The Ultimate Salisbury Steak Recipe: Tender Patties in Rich Mushroom Gravy
Craving that ultimate comfort food hug? Few dishes deliver warmth and satisfaction quite like a classic Salisbury Steak. Picture juicy, tender beef patties swimming in a savory, homemade onion-mushroom gravy — this recipe will change your mind if you’ve ever encountered dry, bland versions. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this Salisbury Steak recipe is both easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why This Salisbury Steak Recipe is a Must-Try
- Juicy and tender beef patties: The perfect balance of seasoning and binders keeps them moist.
- Rich homemade mushroom gravy: Loaded with caramelized onions, cremini mushrooms, and a touch of thyme.
- Family-friendly comfort food: Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
- Versatile serving options: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice for a hearty meal.
- Made from scratch: No canned soups or shortcuts here — just real ingredients and real flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan (preferably cast iron or non-stick)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean for best flavor)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or drippings from cooking patties)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream or a pat of butter for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined—overmixing can make patties tough. Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval patties about ½ inch thick.
2. Cook the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add patties without overcrowding and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add remaining olive oil or reserved drippings to the skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add mushrooms and cook another 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook off raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Simmer gently, scraping up browned bits.
5. Simmer Together
Nestle the cooked patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until patties are cooked through and gravy thickens.
6. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in heavy cream or butter if using for extra richness. Serve Salisbury steak hot, ideally over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice.
Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak Every Time
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep patties tender.
- Browning the patties well adds deep flavor to the gravy.
- Let the patties simmer gently in gravy for moist, tender results.
- Fresh mushrooms and caramelized onions make the gravy exceptional.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Patties can be formed ahead and refrigerated or frozen before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for the classic experience.
- Spoon gravy over buttered egg noodles for a hearty twist.
- Pair with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for balance.
- Add a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, but turkey tends to be leaner and drier. Add a bit of oil or a tablespoon of mayonnaise to keep patties moist.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Freeze cooked patties with gravy in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives for the gravy, such as cornstarch or rice flour.
This Salisbury Steak recipe brings together the perfect blend of juicy, flavorful beef patties and a rich, savory mushroom gravy that tastes homemade and comforting. It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and you’ve got a timeless comfort food classic on your hands.
Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Form into 6-8 patties.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon.
- Add remaining oil/drippings. Sauté onions 5-7 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms; cook 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over veggies; cook 1-2 minutes. Whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
- Return patties to skillet. Simmer covered 10-15 minutes until cooked through and gravy thickens.
- Stir in cream or butter if using. Season to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes