If you’re searching for a comforting dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and satisfying, look no further than this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s a dinnertime classic—juicy beef patties nestled in a rich, savory onion gravy. Whether you’re whipping this up on a cozy weeknight or serving it as a crowd-pleaser for your family, you’ll find it hearty, full of flavor, and destined to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh basics, each lending a special touch that brings the whole dish together. These ingredients are simple yet essential, and their balance is the secret to a great taste and those luscious textures.
- Ground beef: The foundation of Salisbury steak, providing bold flavor and juicy texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the beef together while keeping the patties tender and light.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the patties, creating that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Ketchup: Lends a hint of tangy sweetness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Worcestershire sauce: The secret umami booster—it deepens the savory notes beautifully.
- Onion powder: Infuses gentle onion flavor into every bite, without any chunks in the patties.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the beef mixture.
- Salt & pepper: Brings all the flavors together and highlights every ingredient.
- Olive oil: For searing the patties and helping them achieve that appetizing golden crust.
- Butter: Transforms the gravy into silky perfection and adds a delicate richness.
- Onion: Sliced thin, these caramelize into the gravy, providing a sweet-savory depth.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy so it lovingly coats every steak.
- Beef broth: The hearty liquid base for the gravy, intensifying that savory comfort factor.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a punch of brightness to the sauce, balancing the flavors.
- Salt and pepper (for gravy): Season to taste so every element shines.
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by gathering your ingredients and setting out a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon—just until it’s evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this keeps the patties tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide your beef mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, form each one into oval-shaped patties, roughly three-quarters of an inch thick. This shape isn’t just classic; it also allows for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Sear the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Look for that rich brown crust—it’s where the flavor magic happens. Flip them gently, ensuring they’re cooked through (an internal temp of 160°F is perfect). Set your cooked patties aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add your thinly sliced onion. Sauté until the onions are soft and golden, stirring often to prevent burning—about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for a minute, which cooks off the raw flour taste and sets the base for a velvety gravy.
Step 5: Simmer the Gravy
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then let everything simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Return the Patties and Finish
Nestle the cooked patties back into the skillet, spoon the gravy generously over each one, and let everything simmer gently together for another 5 minutes. This final step lets the flavors meld, ensuring each Salisbury steak is fork-tender and covered in luscious gravy. Serve hot, and watch smiles appear!
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top adds pop of color and a hint of brightness. You can also try finely chopped chives, or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper for extra appeal.
Side Dishes
The Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe truly shines beside a perfect mound of creamy mashed potatoes—the gravy and potatoes are simply made for each other! If you’d like to switch things up, steamed green beans, buttered peas, or egg noodles also make tasty companions. Let the gravy flow over your chosen base for the ultimate comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress dinner guests, serve the steaks in a heated cast iron skillet at the table, gravy bubbling gently. Or, plate each steak on a bed of herby mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, with extra gravy swirled on top. If you want to add more color, tuck in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized carrots for a restaurant-worthy plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Salisbury steaks, they store beautifully! Place steaks and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue developing, making leftovers even more savory the next day.
Freezing
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is freezer-friendly. Let the patties and gravy cool completely, then seal portions in freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and are lifesavers for busy nights when you crave home-cooked comfort food.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. In a pinch, you can use the microwave—just cover and heat in short increments, stirring often until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use other ground meats besides beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatloaf blend work well in this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. Just be mindful that leaner meats might need an extra dash of milk or a bit more breadcrumbs to stay tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce’s label as well, just to be sure.
What’s the best way to add more vegetables?
Saute sliced mushrooms along with the onions in the gravy for an earthy depth, or stir in finely diced carrots and celery for a veggie-packed twist—it’s easy to adapt the Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe to your tastes!
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Definitely. Shape the patties a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing to encourage even cooking.
How do I avoid dry Salisbury steak?
Don’t overmix the beef and be sure not to overcook the patties—keep an eye on them while they sear, and finish simmering in gravy. The milk and breadcrumbs in this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe help lock in moisture for the perfect tender bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly comforting about gathering around the table for this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe, where every bite delivers savory richness and homey nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a cherished memory, so I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a star on your dinner rotation!
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Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is a classic comfort food dish featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a cozy dinner with mashed potatoes or rice!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into oval patties.
- Cook the Patties: Brown patties in olive oil in a skillet, then set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, cook onions in butter, add flour, then whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer. Serve hot with your choice of side.
Notes
- You can make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms to the gravy.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
