This Salisbury Steak Recipe is a comforting classic with juicy beef patties, rich mushroom gravy, and simple pantry ingredients—pure nostalgia in every bite!
You ever taste something and instantly get transported back to childhood? That’s Salisbury steak for me. One bite and I’m sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, watching her make magic in a skillet. The sound of onions sizzling, the smell of beef browning—it was like a warm hug in the form of food.
Back then, I had no idea how simple this dish actually was. To me, it was fancy—something I thought only my grandma could make. But fast forward a few years (okay, a couple of decades), and I realized that Salisbury steak is actually one of the easiest, most satisfying meals you can make at home. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and way better than any frozen dinner version.
Let’s make some old-school comfort food that hits just right.
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Recipe?
- Full of flavor. This isn’t just ground beef with brown gravy—it’s loaded with savory, deep flavors.
- One-pan wonder. Less cleanup, more deliciousness—we love that.
- Budget-friendly. Simple pantry staples turn into something restaurant-worthy.
- Pairs with everything. Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, buttered bread? Yes, yes, and yes.
- Cozy and nostalgic. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down so you know why each ingredient matters.
For the Steaks:
- Ground Beef – 80/20 is perfect—juicy but holds its shape.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Keeps the patties tender without making them dense.
- Dijon Mustard & Ketchup – The secret duo that adds depth and a hint of tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A little savory magic in every bite.
- Egg – Binds everything together.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic – Because bland food? Not in this house.
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- Onions & Mushrooms – The flavor powerhouses of this dish.
- Butter & Flour – Creates that silky, rich gravy base.
- Beef Broth – Adds depth and makes the gravy lick-the-plate good.
- More Worcestershire Sauce & Ketchup – Trust me, they belong in the gravy too.
How To Make Salisbury Steak?
Step 1: Make the Patties
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Don’t overwork the meat, or you’ll end up with tough patties.
Shape the mixture into four oval patties—the classic Salisbury steak shape.
Step 2: Brown the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, just until they get a nice golden crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—they’ll finish in the gravy.
Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Mushroom Gravy
In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the onions. Cook them down until they’re soft and golden, then add the mushrooms.
Once the mushrooms get some color, drop the heat and melt in the butter. Stir in the flour to make a rich, golden roux.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly, then add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer and thicken.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
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Place the browned steaks back in the pan, spoon some gravy over them, cover, and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Devour
Ladle that rich, velvety mushroom gravy over the steaks and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Storage Options:
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Let steaks cool, then store them with the gravy in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix it up? Here are some fun twists:
- Ground Turkey Option – Swap beef for turkey and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- No Mushrooms? – Just caramelize the onions for a different take.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Use GF breadcrumbs and GF flour for thickening.
- Add Some Heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes takes it up a notch.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak?
Wondering what goes best with Salisbury steak? Try these:
- Mashed Potatoes – The gold standard. Nothing soaks up gravy like mashed potatoes.
- Egg Noodles – A cozy diner-style pairing.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – Adds some freshness and crunch.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls – Because you need something to wipe up that gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yep! Brown the patties, make the gravy separately, and store them. Combine when ready to reheat.
Can I skip the mushrooms?
Of course! Just double up on the onions for a different flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the steaks first, then throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
If Salisbury steak isn’t already part of your comfort food rotation, it’s about to be. This dish is simple, satisfying, and seriously good—the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite.
So, what do you think? Trying this tonight? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your pics!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Salisbury Steak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ⅓ c panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste around ½ tsp of each
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil additional if required
- ½ onion diced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ c beef broth stock or consomme can also be used
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Steaks:
- Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, an egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into four oval-shaped patties.
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet, over medium-high heat and cook the patties until they turn golden brown on each side (approximately 4- 5 minutes per side). Once done remove them from the skillet. Set them aside.
Mushroom Gravy:
- Using the skillet add oil if necessary and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
- Next, add the mushrooms. Cook them until they turn brown.
- Reduce the heat. Melt some butter in the skillet. Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth while continuously stirring. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Place the cooked patties back into the skillet. Cover it with a lid. Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until steaks are fully cooked through.
- Serve these steaks, with mushroom gravy on top of potatoes. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!