There is something irresistibly comforting about a good Salisbury steak, and this Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe takes that homey feeling to a whole new level. Juicy, flavorful beef patties combined with a rich, velvety mushroom gravy create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress someone with a classic made-from-scratch meal, this recipe balances the deep flavors of mushrooms and savory seasonings in a way that’s sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe are simple, familiar, and work together beautifully to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays its own part whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that luscious gravy finish.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich and juicy flavor with the right fat content for tenderness.
- Mushrooms: Both finely chopped and sliced varieties boost umami depth and give the gravy its signature earthy taste.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma, used in both the patties and gravy for layered flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties intact while cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide lightness and structure to the beef mixture, preventing dryness.
- Tomato paste: Introduces a tangy richness that lifts the beef mixture beautifully.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds a little zing and complexity, in both the patties and gravy.
- Minced garlic: Infuses an aromatic punch that complements the mushrooms and meat.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings savory, slightly tangy depth to both components of the dish.
- Liquid smoke (optional): A hint of smokiness for an extra flavor dimension, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor subtly throughout the patties.
- Oil and butter: For cooking the steaks and sautéing the mushrooms, adding richness and ensuring a nice sear.
- Beef broth and flour: Combined to create a thick, luscious gravy that ties the whole dish together.
- Fresh parsley: A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh note at the end.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: An ideal side that soaks up every last drop of the delicious gravy.
How to Make Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping your onions and mushrooms with care. You’ll be needing some finely chopped onion and mushrooms for the beef mixture, plus sliced mushrooms and a bit of onion reserved for the gravy. Separating these at the start keeps the flavors distinct and vibrant later on.
Step 2: Make the Steaks
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, chopped mushrooms, ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, tomato paste, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke if you’re using it, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything thoroughly but gently, so the ingredients distribute evenly without toughening the meat. This mix is the foundation of your Salisbury steak’s flavor and texture.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide your mixture into six even portions and shape each into oval patties. Press them gently but firmly enough so they hold together during cooking. The oval shape is a classic touch that helps the patties cook evenly and look inviting on your plate.
Step 4: Cook the Steaks
Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your patties and brown them for about 2 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in the juices and develops a beautiful crust that adds delicious texture. Once nicely browned, remove the patties to set them aside for the next step.
Step 5: Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add your sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté these together for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic last, cooking for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
Whisk together the beef broth and flour until smooth in a small bowl. Slowly pour this into your skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly. Then stir in whole grain mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble gently, creating that luscious sauce you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Steaks
Return your seared patties to the skillet with the gravy. Let them simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the steaks to finish cooking through while absorbing the rich mushroom flavors. This step ensures tender, juicy patties bathed in the thick, savory gravy.
Step 8: Serve
Sprinkle the finished Salisbury steak with fresh parsley for a burst of color and mild freshness, then plate it alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe comes together beautifully when served hot with potatoes soaking up all that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy, elegant garnish that brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note. You can also sprinkle a little finely chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika for a slight color pop and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate companion for this dish, perfect for mopping up every bit of gravy. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or buttered peas offer fresh, crunchy contrast and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the steak wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Salisbury steak on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of gravy, extra sautéed mushrooms, and a side of garlic toast. Alternatively, make individual skillet presentations sent from stove to table – it’s dramatic and keeps everything piping hot.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Salisbury steak keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers especially tasty the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Salisbury steaks with gravy for up to 2 months. Store them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, separating patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered to keep moisture in, or warm them in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much during storage to revive that luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
While you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, keep in mind these leaner meats can be drier. Consider adding a bit more moisture like an extra egg or some grated onion and reducing cooking time to retain juiciness.
Is liquid smoke necessary in this recipe?
Liquid smoke is optional and adds a subtle smoky note that mimics grilling flavors. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, the dish will still be delicious without it.
How do I know when the Salisbury steaks are cooked through?
After searing, the patties finish cooking in the gravy. Simmer them for about 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. The gravy will thicken simultaneously, giving you a perfect pairing of texture and flavor.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings.
What are good alternatives to mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are classic, but creamy polenta, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted sweet potatoes are excellent alternatives that soak up the gravy and complement the dish nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those all-around winners that hits every note of comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s exactly the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home and proud for having made something special. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — it’s going to become a beloved staple on your dinner table just like it did on mine.
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Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features flavorful ground beef patties mixed with mushrooms and onions, seared to perfection, and simmered in a rich mushroom gravy. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, it makes a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped and divided (1/4 cup finely chopped for steaks, rest for gravy)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oil, for frying
For the Gravy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3/4 cup chopped onion (remaining after steaks)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Parsley, to garnish
To Serve
- Creamy mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and mushrooms. Set aside 1/4 cup of the onion finely chopped to use in the steak mixture, and finely chop the rest for the gravy.
- Make the Steaks: In a large bowl, combine the 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 cup chopped mushrooms, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke if using, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture and shape into 6 oval patties, making them uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté 2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms and the reserved chopped onions for about 5 minutes until softened. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release the flavor.
- Make the Gravy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups beef broth and 2 1/2 tablespoons flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes until the gravy begins to thicken and simmer.
- Finish Cooking the Steaks: Return the browned patties to the skillet with the gravy. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the steaks for 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the gravy has thickened nicely around them.
- Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the steaks and gravy. Serve hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Liquid smoke is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor to the patties if desired.
- Panko breadcrumbs help achieve a tender texture; however, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more beef broth if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a bright color and fresh taste to the dish.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for added balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
