Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe: A Comfort Food Revival
Juicy beef patties and creamy mushroom gravy combine for a dinner that feels like home.
Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe: Savory Comfort Food at Its Best
Salisbury steak is a beloved classic—a dish that brings together tender beef patties and a rich, savory gravy often featuring mushrooms and onions. This recipe builds deep flavor in every step, resulting in a wonderfully hearty, nostalgia-inducing meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want the kind of comfort food that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen.
What Is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is made from seasoned ground beef formed into patties and cooked until golden, then served smothered in savory gravy. Unlike hamburgers, these patties are enriched with flavorful add-ins like breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder, and are always paired with a brown gravy—often including mushrooms and onions for extra depth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: The beef patties are juicy and flavorful, thanks to classic seasonings and a blend of sauces.
- Rich Mushroom Gravy: A creamy mushroom–onion gravy envelops every bite, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or noodles.
- Ideal for Families: This recipe yields enough for a family meal—and can easily be doubled for leftovers.
- Simple Preparation: Uses everyday pantry staples and comes together in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and moisture)
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy
- 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1 1/2 cups beef stock
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Beef Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard powder, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Mix just until thoroughly blended—avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into six even portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape each into a 1-inch thick oval patty. Press shallow lines across the top using your finger to mimic the look of a ‘steak.’
2. Sear the Patties
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- Place the patties in the skillet and cook until a deep golden crust forms, 6–8 minutes per side. Patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Transfer patties to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Prepare the Mushroom–Onion Gravy
- To the same skillet, add butter, mushrooms, and onions. Sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown—about 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 1–2 more minutes to remove any raw flavor from the flour.
- Slowly stir in the beef stock, scraping any browned bits from the skillet base for extra flavor.
- Add heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasoned salt. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your liking.
4. Simmer the Patties in Gravy
- Return the formed beef patties to the skillet, nestling them in the mushroom–onion gravy.
- Spoon gravy over the top of each patty and simmer gently for 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, ideally over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy.
What others are reading
Helpful Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps the patties moist and tender.
- Customize Gravy Texture: Simmer longer for a thicker gravy; add a splash more stock for thinner consistency.
- Add-Ins: For more flavor, a splash of sherry or a teaspoon of seasoning sauce (like Kitchen Bouquet) can add depth to the gravy.
- Make-Ahead: Patties can be formed a day in advance and refrigerated for quick assembly.
- Freezer-Friendly: Both cooked patties and finished Salisbury steak freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth or water for moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Salisbury steak with classic sides for a full comfort food experience:
- Mashed potatoes: The traditional and best pairing for soaking up savory gravy.
- Buttered egg noodles: Another classic, especially favored for family meals.
- Buttered peas or green beans: The vibrant freshness offers nice contrast to the savoriness of the main dish.
- Pillowy dinner rolls: For sopping up the last drop of gravy.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Turkey: Substitute for a lighter version. Adjust seasoning as turkey is milder than beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for more texture, or swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
- No Mushrooms? Double the onions or add bell peppers for a different but delicious flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream or simply omit the heavy cream in the gravy for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
*Estimated values; will vary depending on ingredients and serving size.
History of Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak dates back to the late 19th century and is named after Dr. James Salisbury, an American physician who promoted minced beef patties for nutrition. This dish quickly gained popularity during the early 20th century as an affordable, protein-packed meal that could feed a crowd—especially when paired with staple pantry ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Absolutely! The patties and gravy keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding extra broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Swap in ground turkey or chicken and adjust seasonings as needed. The patties may be a bit softer, so handle gently during cooking.
How can I keep my Salisbury steak from falling apart?
Be sure to use enough binder—breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture—and avoid flipping the patties too soon or too often while searing.
Is Salisbury steak gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses breadcrumbs and flour, so it’s not inherently gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the same delicious results.
Can I freeze Salisbury steak?
Yes. Cool completely, then wrap individually or store in a sealed, airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with some additional broth to keep it moist.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Use high-quality ground beef (80/20) for the juiciest patties.
- Brown the patties well—this builds a deep, meaty flavor that enhances both the steak and the gravy.
- Don’t rush the gravy—cooking the mushrooms and onions slowly allows natural sugars to develop, enriching the dish.
- For a more retro feel, serve over buttered toast and garnish with plenty of fresh parsley.
More Classic Comfort Food Recipes
- Chicken Fried Steak with creamy peppered gravy
- Meatloaf glazed with tangy tomato sauce
- Pot Roast with carrots and potatoes
- Shepherd’s Pie with rich ground beef and mashed potatoes
Final Thoughts
Salisbury steak is a quintessential American comfort food that’s as easy to pull off as it is satisfying to eat. With simple ingredients, a straightforward technique, and a soul-warming gravy, this dish is sure to become a regular rotation on your family table—just as it has been for generations. Gather around, serve up a big scoop of mashed potatoes, and let everyone dig in to this classic favorite.
References
- https://www.foodfanatic.com/recipes/pioneer-woman-salisbury-steak-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OfDOdPE3I
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlHnCNEHLgk
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43805381/salisbury-steak-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11479/salisbury-steak-meatballs/
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