in advance, cool, and refrigerate them. When it’s suppertime, gently reheat in a skillet or in the oven until bubbling hot.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a soul-warming classic for your home menu, Salisbury Steak is it. It’s simple, hearty, and never fails to spark those feel-good dinnertime memories. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite around your table!
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Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic American diner fare with this delicious Salisbury Steak recipe. Juicy ground beef patties smothered in a savory gravy, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Main Dish: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval patties.
- Cook the patties in a large skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
- For the gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Return the patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cooked through. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Notes
- Enhance the dish by adding sliced mushrooms to the gravy along with the onions.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
