Salisbury Steak Recipe

Wow, I just had Salisbury Steak for the first time! It was so delicious. I felt like I was in food heaven. I found out it’s made with ground beef shaped like a steak. Then it’s smothered in a rich gravy. I love how simple it is to cook. I can’t stop thinking about that juicy bite. It warms my tummy and makes me so happy. It’s like a cozy hug in every mouthful. You should totally try it too. Grab some ground beef, cook it up, and drizzle that gravy on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: A classic, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Rich and Hearty: Juicy beef patties smothered in savory onion gravy — pure comfort in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no fancy ingredients required.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Patties and gravy can be made ahead for easy dinners.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef and everyday ingredients, making it affordable and filling.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
Makes 4 Salisbury steaks — perfect for 4 people as a main dish. Want to serve a crowd? Just double the recipe.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners — great for a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk (for gravy)
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak and Gravy

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting meal (exact measurements will be listed in the recipe card):

For the Ground Beef Steaks:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend): Provides flavor and juiciness.
• Panko bread crumbs: Help bind the steaks and keep them tender.
• Yellow onion (peeled and finely diced): Adds sweetness and texture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings deep umami flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Olive oil: For searing the steaks and building flavor.

For the Onion Gravy:

• Olive oil: To sauté the onions.
• Yellow onion (peeled and thinly sliced): The base for a rich, savory gravy.
• Beef broth: Forms the body of the gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth.
• Ketchup: Brings slight sweetness and richness.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Variations for Salisbury Steak

• Use Ground Turkey: Swap beef for turkey for a lighter option.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for mushroom gravy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.
• Cheese-Stuffed Patties: Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each patty for a cheesy surprise.
• Add Herbs: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Salisbury Steak — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Steak Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, finely diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined — don’t overmix, or the steaks may turn out tough.

2. Shape the Patties

Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about ¾ inch thick. Set them aside on a plate.

3. Sear the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer the steaks to a plate and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.

4. Make the Onion Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — all those browned bits add flavor), add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, letting it cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.

5. Build the Gravy

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

6. Finish Cooking the Steaks in Gravy

Return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and let them simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender. The gravy should be thick and flavorful.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a bright, fresh touch.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak is a comfort classic that pairs perfectly with many sides. Here are some simple ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate pairing — perfect for soaking up the rich onion gravy.
• Rice: A fluffy bed of rice makes this a filling and satisfying meal.
• Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a cozy, homestyle dish.
• Vegetables: Add steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or peas for a complete plate.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up every drop of gravy.

Storing Salisbury Steak

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the cooked steaks with gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Stir halfway for even heating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Beef: Mix until just combined to keep the patties tender.
• Even Patties: Make sure all patties are the same size so they cook evenly.
• Golden-Brown Sear: Sear the steaks well before simmering — this adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.
• Thinly Slice Onions: Thin slices cook faster and melt into the gravy for rich flavor.
• Simmer Gently: Cook the patties in the gravy on low heat to keep them juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Here’s a simple breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (1 Salisbury steak with gravy):

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	690mg

(Note: Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Salisbury Steak FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well. The texture will be slightly lighter, but it’s a good substitute if you want to reduce red meat.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if panko is not available.

Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape and sear the patties a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, and finish cooking them in the gravy when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to use the right amount of breadcrumbs to bind the mixture, and don’t overwork the meat. Searing them before simmering helps them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Salisbury Steak is one of those timeless meals that brings comfort to the table with its tender beef patties and rich onion gravy. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty enough for a family gathering. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ve got a balanced, filling meal that’s sure to satisfy.