If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s a classic dish made effortlessly delicious with juicy ground beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy that’s rich, velvety, and downright addictive. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a nostalgic meal to bring family together, this recipe combines familiar flavors with an easy preparation that anyone can pull off. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this wonderful dish shine in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is delightfully straightforward, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients that pack tons of flavor. Each component plays a crucial part in the overall taste, texture, and color—from the tender patties to the luscious gravy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The base of your patties, choose lean for juiciness without too much fat.
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds gentle texture and helps hold the patties together.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder for those patties to keep them tender and intact.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Brings a subtle tangy sweetness to the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Infuses the patties with a hint of sharp zestiness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a lovely earthiness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a mild kick and balances the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the patties to a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Sweet and tender in the gravy, bringing complexity.
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, they make the gravy rich and full-bodied.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken the gravy into a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry for smooth thickening.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the gravy base.
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided: The foundation of your gravy, bringing savory depth.
- 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Elevates the umami and adds a subtle tang.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky warmth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
- Kosher salt, to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Finishes with a touch of peppery punch.
- Optional for serving: Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles make perfect cozy companions.
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Make Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Be gentle when mixing—overworking can make your patties tough. Once combined, shape the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, each perfectly sized for a satisfying bite.
Step 2: Brown Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and cook until each side has developed a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and juiciness. After browning, remove the patties from the pan and set them aside temporarily.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness and deepening the gravy’s flavor. Once done, set the vegetables aside with the patties.
Step 4: Make Gravy
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this into the skillet, whisking continuously until the gravy begins to thicken to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Simmer
Return the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and browned patties to the skillet. Allow everything to simmer gently until the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy is thick and silky. If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or additional beef broth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to reach perfect flavor balance.
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a herbaceous note that enlivens the rich gravy. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream on the side adds creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the savory components.
Side Dishes
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe shines paired with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the velvety gravy like a dream. Alternatively, buttered egg noodles offer a tender, buttery bite that complements the robust flavors perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots bring brightness and crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting family-style dinner, serve the steaks and gravy directly from the skillet. If you want to impress guests, plate each patty over a swirl of mashed potatoes, drizzle with extra gravy, and arrange sautéed vegetables artfully alongside. You can even place the patties inside a toasted sandwich bun for a Salisbury steak sandwich twist that is equally comforting and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak and gravy keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool completely before storing to preserve freshness and safety. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option or comfort food emergency backup.
Reheating
Reheat your Salisbury steak gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the gravy occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything warm and moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional Salisbury steak uses ground beef, ground turkey or a beef-pork blend can work nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking time since leaner meats might cook faster and be less juicy.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used instead of panko. Just keep in mind that panko adds a lighter, crisp texture, so the patties might be slightly denser with substitutions.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before making the gravy?
Browning the patties is key for developing deep, rich flavors through the Maillard reaction. It also helps keep the patties intact during simmering and adds beautiful color to the final dish.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry. If too thick, simply whisk in some extra broth or water until you reach the perfect consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of panko. Double-check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a classic dish like this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe that brings together simple ingredients in a soulful way. Once you try these juicy patties smothered in the rich mushroom gravy, you’ll see why it’s a beloved meal for so many. Give it a go, and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings to your table—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Salisbury steak recipe features tender ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a classic homestyle experience.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided
- 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional for serving
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Instructions
- Make Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the patties tender. Form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Brown Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cremini mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the patties.
- Make Gravy: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, whisk in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the broth mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
- Simmer: Return the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and browned patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Simmer gently until the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy has thickened to your liking, about 5-8 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with additional water or beef broth. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, topped with the mushroom-onion gravy. Enjoy alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, but ground chuck works well for flavor.
- Make sure patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Adjust gravy thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover Salisbury steak reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
