French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak

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Looking for a delicious twist on a classic favorite? Look no further than French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak. This recipe takes the beloved Salisbury steak and infuses it with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends while providing the comfort and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Let’s dive into how to create this culinary masterpiece in just 30 minutes.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds extra lean ground beef (85/15 mixture)
  • 10.5 ounces French onion soup (do not dilute)
  • 2 ounces onion soup mix packet (equivalent to one packet of seasoning)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cream (can substitute with milk or half-and-half)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it prepares your oven for the baking process later on.
  2. Mix the Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, and cream. Use a fork or your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined. This mixture will form the base of your Salisbury steak patties.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions and shape each portion into an oval patty. Dredge both sides of each patty in all-purpose flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  4. Sear the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Sear the patties for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Remove any excess fat from the skillet, then use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return all the seared patties to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the French onion soup over the patties, ensuring each one is fully covered.
  6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the Salisbury steak uncovered for 20 minutes. During this time, the soup will thicken slightly and blend with the beef juices, creating a delectable gravy.
  7. Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and serve the French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or green beans, for a complete and satisfying meal.

 

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Side Dish Suggestions: While this dish is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
  3. Reheating Instructions: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the Salisbury steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the meat from drying out.
  4. Freezing Option: You can also freeze the cooked Salisbury steak for longer storage. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.
  5. Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to the gravy for extra flavor, or sprinkle grated cheese on top of the patties before baking for a decadent twist.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak, whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers later on.

Variations:

  1. Cheese-Stuffed Salisbury Steak: Take your French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak to the next level by stuffing each patty with a slice of your favorite cheese, such as Swiss or Gruyère, before shaping and cooking. The melted cheese adds a delightful gooeyness to every bite.
  2. Herb-Infused Gravy: Elevate the flavor of the gravy by infusing it with fresh herbs. Add a handful of chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the French onion soup before pouring it over the patties. The herbs will impart a fragrant and savory note to the dish.
  3. Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free alternative, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as Beyond Meat or lentils. Follow the same recipe instructions, shaping the vegetarian mixture into patties and searing them before smothering them in French onion soup and baking.
  4. Spiced-Up Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor profile of your Salisbury steak. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
  5. Caramelized Onion Topping: Enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor by topping the cooked Salisbury steak with a generous serving of caramelized onions. Simply thinly slice onions and cook them slowly in butter or olive oil until golden brown and caramelized. Spoon them over the patties just before serving.
  6. Mushroom Gravy: For a hearty twist, sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after searing the patties until they are golden brown and tender. Then, pour the French onion soup over the mushrooms and patties before baking. The mushrooms will add an earthy richness to the gravy.
  7. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to dredge the patties before searing. Additionally, ensure that the French onion soup and onion soup mix packet you use are gluten-free certified.

These variations offer a creative spin on the classic French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs while still enjoying its comforting and satisfying flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that ground turkey may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
  2. Is it necessary to use extra lean ground beef? While extra lean ground beef is recommended for a healthier option, you can use lean ground beef or even ground sirloin if you prefer. However, using leaner meat may result in a drier texture for the Salisbury steak.
  3. Can I use homemade French onion soup instead of canned? Absolutely! If you have homemade French onion soup on hand, feel free to use it in this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too watery, as you want the soup to create a rich gravy when baked with the Salisbury steak.
  4. What can I substitute for cream in the meat mixture? If you don’t have cream on hand, you can use milk or half-and-half as a substitute. The purpose of the cream is to add moisture to the meat mixture and help bind the ingredients together.
  5. How do I know when the Salisbury steak is cooked through? The Salisbury steak is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. Alternatively, you can cut into one of the patties to check if it’s no longer pink in the center.

In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen with French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak. With its combination of hearty beef and rich, flavorful soup, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a comforting and delicious meal tonight. Bon appétit!