Salisbury Steak is a timeless comfort food, with juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners or a hearty weeknight feast. This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, offering the perfect combination of tender beef and a luscious gravy that complements every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious, satisfying dish. The beef patties are seasoned and held together with breadcrumbs and milk, creating a juicy, flavorful texture. The mushroom gravy is rich and creamy, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef. This classic dish is a favorite in many households for its comforting qualities and simple preparation.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Salisbury Steaks:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Mushroom Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
Mashed potatoes or rice
How to Make This Recipe
Make the Salisbury Steaks:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 4-6 equal-sized patties, depending on your preferred portion size.
Cook the Salisbury Steaks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Mushroom Gravy:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and become browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top of each patty.
Cover the skillet and let the patties simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes, until they are heated through and have absorbed some of the flavors from the gravy.
Serve:
Serve the Salisbury steaks with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Make it ahead: The Salisbury steaks can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the gravy before serving.
Use lean beef: For a healthier option, you can use lean ground beef, but make sure not to overcook it to keep it juicy.
Add vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, peas, carrots, or green beans make a great side dish to go with this meal.
Creamy gravy: For an even creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of buttery bread to soak up the gravy. For vegetables, green beans, peas, or roasted carrots complement the flavors of the dish.
Timing
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak recipe is a great way to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The juicy beef patties, rich mushroom gravy, and perfect sides come together to create a satisfying and delicious dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe will be a hit.