Salisbury Steak

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dinner, this homemade Salisbury Steak recipe is the perfect choice. Made with tender beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, this dish is quick, easy, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Unlike frozen dinners or store-bought versions, this recipe delivers fresh, delicious flavors that the whole family will love. Best of all, it’s a one-skillet recipe, making cleanup just as easy as cooking.

Ingredients

For the Steaks

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (if needed)
• ½ onion, diced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef stock or broth
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and shape into four oval patties, about ¾ inch thick.
2. Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the gravy base: Add onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add mushrooms, season, and cook until golden, 3–5 minutes.
4. Thicken the sauce: Lower heat to medium, add butter, and stir until melted. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until smooth.
5. Add liquids: Slowly pour in beef stock, whisking constantly. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Finish cooking: Return the beef patties to the skillet, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes until fully cooked through. If the gravy gets too thick, thin with extra broth or water.
7. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the mushroom gravy generously over the steaks and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Salisbury steak is best served hot with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to soak up the rich mushroom gravy. For a balanced meal, add a green vegetable like roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad.
• Make it a Meal: Pair with dinner rolls or cornbread to complete the classic comfort food experience.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze patties and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the gravy if it thickens.

Variations

1. French Onion Salisbury Steak
   • Replace the mushroom gravy with caramelized onions simmered in beef stock and topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese. This variation tastes like French onion soup combined with Salisbury steak.
2. BBQ Salisbury Steak
   • Swap the ketchup in the patties and gravy for barbecue sauce. The result is a smoky-sweet version that pairs wonderfully with cornbread and coleslaw.
3. Salisbury Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
   • Skip mushrooms and make a rich onion-based gravy by sautéing sliced onions until golden and cooking them down in beef stock with Worcestershire sauce.
4. Salisbury Steak Meatballs
   • Roll the beef mixture into meatballs instead of patties, simmer in mushroom gravy, and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a family-friendly twist.
5. Salisbury Steak with Creamy Dijon Gravy
   • Stir Dijon mustard and a splash of cream into the gravy for a tangy, creamy finish that adds extra depth.
6. Low-Carb / Keto Salisbury Steak
   • Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and thicken the gravy with xanthan gum or heavy cream instead of flour. Serve with mashed cauliflower.
7. Tex-Mex Salisbury Steak
   • Mix chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the beef patties. Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the gravy for a Southwestern kick.
8. Italian Salisbury Steak
   • Add parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to the beef mixture. Replace the mushroom gravy with a tomato-based marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired version.
9. Salisbury Steak with Marsala Gravy
   • Replace beef stock with Marsala wine in the mushroom gravy for a restaurant-style dish similar to Chicken Marsala.
10. Vegetarian Salisbury Steak

• Use lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings. The mushroom gravy remains the same for a hearty vegetarian comfort meal.

11. Bacon-Wrapped Salisbury Steak

• Wrap each beef patty in bacon before searing. The bacon adds smoky flavor and keeps the patties extra juicy.

12. Cheddar-Stuffed Salisbury Steak

• Stuff each patty with a cube of sharp cheddar cheese before cooking. The melted cheese inside makes this indulgent variation irresistible.

13. Asian-Inspired Salisbury Steak

• Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to the beef patties. Replace Worcestershire in the gravy with soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar. Serve with steamed rice.

14. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

• Brown the patties first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker with the gravy. Let it cook low and slow for 4–6 hours for melt-in-your-mouth results.

15. Salisbury Steak Pot Pie

• Turn leftovers into a comforting pot pie. Layer Salisbury steak chunks and mushroom gravy into a baking dish and top with pie crust or puff pastry.

FAQs

1. Can I make Salisbury steak without mushrooms?
   Yes, simply leave them out and use extra onions for the gravy.
2. Can I make the patties in advance?
   Absolutely. Form them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. What is the best cut of beef to use?
   Lean ground beef works best, around 85/15 for flavor without too much grease.
4. Why is my gravy too thick?
   Add more beef stock or water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Why are my patties falling apart?
   Overmixing the beef or skipping the egg/breadcrumb binder can cause this.
6. Can I bake the patties instead of pan-frying?
   Yes, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, then simmer in the gravy.
7. Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
   Yes, but adjust seasonings to suit the flavor of the meat.
8. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
   Yes, both cooked patties and gravy freeze well for up to 2 months.
9. What side dishes go best with Salisbury steak?
   Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, egg noodles, and dinner rolls are all perfect.
10. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of homemade?
    You can, but homemade mushroom gravy adds the best flavor.

This homemade Salisbury Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, flavorful beef patties with a rich and savory mushroom gravy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for family dinners or gatherings. The one-skillet method makes cooking and cleanup simple, and with countless variations, you can customize it to suit your taste—from cheesy or spicy twists to low-carb or vegetarian options. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a classic, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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