Craving a hearty meal that brings back the warmth of home-cooked dinners? This ultimate salisbury steak recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic dish that’s simple to prepare and overflowing with rich, savory flavors. Say goodbye to ordinary meals and hello to a family favorite that’s sure to earn rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salisbury steak recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Imagine tender, juicy beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside steamed vegetables. It’s an easy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe brings everyone together around the dinner table. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty entrée that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Plus, it’s made from scratch, so you know exactly what’s in it—no mystery ingredients here!
Ingredient Overview
The star of this salisbury steak recipe is ground beef, providing a hearty base that’s both filling and flavorful. Mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, the patties are tender yet hold together well during cooking. Onions and garlic add depth and aroma, enhancing the overall taste. The savory gravy, made with beef broth, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce, elevates the dish to restaurant-quality. If you’re looking for variations, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Mastering the Perfect Salisbury Steak
Creating the perfect salisbury steak involves a few key techniques. When mixing the meat, be gentle to avoid overworking it, which can make the patties tough. Searing the patties before simmering them in the gravy locks in juices and adds a delicious crust. The gravy itself is a blend of rich flavors; sautéing the mushrooms and onions until they’re golden brown brings out their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step—the caramelization adds a depth of flavor that’s essential for an authentic salisbury steak recipe. Finally, simmering the patties in the gravy ensures they are cooked through and infused with the savory sauce, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty about half an inch thick. Making a small indentation in the center of each patty can prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions become translucent and start to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Deglaze
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. These bits add incredible flavor to the gravy and enhance this salisbury steak recipe.
Step 6: Season the Gravy
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. These ingredients add depth and a touch of sweetness to the gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering gravy. Continue to stir until the gravy begins to thicken, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 8: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over each patty. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the patties to cook through and absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.
Step 9: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the salisbury steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, with the gravy generously spooned over the top.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 32g
- Sugars: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 900mg
Tips for Success
To ensure your salisbury steak recipe turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Quality Meat: Opt for ground beef that’s 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Proper Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the patties to achieve a nice sear, which locks in juices.
- Caramelize Vegetables: Allow the onions and mushrooms to caramelize fully for a richer, more flavorful gravy.
- Smooth Gravy: Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps when adding it to the hot gravy.
How to Store
Proper storage will keep your salisbury steak recipe tasting fresh for days:
- Refrigerator: Place leftover salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties and gravy. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw frozen salisbury steak in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth to thin the gravy if it has thickened too much.
Substitutions and Variations
Make It Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version of this salisbury steak recipe, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the gravy. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring you still get a hearty and satisfying meal.
Experiment With Protein
Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ground bison or lamb can also add unique flavors to your salisbury steak. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as these meats may cook faster than beef.
Experiment With Vegetables
Add finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots to the meat mixture for added nutrients and flavor. You can also incorporate spinach or kale into the gravy for extra greens. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color to your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this salisbury steak recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the patties and the gravy separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy, add the patties, and simmer until heated through.
Q: What side dishes pair well with salisbury steak?
A: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice are excellent options to soak up the delicious gravy. Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots also complement the dish nicely.
Q: Can I use breadcrumbs substitutes?
A: Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Oats can also be used as a binder in the meat mixture.
Q: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more cornstarch slurry. Mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the gravy while simmering.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?
A: Yes, after searing the patties, you can transfer them to a baking dish, pour the gravy over them, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until cooked through. This method is convenient if you’re preparing other dishes simultaneously.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate salisbury steak recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a satisfying meal, this salisbury steak won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience. We’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you!
Ultimate Comfort: Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup finely chopped onion for gravy
- 2 cloves garlic minced (for gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for gravy
- 1 tbsp ketchup for gravy
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste for gravy
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into four oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear patties until browned on both sides.
- Remove patties from skillet and set aside.
- Add mushrooms and onions to the skillet and sauté until golden brown.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup; bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the gravy to thicken.
- Return patties to skillet, spoon gravy over, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.