If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug on a plate, this Salisbury Steak Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with juicy, tender beef patties smothered in rich, savory onion gravy, it’s a classic dinner that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish is easy to whip up, delivers big flavors, and is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the secret to making this Salisbury Steak Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the juicy texture from the ground beef or the deep, caramelized flavor that the onions bring to the gravy.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base, providing juicy flavor and the perfect texture for the patties.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties while keeping them tender and moist.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture directly into the patties.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle kick of aroma and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, savory complexity to the meat mixture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used for searing the patties and sautéing the onions, giving a rich mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the gravy, giving it that perfect velvety finish.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the rich, luscious gravy.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Sautéed to golden perfection, infusing the gravy with sweetness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl just until combined. The trick here is not to overmix to keep the patties tender. Then, shape the mixture into oval patties that will cook evenly and hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a skillet and sear the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a golden brown crust that locks in the juices. Once seared, set the patties aside, but don’t clean the skillet yet—that flavorful fond left behind is about to become the base of your gravy.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions for Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the sliced onion. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds an irresistible sweetness and depth that elevates the gravy from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for a minute or two to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth while stirring continuously, then add Worcestershire sauce for that extra punch of umami. Let everything simmer and thicken, blending all those incredible flavors together.
Step 5: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them gently into the rich gravy. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the patties to finish cooking and absorb the savory flavors of the onion gravy as it thickens to perfection.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once cooked through and nestled in that thick gravy, your Salisbury Steak Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle the patties and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or simply a bed of fluffy rice—each option is a winner!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders to brighten the hearty richness of the dish. It adds a splash of color and a hint of freshness that balances the savory gravy beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Salisbury Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, which soak up every juicy bit of gravy. If you want a change, buttered egg noodles or even steamed green beans bring a lovely contrast in texture. For a vegetable fix, something simple like roasted carrots or sautéed greens complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fun and fancy? Try slicing the patties and arranging them over a bed of mashed potatoes with a drizzle of extra gravy artistically poured over. For a family-style dinner, a big skillet placed at the table invites everyone to serve themselves. No matter how you plate it, this Salisbury Steak Recipe always looks inviting and tastes like a warm hug.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak and gravy taste just as wonderful the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the gravy from any sides for the best texture after reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Portion them out to make reheating easier and prevent waste. Before freezing, let everything cool completely to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties and gravy slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and juiciness of the patties.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative, though they will produce a slightly different texture and flavor. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or some olive oil to keep the patties moist.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Salisbury Steak Recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Definitely. You can mix and shape the patties a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and cook them fresh when ready. This saves time and makes weeknight dinners much easier.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar can add a nice tang and umami flavor. Just use less salt elsewhere to balance it out.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of the stovetop?
Yes, after searing the patties and making the gravy, you can transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) covered for about 20 minutes. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while cooking the patties evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about making and sharing this classic Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s straightforward, delicious, and fills your home with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation for those cozy dinners that feel like a warm, delicious embrace. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
Print
Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features tender ground beef patties simmered in a rich and savory onion gravy. Made with a blend of breadcrumbs, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, these steaks are browned to perfection and then cooked slowly in a flavorful sauce. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or noodles, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until just combined to keep the patties tender, then shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties.
- Sear the patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Make the gravy: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the golden onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, adding Worcestershire sauce as well. Bring this mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the steaks in gravy: Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the patties simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until they are fully cooked through and the gravy thickens to a luscious sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and added freshness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the ground beef mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor.
- Searing the patties before simmering helps lock in juices and adds a deeper flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy as needed after simmering.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
