Salisbury Steak
Tender, juicy beef patties simmered in a rich and savory mushroom onion gravy. This classic American comfort food is a family favorite and perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially served over mashed potatoes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Form the Patties
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, beaten egg, ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
- d.Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Patties
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to crowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. The patties will not be cooked through at this stage.
- e.Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics for Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and mix with the beef drippings.
- c.Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- d.Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Gravy Base
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This forms a roux.
- c.Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- d.Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- d.The patties are done when they are cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should register 160°F or 71°C) and the gravy has thickened.
- e.Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the Salisbury steaks and gravy.
- c.Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender patties, use a mix of 80% ground beef and 20% ground pork.
- 2Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in tough, dense patties.
- 3Scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when making the gravy is crucial for a deep, savory flavor.
- 4If the gravy becomes too thick while simmering, thin it out with a splash of beef broth or water.
- 5Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) without overcooking them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) instead of flour.
Herb InfusedHerb-Infused
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the gravy along with the beef broth for an aromatic twist.
Creamy GravyCreamy Gravy
For a richer, creamier finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream into the gravy during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
After sautéing the mushrooms, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry red wine or brandy, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it cook down for a minute before adding the flour.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Source of Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and transporting oxygen in the blood.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Salisbury Steak recipe contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef. This estimate does not include side dishes like mashed potatoes or noodles.