If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough to impress, the Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This classic American favorite features juicy beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy that practically begs to be poured over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a comforting meal that delivers big on flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe serves a purpose, from building the savory depth of the patties to creating that irresistibly glossy gravy. The best part? These are all simple, everyday items you probably have on hand, but together they create something truly special.
- Ground beef (85% lean): The star of the show, providing rich flavor and just enough fat for juicy, tender patties.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them moist and tender.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and tang in both the patties and the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a deep, umami punch that’s essential for classic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Mustard powder: Offers a gentle heat and complexity to the beef mixture.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the patties with savory undertones without overpowering other flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet onion essence to the meat mixture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures nothing falls flat.
- Black pepper: Lends a touch of warmth and balances the richness.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping the patties hold their shape.
- Oil (for frying): Keeps the patties from sticking and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the gravy and helps brown the onions.
- Medium onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and texture in the gravy.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory backbone of the gravy, making it deeply flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Allows you to season the gravy perfectly at the end.
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and egg. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so stop as soon as it all comes together. Shape the mixture into four oval patties—think classic diner-style, but feel free to make them round if you prefer!
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep brown crust on each side, which locks in all those savory juices. Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set them aside; they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy
Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—the browned bits add so much flavor!), melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This step helps cook out the raw flour taste and builds the base for your gravy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. As you pour, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your liking. Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the rich onion gravy. Spoon a little gravy over each patty, then cover the skillet and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and infused with all that savory goodness. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite of this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe!
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to your Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. You can also add a few extra sautéed onions or even a pinch of cracked black pepper for an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is begging to be paired with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttery egg noodles. For a lighter pairing, try steamed green beans or roasted carrots—anything that can soak up that rich gravy is a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Salisbury steak over a bed of garlic toast or tuck the patties into a crusty sandwich roll, smothered with gravy. Individual ramekins with a swirl of mashed potatoes and a steak patty on top make for a charming dinner party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer the patties and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze both the patties and the gravy. Let everything cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the patties and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Cover and heat gently until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring the gravy partway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! The Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter but still hearty meal. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try stirring in some sliced mushrooms with the onions for a more robust gravy, or add a splash of red wine to the pan before the broth. A dash of smoked paprika or a hint of Dijon mustard can also give the dish a new twist.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to use the full amount of egg and breadcrumbs, which help bind everything together. Gently mixing the ingredients and not overworking the meat also keeps the patties tender and in one piece.
Can I make this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the butter in the gravy for your favorite oil or a vegan butter alternative. The result is just as tasty and rich, with no dairy required.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
If your gravy is a bit thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of flour with a splash of cold water, then whisk it into the gravy and simmer until thickened.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s as easy as it is comforting, don’t hesitate to try this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s a timeless favorite that delivers on flavor, feeds a crowd, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a go, and make it your own—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple on your table!
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Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe features juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, homemade onion and beef gravy. A classic American comfort food that’s simple to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender patties. Shape the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until soft and golden, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned patties to the skillet, spoon the gravy generously over them, cover the skillet, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures the patties cook through and soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, ideally with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
Notes
- You can add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner substitute if preferred.
- To keep the dish dairy-free, substitute butter with additional oil for sautéing the onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
