Salisbury steak is a comforting, budget-friendly meal featuring seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. This classic dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, this hearty meal is a timeless favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Salisbury Steaks

2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup whole milk
3 tbsp ketchup
1 ½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 ½ lbs 90/10 ground beef
¾ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Gravy

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
10 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp mustard powder
¾ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
2 cups beef broth
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp beef bouillon (or 1 beef bouillon cube)

Directions

Prepare the Patties: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ketchup, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef and breadcrumbs, then add the egg mixture and combine. Form into six oval-shaped patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 6-8 minutes until soft. Stir in mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Thicken the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, then stir in flour, mustard powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Slowly add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bouillon, stirring constantly.
Simmer the Patties: Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the browned patties, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serve: Plate the Salisbury steaks, top with gravy, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 427 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 147mg
Sodium: 1184mg
Sugar: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food that combines simple, affordable ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish features seasoned ground beef patties that are browned to perfection and then smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. The combination of tender, juicy steak and deeply flavorful gravy makes this meal a family favorite.

One of the best things about Salisbury steak is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or even buttered noodles, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The History of Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak has been a staple in American households for decades, but its origins go back even further. Named after Dr. James H. Salisbury, a 19th-century physician who promoted a meat-heavy diet for health benefits, this dish was created as a high-protein, easy-to-digest meal. Over time, the recipe evolved from a simple ground beef patty into the rich, gravy-covered dish we know and love today.

Often confused with hamburger steak or meatloaf, Salisbury steak stands out because of its distinctive seasonings and its signature brown gravy, which is traditionally made with beef broth, onions, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce.

What Makes a Great Salisbury Steak?

The secret to making the best Salisbury steak lies in a few key factors:

Well-Seasoned Patties: A good blend of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce, adds depth to the beef patties.
Tender and Juicy Texture: Mixing breadcrumbs and milk into the beef keeps the patties moist and tender while helping them hold their shape.
Rich and Savory Gravy: A combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a flavorful, velvety gravy that perfectly complements the beef.
Proper Cooking Technique: Searing the patties first helps lock in their juices, while simmering them in the gravy ensures they are fully cooked and infused with flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Salisbury Steak

To achieve the best Salisbury steak, follow these simple tips:

Use High-Quality Ground Beef: A 90/10 ground beef blend (90% lean, 10% fat) works best, as it provides enough moisture without making the patties greasy.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing the ingredients too much can result in tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients just until incorporated.
Get a Good Sear: Browning the patties in a hot pan before adding them to the gravy helps develop a rich, deep flavor.
Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Letting the patties cook in the gravy for at least 10 minutes allows them to absorb the savory flavors of the sauce.
Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If you want it thinner, add a bit more beef broth.

Best Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some classic pairings to complete your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious gravy, making them the perfect companion for Salisbury steak.
Rice: A simple side of white or brown rice provides a neutral base that balances out the rich flavors of the gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add color and freshness to the plate.
Buttered Noodles: Egg noodles tossed in butter and a sprinkle of parsley complement the gravy without overpowering it.
Garlic Bread or Biscuits: A warm, crusty piece of bread is great for mopping up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Variations to Try

Salisbury steak is a classic dish, but you can easily put your own spin on it by trying different variations:

Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the beef mixture for an extra layer of richness.
Spicy Version: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to make the gravy extra rich and velvety.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.
Turkey Salisbury Steak: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option with a slightly different flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Salisbury steak stores and reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Store the patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the gravy. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Why Salisbury Steak is Perfect for Any Occasion

Salisbury steak is a dish that fits into almost any meal plan:

Weeknight Dinners: Quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great go-to meal for busy nights.
Family Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that brings back nostalgia and home-cooked comfort.
Budget-Friendly Meals: Uses simple, affordable ingredients while still delivering a satisfying and filling meal.
Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.

Conclusion

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that continues to be a favorite in households everywhere. With its juicy, well-seasoned beef patties and rich, flavorful mushroom gravy, this dish delivers everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal.

Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with different sides and customize the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, Salisbury steak is a timeless dish that never disappoints.

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