Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe

Hey there! Ever crave something cozy and yummy? This Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is my secret to an easy dinner when I don’t wanna think too much.

It’s like fancy steak, but way easier. Juicy beef patties with rich gravy—oh my gosh, so good! And guess what? You probably have all the stuff in your kitchen already.

I love how fast I can make it. No weird steps. Just mix, cook, and boom—dinner is ready!

So, wanna make dinner super easy and tasty? Keep reading, and I’ll show you how I do it step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: Juicy beef patties cooked in a savory brown gravy with mushrooms and onions.
• Family-Friendly: A satisfying meal that’s perfect for both adults and kids.
• Easy Ingredients: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Quick and Filling: Ready in under an hour and served best with mashed potatoes or rice.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 hearty Salisbury steaks, perfect for a family of 4. You can double the recipe if you want leftovers — it reheats well!

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners, but still packed with flavor to impress anyone at the table.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this simple Salisbury steak, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet: Preferably with a lid for simmering.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining ground beef and seasonings.
• Whisk: To help make the gravy smooth.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For flipping steaks and stirring gravy.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak and Gravy

Here’s everything you need to make this satisfying dish. Exact measurements will be in the recipe card below:

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• Ground Beef (85% lean): Juicy and flavorful, perfect for forming tender patties.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the steaks and keep them moist.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the patties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and savory flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savoriness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

For the Gravy:

• Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning.
• Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and texture.
• Mushrooms (Cremini or White): Add earthiness and texture to the gravy.
• Beef Broth: The base for a deep, meaty sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the beef flavor.
• Ketchup: Gives the gravy a slight tang and sweetness.
• Cornstarch + Water: To thicken the gravy.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to taste.

Variations for Salisbury Steak

• Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme in the beef mixture for freshness.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out ground beef.
• Skip Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan, leave them out and increase onions for flavor.
• Make Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your Worcestershire sauce label.
• Add Cheese: A little shredded cheddar mixed into the patties makes them extra rich.

How to Make Salisbury Steak: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Beef Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything until just combined — don’t overwork the meat, or the patties may turn out tough.

Divide the mixture evenly into four patties, shaping them into oval or round steaks about ¾ inch thick.

Tip: If the mixture feels too wet to handle, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs. If too dry, a splash of milk can help moisten it.

2. Brown the Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned on both sides.

You don’t need to cook them through at this stage — they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later.

Once browned, transfer patties to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Mushroom and Onion Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — those browned bits add flavor), add another tablespoon of butter.

Add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and caramelized and the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to help the veggies soften faster.

Tip: If the pan looks dry, add a splash of beef broth while sautéing to loosen up the tasty browned bits.

4. Prepare and Thicken the Gravy

Once the vegetables are soft and golden, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry (this will thicken the gravy).

Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce, and stir until the gravy starts to thicken — this usually takes 2-3 minutes.

Tip: If gravy gets too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.

5. Finish Cooking the Patties in the Gravy

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the patties simmer for 10-12 minutes, until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C).

Occasionally spoon gravy over the patties as they cook to keep them moist and flavorful.

6. Serve

Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Spoon plenty of that rich mushroom-onion gravy over the top.

Serving and Presentation

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of comforting sides. Here are some classic and creative ways to serve it:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy is perfect poured over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of white or brown rice soaks up all that savory sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered noodles for a cozy, filling meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli.
• Crusty Bread: Mop up every drop of gravy with a slice of good bread.

Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Storing and Reheating Salisbury Steak

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers (steaks and gravy) in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Salisbury steak freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• Microwave: Place steaks and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much.

Tip: For best texture, avoid overheating to prevent the steaks from becoming tough.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overwork the Beef Mixture: Mix until just combined to keep patties tender. Over-mixing makes them dense.
• Use Beef with Some Fat: Ground beef that’s around 80-85% lean creates juicier steaks and richer gravy.
• Sear for Flavor: Browning the patties before simmering adds layers of flavor and keeps them from falling apart.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: Add a little more broth if the gravy is too thick, or let it simmer longer if too thin.
• Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, you can toss in peas or carrots during the last few minutes of simmering.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 Salisbury steak with gravy):

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	27g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	690mg
Cholesterol	135mg

➡️ Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Salisbury Steak FAQs

Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the entire dish ahead — it reheats well.

Can I freeze Salisbury steak?

Absolutely. Once cooked, cool completely and freeze with gravy in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What kind of beef should I use?

Use 80-85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef may make drier patties.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

No — if you don’t like mushrooms, you can leave them out and add extra onions or even bell peppers for added flavor.

How can I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?

Mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in while simmering. Let it cook until thickened to your liking.

Conclusion

This Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is the kind of comfort food classic that never goes out of style. With juicy beef patties and a rich, savory gravy, it makes a satisfying meal for any night of the week. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies, and you’ve got a plate that’s sure to bring everyone to the table.