Salisbury Steak has always been one of my ultimate comfort foods, reminding me of cozy family dinners at my grandmother’s house. I can still vividly recall the rich aroma of savory beef and simmering mushroom gravy filling her kitchen, promising a hearty meal. This homemade Salisbury steak recipe easy to follow, allowing you to recreate that nostalgic feeling right in your own home. It’s a dish that truly warms the soul, transforming simple ground beef into something extraordinary. I’ve discovered that this classic beef patty with mushroom gravy is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying for the whole family. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak
I genuinely believe this Salisbury Steak recipe will become a new family favorite in your home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings everyone to the table.
- It boasts an incredibly rich and savory flavor profile that satisfies those comfort food cravings.
- The prep time is surprisingly quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses common pantry staples.
- This easy Salisbury Steak recipe with gravy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- The beef patties are wonderfully juicy, and the gravy is simply irresistible.
- You’ll appreciate how simple it is to achieve such a delicious result.
- It’s a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
- This easy Salisbury Steak recipe with gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes.
Ingredients for Classic Salisbury Steak
To create this incredible Salisbury Steak, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. The magic truly happens when these come together to form the juicy beef patty with mushroom gravy.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean) – I find this ratio gives the best flavor and moisture for the patties.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – these help bind the patties and absorb moisture, keeping them tender.
- 1/4 cup milk – adds tenderness and moisture to the ground beef.
- 1 large egg – acts as a binder, holding the patties together so they don’t crumble.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – for a subtle, savory onion flavor throughout the patties.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – fresh ground is always best for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – essential for seasoning the beef patties.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for browning the patties and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, sliced – forms the aromatic base for our rich gravy.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced – these are key for that classic beef patty with mushroom gravy flavor.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the savory gravy to perfection.
- 2 cups beef broth – the liquid base for our deeply flavored gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds a crucial umami depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – a secret ingredient that enhances the gravy’s richness without making it taste like mustard.
How to Make Salisbury Steak
Making a delicious Salisbury Steak from scratch is simpler than you might think, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your dinner is a resounding success. Get ready to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas!
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I always mix gently with my hands until everything is just combined; overmixing can make the beef patties tough.
- Step 2: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions. Form each portion into an oval-shaped patty, about 1/2 inch thick. These will be your delicious Salisbury Steak patties.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the beef patties to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are beautifully browned and have a nice crust. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly browned. The skillet will retain some of those flavorful beef bits, which will add depth to your gravy.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening your rich mushroom gravy.
- Step 6: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking constantly until the gravy begins to thicken and simmer, about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice it transforming into a glossy, savory sauce.
- Step 7: Return the browned Salisbury Steak patties to the skillet, nestling them gently into the simmering gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the patties are cooked through and incredibly tender. This is how to make Salisbury Steak from scratch with maximum flavor!
- Step 8: Once cooked, serve your classic Salisbury Steak immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make dinner!
Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
I’ve made my fair share of Salisbury Steak over the years, and I’ve picked up some essential tricks that guarantee a perfect result every time. These pro tips will elevate your homemade dish from good to absolutely incredible.
- For the juiciest patties, use 80/20 ground beef. Leaner beef tends to dry out during cooking, and we want that rich, tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture! Gently combine the ingredients until they just come together; overworking the meat can lead to tough patties.
- Always brown your patties thoroughly before adding them to the gravy. This develops a deep, savory crust that adds immense flavor to the entire dish.
- Let the gravy simmer with the patties for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the patties absorb that delicious sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect hamburger steak?
The real secret to a perfect hamburger steak is two-fold: using the right ground beef ratio (80/20) and not overmixing. The fat content keeps it moist, and gentle handling ensures a tender patty, not a dense one. This combination creates that ideal, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and even brown them a day in advance. Store the browned patties and the prepared gravy separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine them in a skillet and simmer until heated through, ensuring a quick and easy dinner.
How do I avoid common mistakes with smothered hamburger?
To avoid common pitfalls with smothered hamburger, don’t skimp on the browning of your patties; it’s crucial for flavor. Also, ensure your gravy thickens properly by whisking the flour thoroughly. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering time; letting the patties absorb the gravy makes all the difference in tenderness and taste.
