Salisbury Steak is a hearty and satisfying classic American comfort food. It consists of juicy ground beef patties seasoned with savory spices and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. Often served with mashed potatoes or rice, this dish combines the perfect flavors and textures. Simple yet full of flavor, Salisbury Steak is ideal for weeknight dinners, offering a warm, nostalgic meal that’s easy to prepare. The tender beef combined with the creamy, savory gravy makes it a comforting dish everyone will love.
Salisbury Steak is the quintessential comfort food. Whether you grew up enjoying it at family dinners or discovered it in a cozy diner, this dish uniquely makes you feel at home. The combination of juicy ground beef patties smothered in savory mushroom gravy is irresistible. It’s a timeless dish that’s satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a staple for busy weeknights or special occasions. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Salisbury Steak from scratch, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering what makes this Salisbury Steak recipe stand out, here are a few reasons to fall in love with it:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. There are no complex steps—just a delicious, hearty meal in no time.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of savory beef patties and rich mushroom gravy is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish that can warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples, this dish is affordable for families or anyone looking for a tasty meal on a budget.
- Customizable: With plenty of substitution options, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: While we recommend 80% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even leaner cuts like ground sirloin.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are the go-to choices for Salisbury steak gravy, but feel free to use any type of mushrooms you prefer or have on hand.
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best, but you can also use dried breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, you can substitute the beef broth with homemade stock or a bouillon cube dissolved in water.
Nutrition information:
- Serving Size: 1 Salisbury steak with gravy
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients list:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for the gravy)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for flavor depth)
How to Make Salisbury Steak (Step-by-Step)
- Start with the Patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. This will form the base of your Salisbury steak. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or the patties will be tough.
- Searing for Flavor: Searing the patties on both sides is the key to juicy Salisbury steaks. Searing at medium-high heat locks in moisture and adds a caramelized crust, which enhances the flavor.
- Making the Gravy: The gravy is the star of this dish. Be sure to use the drippings left from the searing process. This adds depth and richness to your gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and soy sauce, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Simmer to Perfection: Let the steaks simmer in the gravy to meld the flavors. This step is crucial to achieving the savory, comforting taste Salisbury steak is known for.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overworking ground meat will result in dense, tough patties. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Patty Size Matters: Keep the patties uniform in size for even cooking. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Gravy Thickness: If the gravy isn’t thick enough, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet for a thicker consistency.
Variations and Customizations
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the seasoning mix a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian Salisbury steak.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in heavy cream after the gravy thickens for a creamier texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the Salisbury steak to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the patties and gravy separately for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or the microwave.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the patties and gravy back in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
Serving Suggestions
Salisbury Steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the savory mushroom gravy for the perfect combination.
- Steamed Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or peas are great accompaniments to balance out the richness of the steak.
- Rice or Noodles: For an extra comforting meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat when ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or ground pork for the beef. Just note that the flavor and texture may vary.
- Can you use canned mushrooms? While fresh mushrooms are preferred for their texture and flavor, canned mushrooms can work in a pinch if fresh ones aren’t available.
Related Recipes
- Meatloaf with Brown Gravy: If you love Salisbury steak, this meatloaf recipe with a rich gravy is sure to please.
- Beef Stroganoff: Another comforting beef dish with a creamy sauce, perfect for fans of Salisbury steak.
- Chicken Fried Steak: For a twist on the classic, try this Southern favorite with crispy breaded steaks and creamy gravy.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak is a hearty and satisfying dish that comforts any meal. With its tender beef patties, rich gravy, and the option to customize to your taste, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will impress. So grab your ingredients and try making this classic comfort food today—you’ll be glad you did!
Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak features tender, juicy ground beef patties, seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. A classic comfort food, it’s simple to make yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Lb ground beef (80% lean)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp butter (for the gravy)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for flavor depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into oval patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring to coat, and cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
- Simmer: Gradually add the beef broth, soy sauce, thyme, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir well to combine, making sure no lumps form. Allow the gravy to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the Patties: Add the cooked Salisbury steaks back into the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top. Let them simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve: Once the patties are fully coated in the rich mushroom gravy, remove from heat. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables.
Notes
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer longer or add a little more flour to the roux.
