Name: Salisbury Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

Salisbury Steak is pure comfort on a plate: tender, flavorful beef patties nestled in a rich, savory mushroom-onion gravy that you’ll want to scoop up with every last bite of mashed potatoes or soft bread. This classic dish is a nostalgic trip down the best kind of memory lane—homestyle cooking that never fails to satisfy. It’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making weeknights a little more delicious, and every ingredient works together to create that cozy, hearty magic we all crave.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salisbury Steak is just how straightforward the ingredients are—each one adds a key note of flavor or texture, giving this dish its signature richness and depth. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much; these essentials are what turn ground beef into a hearty masterpiece!

Ground beef (1 lb): The foundation of any Salisbury Steak, choose 80/20 for the juiciest results.
Large egg (1): Binds the meat mixture together, so your patties stay firm and moist.
Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): These keep the patties light, not dense, soaking up flavor from every sauce ingredient.
A1 steak sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings tang and bold umami, giving the patties depth you can taste in every bite.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a little zing and savory complexity.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): For a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of the beef.
Homemade steak seasoning (1 tablespoon): A great way to personalize your steak; use your favorite mix of salt, pepper, and a touch of spice.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers background warmth and aroma.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the beefy flavor and adds savory sweetness.
Butter (1 tablespoon, for patties): Searing in butter adds flavor and helps with browning.
Butter (3 tablespoons, for gravy): Forms the rich base of your velvety gravy.
Medium onion, sliced thin (1): Essential for a classic gravy and a beautiful hint of sweetness.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy just right, so it clings perfectly to each bite.
Beef broth or stock (2 ½ cups): Deepens the gravy, marrying all the savory flavors together.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste: Always essential—adjust for the most perfectly seasoned result.
Sliced baby Bella mushrooms (8 oz): Bring earthy flavor and texture to your gravy, making every spoonful crave-worthy.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Form the Patties

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining your ground beef, egg, panko, steak sauce, Worcestershire, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is where you’ll want to use your hands—gloves are handy—to gently work everything together, ensuring an even blend without compacting the meat too much. Once mixed, shape into four round patties, each about ¾ to 1 inch thick. You want them nice and uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

In a medium skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s golden and foamy, add the patties in (don’t crowd them—work in batches if needed!). Cook for about 5 minutes per side. They should form a flavorful brown crust and be cooked through. Transfer the finished patties to a plate and keep them warm with foil or a lid.

Step 3: Start the Gravy Base

Check your skillet—if there’s more than a tablespoon of fat left, spoon out the excess so you’re left with about a tablespoon. No need to clean the pan! All those lovely browned bits are the secret to a robust Salisbury Steak gravy. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt while you scrape up those flavorful fond with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

Toss in your thinly sliced onions and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to grow soft and translucent, infusing the butter with sweetness. This step develops the base of your sauce and makes the kitchen smell like home!

Step 5: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the buttery onions and stir well. Let the flour cook for a couple of minutes until it’s just a hint golden—this gets rid of that raw taste and helps the gravy thicken perfectly. The onions will be coated and the mixture will look a bit pasty—right on track.

Step 6: Bring the Gravy Together

Pour in the beef broth slowly while stirring, making sure to dissolve any clumps. Simmer this, stirring frequently, until the gravy begins to thicken—about 3 to 4 minutes. Now’s the time to season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go so you don’t overdo it.

Step 7: Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking

Stir in the sliced mushrooms and carefully nestle the cooked patties back into the skillet, spooning a little gravy over the top of each. Drop the heat to low and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, giving the mushrooms time to go tender and allowing everything to soak up those fabulous flavors. By now, you should have Salisbury Steak that’s begging to be served!

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

Brighten up your finished Salisbury Steak with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme—just a little goes a long way in making those plates look extra inviting. If you love a touch of decadence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra gravy never hurts!

Side Dishes

The classic partnership is mashed potatoes, which perfectly absorb all that luscious gravy. But Salisbury Steak loves variation—try it over fluffy white or brown rice, egg noodles, or even with roasted root vegetables. Don’t forget a side of green beans or peas for a pop of color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating individual Salisbury Steak patties atop creamy polenta for a southern twist, or stack them on thick toast for a rustic open-faced sandwich. For a family-style presentation, arrange the patties in a cast iron skillet right in the center of the table, ladling gravy generously over the top for a truly cozy centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Steak keeps beautifully! Store cooled patties and gravy together in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors tend to meld and deepen, making leftovers a treat.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, Salisbury Steak freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then portion the steaks and gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. They’ll keep for about 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Salisbury Steak gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if needed. The microwave works, too, but go slow to avoid drying the meat—a minute or two at a time, checking as you go.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of Salisbury Steak. Just be careful not to overcook, as leaner meats can dry out faster. You might also want to add a splash of milk for extra juiciness.

What if I don’t have A1 steak sauce?

No worries—if you don’t have A1, you can substitute with extra Worcestershire and a touch of soy sauce or even a small splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar tangy, umami effect.

Can I make Salisbury Steak gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Double-check that your steak sauce and broth are gluten-free, too.

Why did my gravy turn out lumpy?

Lumpy gravy usually happens if the flour isn’t fully whisked into the butter and onions before adding broth. Next time, take a minute to mix thoroughly and pour the broth in slowly, stirring the whole time for a smooth, glossy sauce.

Is Salisbury Steak the same as a hamburger steak?

They’re very similar but not quite the same! Salisbury Steak is usually seasoned more like meatloaf, often includes ingredients like egg, breadcrumbs, and sauces, and it’s always served with a rich brown gravy—making it a bit more special than a simple hamburger patty.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a hearty dinner with familiar home-cooked warmth, this Salisbury Steak is truly unbeatable. Whether you’re serving longtime fans or introducing it to new palates, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how much comfort and flavor you can create in under an hour.