Best Ways to Serve Salisbury Steak
Once your incredibly flavorful Salisbury Steak is ready, the next delightful decision is what to serve alongside it! I always think about sides that can perfectly soak up that rich, savory gravy. Here are my favorite pairings that truly complement this classic comfort food.
My go-to choice is always creamy mashed potatoes. Their fluffy texture is ideal for spooning up every last drop of that delicious beef patty with mushroom gravy. You’ll love how the potatoes become infused with the robust flavors.
Another fantastic option is buttered egg noodles. They offer a slightly different texture and are equally adept at carrying the gravy. When thinking about what to serve with Salisbury Steak, consider adding a simple green vegetable like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. These fresh, crisp veggies provide a lovely contrast to the hearty main dish, making for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts for Salisbury Steak
I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious meal. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving of my Salisbury Steak recipe, based on the ingredients listed:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and cooking methods used for your Salisbury Steak.
How to Store and Reheat Salisbury Steak
One of the best things about making a big batch of this comforting Salisbury Steak is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Once your delicious meal has cooled completely to room temperature, you can easily store it.
For refrigeration, transfer the patties and gravy into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This makes for fantastic easy dinner ideas throughout the week!
If you want to freeze your Salisbury Steak, place the cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or individual portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. These comfort food recipes are truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Steak
What is Salisbury steak made of?
Salisbury steak is typically made from ground beef, often mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings to form tender patties. These patties are then browned and simmered in a rich, savory gravy, which commonly includes ingredients like beef broth, mushrooms, and onions. It’s a hearty American classic that transforms simple ground beef into a comforting meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for Salisbury steak?
Yes, you absolutely can! While traditional Salisbury steak recipes call for ground beef, using ground turkey is a great way to make a lighter version. I recommend using 93/7 lean ground turkey to ensure the patties remain moist. You might need to add a little extra olive oil when browning, as turkey is leaner. The gravy will still be wonderfully flavorful!
What makes the gravy so rich in Salisbury steak?
The richness of Salisbury steak gravy comes from several key components. First, browning the beef patties and then cooking the onions and mushrooms in the same skillet builds a flavorful base from the fond (browned bits) left behind. The flour acts as a thickener, while beef broth provides a deep, savory liquid. Worcestershire sauce and a touch of Dijon mustard also add significant umami and depth, creating that irresistible, luscious gravy.
How do I prevent my Salisbury steak patties from falling apart?
To prevent your Salisbury steak patties from falling apart, there are a few tricks I always use. Ensure you’re using an egg and breadcrumbs in your mixture; these act as binders. Also, avoid overmixing the ground beef; gentle handling helps keep the texture intact. Finally, make sure to chill your patties for about 15-20 minutes before browning if your mixture feels too soft. This helps them firm up and hold their shape beautifully.
Variations of Salisbury Steak You Can Try
While the classic Salisbury steak recipe with ground beef is undeniably delicious, there are so many ways to customize this comforting dish to suit different tastes or dietary needs. I love experimenting in the kitchen, and these variations keep things exciting!
- Mushroom-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, don’t worry! You can easily make a delicious gravy using just onions and beef broth. The rich flavor of the beef patties will still shine through.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. It adds a wonderful warmth to the dish.
- Creamy Gravy: Elevate your gravy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the very end of cooking. This creates an even richer, more luxurious sauce for your beef patties.
- Vegetarian Option: You can even make a fantastic vegetarian version using plant-based ground “meat” substitutes. Follow the same steps, and you’ll have a delightful meatless Salisbury steak recipe with ground beef texture.
Salisbury Steak: 1 Amazing, Hearty Meal Idea
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Salisbury steak recipe creates juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dinner perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the hamburger steak mixture.
- Form the mixture into 6 oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Salisbury steak patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mushroom gravy to a simmer, stirring until it thickens.
- Return the Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy is rich.
- Serve the classic Salisbury steak immediately with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the ground beef mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour.
- This easy Salisbury steak recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Consider using a cast iron skillet for even browning of your beef patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg