If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners, this Salisbury steak recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy ground beef patties, rich onion mushroom gravy, and savory seasoning, this dish is a timeless American classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Salisbury steak delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture with every bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best homemade Salisbury steak with simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and plenty of variations to customize your dish. Let’s get started!
⭐ What Is Salisbury Steak?
Despite the name, Salisbury steak isn’t a steak at all—it’s a seasoned ground beef patty served with a rich gravy, often made with onions and mushrooms. The dish dates back to the late 1800s and is named after Dr. James Salisbury, who promoted a meat-centered diet for health.
Think of it as a cousin to meatloaf or hamburger steak, but with a more refined twist. The addition of flavorful gravy elevates the dish into true comfort food territory.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Classic Flavor – Rich beef flavor with a savory mushroom onion gravy.
- Easy Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and ground beef.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in just 30 to 40 minutes.
- Family Favorite – Kid-friendly and comforting, perfect for all ages.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Reheats beautifully for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
🛒 Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
For the Steak Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍳 How to Make Salisbury Steak: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Steak Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape into oval-shaped patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil and brown the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage—just nicely seared. Remove the patties and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and mushrooms and stir for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the flour. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, if using. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it thicken for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet. Spoon some gravy over each patty, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
🥔 What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some comforting options:
- Mashed Potatoes – The classic combo for soaking up all that savory gravy.
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – Another hearty option that works great with gravy.
- Roasted Carrots or Broccoli – Add some color and nutrients to your plate.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – For sopping up the leftover sauce.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
🔁 Variations and Tips
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken – Lighten things up with leaner meat.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Thyme or parsley adds freshness to the gravy.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
- No Mushrooms? – Skip them or substitute with extra onions for a simpler version.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture; it keeps the patties tender.
- A splash of cream or milk in the gravy can make it even richer.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
📝 FAQs About Salisbury Steak Recipe
Q: Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the patties and gravy, let cool, and store in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.
Q: Is Salisbury steak the same as hamburger steak?
A: They’re similar, but Salisbury steak usually has added ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings. It also always comes with gravy.
Q: Can I bake Salisbury steak instead of pan-frying?
A: You can. Brown the patties first, place them in a baking dish, pour gravy over, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
🧡 Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a well-made Salisbury steak recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of love, you can bring this classic American comfort food to life in your own kitchen.
Whether you grew up eating Salisbury steak or you’re trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.