Introduction
Salisbury steak is a comforting American classic that dates back to the 19th century. It’s not actually steak—rather, it’s seasoned ground beef shaped into steak-like patties, cooked to juicy perfection, and served with a savory gravy. This dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
🧆 Step 1: Make the Steak Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Form into 4 oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
🔥 Step 2: Cook the Patties
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the patties and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Remove patties from skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.
🧅 Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and browned.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
🍽️ Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Return the cooked patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, allowing the patties to finish cooking and absorb flavor.
- Spoon gravy over the steaks as they simmer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Salisbury steak over:
- Mashed potatoes (classic!)
- Egg noodles
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables or green beans
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips & Variations
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-free option: Use GF breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
- Add depth: A splash of red wine in the gravy adds richness.