If you’re craving rich, cozy comfort food that never goes out of style, you can’t go wrong with Salisbury Steak. This retro classic features tender ground beef patties bathed in a savory, spoon-coating onion gravy, making every bite a soul-satisfying treat. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or just want an easy, hearty homemade meal on a busy weeknight, Salisbury Steak brings smiles every time! It’s a timeless favorite you’ll want to bookmark and revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salisbury Steak lies in its straightforward ingredients—familiar pantry staples that work their magic to create an amazing dish. Each component adds its own special touch, from rich flavor to juicy texture and luscious gravy. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ground Beef: Go for 80–85% lean for patties that stay juicy but not greasy.
Bread Crumbs: These bind the steak together and help soak up all those great flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the patties.
Egg: Helps keep everything together so your steaks don’t fall apart in the pan.
Onion (finely chopped): Brings sweet, aromatic flavor and subtle texture throughout the patties.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every bite with extra savory depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: Gives a punch of umami that turns simple beef into something crave-worthy.
Dijon Mustard: Adds gentle tang that brightens up the mixture.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
Black Pepper: Provides a hint of warmth and spice.
Olive Oil: For searing and helping the meat brown beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to both the patties and the gravy.
Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the signature brown gravy.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect, velvety consistency.
Ketchup: A touch of sweetness and color in the luscious sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce (for gravy): Layers more umami into the gravy.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the gravy with extra depth.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile from top to bottom.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Don’t overmix—just blend until everything is incorporated. Gently shape the mixture into four oval patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This is where you can put your personal touch on the shape and size, just make sure they’re roughly even for best cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

Heat your olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high until the butter melts and foams. Add the patties, leaving a little space between each one. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply browned and caramelized on both sides. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked all the way through yet—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later. Transfer the browned patties to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Without cleaning the pan, sprinkle the flour into the rendered fat and stir constantly for about a minute. This crucial step gets rid of any raw flour flavor and picks up the fond (those browned bits in the pan). Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking, making sure there are no lumps. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder, then bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking as it thickens up—after about 3 to 5 minutes, you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Gently nestle the browned patties back into the skillet, spooning lots of the gravy on top. Reduce the heat, cover, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets all the deep flavors meld and ensures the Salisbury Steak is cooked through and deliciously juicy. The gravy seeps into every nook and cranny—absolute perfection!

Step 5: Serve Hot

Lift each steak onto a plate and pour over a generous spoonful of that rich, glossy gravy. Pair it with your favorite classic sides for the ultimate comfort meal.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over each Salisbury Steak for a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor. If you’re a mushroom lover, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy before serving—they add an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are an absolute must with Salisbury Steak, as they soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. Creamy egg noodles are another perfect match—just ladle gravy-laden steak right over the top. For a cozy, well-rounded meal, add steamed green beans or buttery peas on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve the Salisbury Steak patties over a bed of white rice or inside a warm, crusty sandwich roll for a next-level comfort food sub. Make mini patties for sliders at a party, or top leftovers with a fried egg to transform it into a hearty brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Salisbury Steak cool, then transfer it and the gravy to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—trust me, the flavors only get better as they mingle. If possible, keep the patties and gravy separate so the steaks stay firmer when reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes for a fantastic, no-fuss freezer meal you’ll be thrilled to find on busy days.

Reheating

Gently reheat Salisbury Steak in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy if needed. Cover the pan to help keep the patties moist. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered, microwave-safe dish, pausing to stir the gravy halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a tasty, lighter Salisbury Steak variation. Just note that turkey is leaner, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk or a splash of olive oil to keep the patties tender. The flavors in the seasoning and gravy shine no matter what protein you use.

Is Salisbury Steak gluten-free?

It can be! Swap out regular bread crumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives, which are widely available. Double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, too, and you’ll have a delicious version for everyone around the table.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended if you love mushrooms! Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after removing the patties, then proceed with making the gravy right in the same pan. They’ll boost the savoriness and add a wonderful texture to every bite.

Why did my patties fall apart?

If your Salisbury Steak patties didn’t keep their shape, it’s often because the mixture was too dry or too wet, or handled too much while mixing. Make sure to measure your milk and bread crumbs, and mix gently until just combined for the ideal texture. Chilling the patties for 10 minutes before cooking can help them firm up, too.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?

Cooking off the raw flour properly and gradually adding the beef broth are key to a smooth, thick gravy. If your sauce is still too thin after simmering, let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch plus 1 tablespoon cold water) for more heft.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Salisbury Steak at home before, you’re in for a treat! This recipe delivers old-school comfort with loads of modern appeal, and it’s nearly impossible to resist those tender beef patties covered in rich, savory gravy. Gather your ingredients and invite someone special to the table—everyone deserves a little Salisbury Steak happiness!

Salisbury Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy this classic comfort food dish of Salisbury Steak made with seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich onion gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the patties:

1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the gravy:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Prepare the patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 oval patties.
Cook the patties: Brown the patties in a skillet with olive oil and butter. Remove and set aside.
Make the gravy: Whisk in flour in the skillet, then slowly add beef broth. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer until thickened.
Simmer: Return patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer until cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.