If you’re craving a nostalgic, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, Salisbury Steak is the answer. This classic dish features tender, seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a luscious mushroom and onion gravy that’s both hearty and satisfying. Its rich flavors and velvety texture make Salisbury Steak a beloved favorite for family dinners or any cozy night in. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings restaurant-quality warmth right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing that perfect Salisbury Steak. Every item in this list plays an essential role, from creating succulent patties to building a silky gravy loaded with flavor and texture.

1 lb ground beef: The foundation of your patties, choose fresh, quality beef for juicy results.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping the patties hold together during cooking.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and a tender texture to the meat mixture.
2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce: Brings tangy depth and a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers savory umami notes that elevate the beef.
1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds subtle acidity and enhances the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon homemade steak seasoning: Infuses the patties with herbs and spices for a savory punch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder: Essential aromatics that enhance taste without overpowering.
1 tablespoon butter (for patties): Adds richness while browning the meat.
3 tablespoons butter (for gravy): Creates a luscious base for the gravy’s roux.
1 medium onion (sliced thin): Caramelizes sweetly, enriching the gravy with its flavor.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy for that perfect consistency.
2 ½ cups beef broth (or stock): Provides a deep, meaty base for the sauce.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper: To taste, these seasonings bring all the flavors together.
8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms: Adds earthiness and a tender bite, complementing the gravy beautifully.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Prepare and Form the Patties

Begin by combining the ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, homemade steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Mixing these thoroughly by hand ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Once combined, shape the mixture into four thick patties—around ¾ to 1 inch—so they stay juicy and cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the beef patties. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side until they have a rich brown crust and are cooked through but still tender. Remove the patties and keep them warm by covering with foil—this step keeps their juices locked in while you prepare the gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Base

If the skillet has more than a tablespoon of grease from the patties, carefully spoon out the excess so you’re left with just the flavorful drippings. Do not clean the pan, as those browned bits are gold for the gravy. Add the remaining butter, scraping up bits from the pan bottom with a spoon to incorporate all that flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Then, stir in the baby Bella mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their earthy aroma.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring it into the butter and pan drippings to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, until lightly browned and nutty, ensuring no floury taste remains.

Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuously stirring to break up any lumps. Continue to stir as the gravy thickens over 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, tasting as you go to achieve a perfectly balanced sauce.

Step 7: Return Patties to the Pan and Finish Cooking

Nestle the cooked beef patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. This final step lets the patties soak up the savory sauce as the mushrooms become tender, resulting in a comforting meal full of rich flavors.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

Simply plating Salisbury Steak with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of sour cream or a side of caramelized onions on top can elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This hearty entrée pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which absorb the savory gravy perfectly. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans offer a crisp counterpoint, while buttery egg noodles make an extra comforting base for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve the Salisbury Steak open-faced on warm toasted bread or a flaky biscuit, turning it into a delicious sandwich with gravy as a luscious “spread.” Alternatively, arrange smaller patties on a large plate to share family-style, encouraging everyone to savor both the meaty goodness and the rich mushroom gravy together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Steak keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for enjoying as a quick, satisfying meal later on.

Freezing

If you want to store it longer, place the fully cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing that savory richness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Salisbury Steak gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and the beef tender. Adding a splash of beef broth helps restore moisture if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts works well too.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for Salisbury Steak?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with ground turkey, pork, or a blend for unique flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it okay to substitute A1 steak sauce?

If you don’t have A1 sauce on hand, Worcestershire sauce alone adds good depth, or a combination of ketchup and a splash of soy sauce can work well as a substitute.

Can I make Salisbury Steak gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy for a safe and delicious alternative.

How can I make the patties more tender?

Don’t overwork the meat when mixing the ingredients, as this can make them tough. Also, including panko breadcrumbs and egg helps keep the patties moist and tender.

What other sauces go well with Salisbury Steak?

Besides the classic mushroom gravy, a rich onion gravy or a peppercorn sauce can be delicious variations. You can even try a creamy horseradish sauce for an exciting twist.

Final Thoughts

Making Salisbury Steak at home is such a rewarding experience—there’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful patty drenched in velvety mushroom gravy. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this dish promises warmth and comfort with every forkful. Give it a try soon and bring a bit of delicious nostalgia right to your dinner table!

Salisbury Steak Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom onion gravy. Perfect comfort food served with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and ideal for cozy family dinners.

Instructions

Prepare the patties: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly with hands and form 4 round patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Cook the patties: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, cook the patties for 5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove patties from skillet, place on a plate, and cover with foil or a lid to keep warm.
Prepare for gravy: If excess grease remains in skillet from cooking the patties, carefully spoon out until about 1 tablespoon remains. Do not clean the skillet to retain the flavorful pan drippings.
Sauté onions: Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom using a spoon. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
Make roux: Stir in the flour, coating the onions and butter. Cook for about 2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add broth and thicken gravy: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to combine and dissolve the flour lumps. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy starts to thicken. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Add mushrooms and simmer: Stir in sliced mushrooms and return the cooked patties to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until mushrooms are tender and gravy is nicely thickened.
Serve: Plate the Salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables. Warm bread is highly recommended to soak up the delicious gravy.

Notes

For best flavor, use homemade steak seasoning or your favorite store-bought blend.
If you prefer thicker gravy, increase flour slightly or simmer longer.
Can substitute baby Bella mushrooms with cremini or white mushrooms.
To keep patties moist, avoid overmixing the beef mixture.
Leftover Salisbury steak reheats well in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep gravy smooth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan Frying and Simmering
Cuisine: American