Salisbury Steak

Print

I’ll never forget the first time I tried making Salisbury steak. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I was in the kitchen with my grandmother, who taught me the secret to making this delicious, heartwarming dish. The savory aroma filled the house as the patties sizzled in the skillet, and the thick, creamy gravy brought everything together perfectly. Ever since that moment, I’ve been hooked on this classic recipe, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of those family gatherings and the love we shared around the dinner table.

For another classic beef dish, try our Ground Beef Stroganoff, a creamy and comforting dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.

What is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is a comforting, savory dish made from seasoned ground beef patties served with a rich, flavorful gravy. Often served with mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is a staple in many households, evoking memories of cozy family dinners. The beauty of Salisbury steak is in its simplicity—just a few basic ingredients like ground beef, onions, and beef broth come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hamburger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon homemade steak seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced thin
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups beef broth, or stock
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms

If you love savory flavors, don’t miss the Baked Crack Chicken Breasts — cheesy, crispy, and comforting, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Patties

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands (or wear gloves, like I do) to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Once everything is well combined, form 4 round patties, about ¾ to 1 inch thick.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the patties to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them on a plate, covering them with foil to keep them warm.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, if there is more than a tablespoon of grease leftover from the patties, carefully discard the extra grease. Leave the remaining grease in the pan—it’s packed with flavor. Add the butter to the skillet, scraping up any bits and pieces from the bottom of the pan. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until they’re translucent.

Next, add the flour, stirring it into the butter and onions. Let it cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to ensure the flour mixes into the broth. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper, tasting to make sure it’s perfectly seasoned.

Add the mushrooms and the cooked patties back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, simmering for 7 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the gravy has thickened beautifully.

Looking for a beef casserole? The Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast is another great dinner idea with a creamy, cheesy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Salisbury steak pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or any of your favorite vegetables. And let’s not forget about warm, crusty bread to soak up that delicious gravy.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage

After the dish has cooled, store the leftover meat and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Salisbury steak in the microwave or stovetop. Add a little extra beef broth to the gravy to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the meat and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

For a flavorful side dish, try the Classic Southern Potato Salad that complements Salisbury Steak perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Salisbury Steak

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the hamburger patties up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Make Ahead: If you’re hosting a dinner, cook the Salisbury steak ahead of time, and leave it over low heat on the stove. Make sure to add extra broth to the gravy to prevent it from drying out.

Health Benefits of Salisbury Steak

While Salisbury steak is a comforting and rich dish, you can always tweak it to make it a bit lighter by using lean ground beef and less butter. Additionally, pairing it with vegetables can add extra nutrients to the meal. It’s important to balance indulgence with a nutritious side to keep your meal satisfying and healthy.

Learn more about healthy eating on Wikipedia
Check out some healthy cooking tips here

For another hearty, one-pan meal, the Skillet Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

FAQs about Salisbury Steak

How do I make Salisbury steak without breadcrumbs?

If you’re looking to make Salisbury steak without breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with ground oats or a gluten-free alternative. These work just as well to help bind the patties together.

Can I freeze Salisbury steak before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties before frying them. Just form the patties, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag for storage. You can cook them straight from frozen, adding a little extra time to cook through.

For an easy, flavorful side, our Cucumber Carrot Apple Salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich steak.