If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings nostalgia, flavor, and heartiness to your table, you can’t go wrong with Salisbury Steak. This classic dish is all about tender beef patties simmered in a savory onion and mushroom gravy, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, Salisbury Steak is guaranteed to warm your soul and satisfy those comfort food cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salisbury Steak is how every ingredient works together to build a dish packed with flavor and richness. This recipe doesn’t call for anything fancy, just honest, trusty staples from your pantry and fridge that truly shine in the finished plate.

Ground beef (1 lb): Choose an 80/20 blend for the best balance of moisture and flavor in your patties.
Large egg (1): Acts as the perfect binder, ensuring each steak holds together during cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Soaks up the juicy flavors and keeps each patty tender.
A1 steak sauce (2 tbsp): Brings a punchy, tangy depth that elevates the entire dish.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a savory, umami kick that can’t be replaced!
Ketchup (1 tbsp): Gives a sweet-tangy pop that balances all the savory elements.
Homemade steak seasoning (1 tbsp): Customize your flavor by blending salt, pepper, paprika, and any favorite steak spices.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Lends a subtle, aromatic lift that permeates every bite.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Infuses the patties with gentle sweetness and depth.
Butter (1 tbsp for patties, 3 tbsp for gravy): Richness squared! You’ll use butter for both the patties and that irresistible gravy.
Onion (1 medium, sliced thin): Sweet and soft, they melt into the gravy for loads of savory goodness.
All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency for spooning over everything.
Beef broth or stock (2½ cups): The secret to a deeply flavored, saucy finish. Opt for low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste): You’ll season as you go, tasting until the flavors pop just right.
Sliced baby Bella mushrooms (8 oz): Add earthiness and that classic steakhouse vibe to the sauce.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

In a medium bowl, toss together your ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. I always find mixing by hand (with gloves, if you like) helps everything come together smoothly. Once well mixed, form your beef blend into four generous patties, each about three-quarters to one inch thick. Don’t overwork the meat—gentle handling keeps them juicy!

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Pop a tablespoon of butter into a medium skillet and set it over medium heat. Once it’s melted and foamy, add the patties. Let them sizzle away for about five minutes per side, so they develop a deep, flavorful crust and cook through the center. Once done, transfer the patties to a plate and cover them to keep warm—foil or a lid does the trick.

Step 3: Prepare the Skillet for Gravy

If you see more than about a tablespoon of grease left in the pan, carefully spoon off the excess—you want just enough to marry with the butter for the gravy. Don’t clean the skillet, though! All those browned bits on the bottom mean major flavor for your sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Add three tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, stirring with a spoon to scrape up every flavorful morsel from the base. Then toss in the thinly sliced onions. Let them cook for about five minutes, stirring every so often, until they’re translucent and sweet-smelling.

Step 5: Add the Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well, so it absorbs the butter and onion juices. Let it cook for two minutes—this step gives your gravy richness while getting rid of any raw flour taste. You’re looking for a toasty aroma and a golden hue here.

Step 6: Pour in the Broth and Season

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, blending in all the floury, onion-y goodness. Let the gravy bubble and thicken for three to four minutes, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and plenty of freshly cracked pepper—don’t be shy with those taste tests!

Step 7: Simmer with Mushrooms and Patties

Stir in the sliced baby Bella mushrooms, then nestle the browned patties back into the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for seven to ten minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and your gravy has thickened up beautifully. This is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon a mountain of that luscious mushroom-onion gravy over your Salisbury Steak patties. These are made for serving with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even roasted veggies. And I highly recommend grabbing a hunk of warm bread to mop up every last drop!

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, sprinkle your Salisbury Steak with freshly chopped parsley or a few snipped chives for brightness. A little extra crack of black pepper also makes a world of difference, and if you’re feeling bold, a dash of flaky sea salt elevates the whole plate.

Side Dishes

Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven—the creamy spuds are perfect for soaking up all that rich gravy. But you can also serve the patties over buttered egg noodles, steamed white rice, or roasted root vegetables. For something green, sautéed green beans or a crisp wedge salad always hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try plating each Salisbury Steak over a swirl of mashed potatoes, then drizzle the mushroom-onion gravy in rustic ribbons across the top. Or, make little slider-size patties for a fun twist at parties—just spoon on a bit of hot gravy and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Salisbury Steak? Store patties and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let everything cool to room temperature first, so you don’t get condensation that could water down your scrumptious sauce.

Freezing

Salisbury Steak freezes wonderfully for quick dinners down the road! Once cooled, place patties and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags (separate them, if you prefer). Label and freeze for up to two months—just remember to let the containers thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Salisbury Steak back to its former glory, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. If the gravy is thickened too much after chilling or freezing, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it as it warms.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While classic Salisbury Steak uses ground beef, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin, or even a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version. Just watch the cooking time, as leaner meats cook a little faster.

What if I don’t have A1 steak sauce?

No worries—Worcestershire sauce and a touch more ketchup will suffice, or you can substitute with any steak sauce you have on hand. The key is that hint of tang to boost the flavor of your patties.

How do I keep my patties from falling apart?

It’s all about the binding power of your egg and breadcrumbs. Mix just until combined, and don’t skip chilling the patties for a few minutes before frying if you want an extra insurance policy against crumbling!

Is Salisbury Steak gluten free?

It can easily be! Swap out regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten free crumbs, and use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend for the gravy. Double-check your steak sauce and broth, and you’re good to go.

Can I make Salisbury Steak in advance?

Definitely! Prepare the patties and gravy, then keep them separate in the fridge until ready to cook. This way, you can quickly brown the patties and finish everything in the gravy right before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Salisbury Steak is one of those dinners that never goes out of style—so simple, so comforting, and so satisfying. If you haven’t tried making it from scratch, I can’t recommend it enough. Whip up a batch soon and watch your whole table dig in, smiles guaranteed!

Salisbury Steak Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Salisbury Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Instructions

Patties: Using a medium-size bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic, and onion powder. Form 4 round patties. Cook in a skillet until done.
Gravy: In the same skillet, make the gravy by sautéing onions, adding flour, then broth. Simmer with mushrooms and cooked patties until thickened.
Serve with desired sides.

Notes

You can customize the seasoning of the patties to suit your taste preferences.
Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less flour.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Salisbury Steak, Ground Beef, Mushroom Gravy, Comfort Food