If you’ve ever craved a stick-to-your-ribs dinner that feels like a warm hug, then Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy deserves a spot on your regular menu. This iconic comfort food features juicy, flavorful beef patties simmered in the silkiest onion-studded gravy, making every bite a nostalgic delight. Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a hearty classic that never goes out of style. Get ready to bring this diner favorite straight to your kitchen—no special skills required!

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is how simple, honest ingredients come together to create bold flavors. Each element is chosen to add tenderness, depth, and unbeatable savory comfort to the final dish.

Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): The foundation for juicy, flavorful patties that hold their shape and soak up all the gravy goodness.
Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Key for binding the patties and providing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Milk (1/4 cup): Moistens the breadcrumbs and ensures the steak stays velvety rather than dry.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and rich color to the meat mixture.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons total): (divided) Lends deep, savory umami both in the patties and the dreamy onion gravy.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A hint of garlic infuses the meat without overpowering it.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the beef with a mild oniony background.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, plus extra): Seasons the patties and balances the gravied flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, plus extra): Adds just enough spice to wake up every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the patties, creating a beautiful crust and extra flavor.
Large onion (1, thinly sliced): The star of the gravy, delivering sweetness and heartiness as it caramelizes.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Richens the gravy and helps beautifully brown the onions.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The thickening magic for that luscious gravy consistency.
Beef broth (2 cups): Builds a robust, savory base that ties the whole dish together.
Salt and pepper to taste: A final seasoning touch to ensure your gravy is just right.

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. With clean hands or a fork, mix just until everything comes together—over-mixing makes the patties tough! Shape the mixture into four thick, oval patties. The oval shape is a classic nod to the original Salisbury Steak tradition and allows for great browning.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the patties and sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a scrumptious brown crust and patties that are cooked through. Remove them gently to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you move onto the next stage—the glorious onion gravy!

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet (don’t wash away those browned bits; that’s where the flavor lives!), add the butter followed by the thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes until the onions soften, turn golden, and release their natural sweetness. The caramelized onions form the soul of the Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy, infusing the sauce with richness and depth.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat. This step ensures you won’t have any lumps in your gravy. Cook for one minute, then slowly whisk in the beef broth and remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and shines.

Step 5: Simmer the Steak in Gravy

Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy. Spoon some of the onion gravy over each steak, cover, and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This final simmer melds the flavors and tenderizes the patties further, giving you that signature Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy magic.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the finished dish adds a burst of color and a fresh lift to those big, savory flavors. If you like, thinly sliced green onions also look beautiful on top and bring mild sharpness to contrast the rich onion gravy.

Side Dishes

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy just begs to be nestled atop a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, but it’s equally homey over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice. All those starchy sides are perfect for catching every last drop of that velvet-smooth gravy. For balance, pair with simple crisp green beans or a tangle of sautéed spinach.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy, retro feel, serve the steaks and gravy right from the skillet at the table. Hosting a dinner party? Try plating each portion individually on a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzled with extra gravy and scattered with sparkling parsley. For a twist, shape smaller patties and make open-faced Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy sandwiches on thick toasted bread—perfect for a hearty lunch or casual supper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra servings, transfer the steaks and gravy to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in your refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a delicious and easy reheat lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Simply let everything cool completely, then store the patties and sauce together in a sturdy freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months; just be sure to label and date for easy rotation.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steaks and gravy in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single servings in a microwave-safe bowl—cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts, for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter take on Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy. Just keep an eye on moisture—using the same amount of milk and breadcrumbs helps the patties remain tender and succulent.

How do I prevent my patties from falling apart?

Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined and gently form the patties without overworking. If your mixture seems too soft, add a touch more breadcrumbs or briefly chill the patties before cooking—they’ll firm up nicely as they sear.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The classic version contains breadcrumbs and flour, but you can make Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch in the gravy.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, try using a combination of soy sauce and a dash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor in both the patties and gravy.

How can I make the gravy extra rich?

For an extra luscious, restaurant-style sauce, stir in a small splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter just before serving. Don’t be afraid to play with the seasoning to suit your own palate!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little more coziness to your dinner table, you simply can’t go wrong with Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy. The hearty flavors, nostalgic gravy, and adaptable sides make this a true comfort classic you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite!

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic comfort of Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy. Tender beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy with caramelized onions make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salisbury Steak:

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Onion Gravy:

1 large onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salisbury Steak: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Make the Onion Gravy: In the same skillet, cook butter and onions until caramelized. Add flour, then slowly whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return patties to skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.