Salisbury Steak with Gravy

Salisbury Steak with Gravy is a classic, comforting meal made with seasoned beef patties and a thick, tasty gravy. It’s a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy on weeknights. The best part? This meal is fancy and filling, and it uses common pantry items. It’s more special than a regular ground beef dinner. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, whether you like classic comfort food or are just looking for something easy and tasty.

Let’s get into how to make the best Salisbury steak and gravy from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Anyone who likes classic, home-cooked meals will love this Salisbury steak recipe. The rich, tasty gravy and the soft beef patties are a perfect match. Also, it’s easy to make and uses common ingredients, so it’s great for busy weeknights. You’ll also love how versatile it is; it goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles. And don’t forget the mushrooms! They give the dish more flavor and texture.

Time to get ready: 15 minutes
Time to cook: 30 minutes

What You Need to Make Salisbury Steak

To make this tasty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the patties:

• 1½ pounds of ground beef (an 80/20 blend is best)
• ½ cup of Italian breadcrumbs (adds flavor and helps hold the patties together)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (for a subtle sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard (gives a bit of tang)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (deepens the flavor)
• 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed (adds concentrated beef flavor)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the patties)

For the Gravy:

• 2 cups hot water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (for a rich, beefy base)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (adds a bit of sweetness and color)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami flavor)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken the gravy)
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons (adds sweetness and depth)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

How to Make Salisbury Steak Patties

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together well but still be moist.
2. Shape the Patties: Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each into an oval patty. These patties should be about ¾ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
3. Brown the Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties and brown them on one side, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Flip them over and cook until browned on the other side, another 4-5 minutes. Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

The Perfect Gravy for Salisbury Steak

The gravy is where this dish really shines, and it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The onions and mushrooms give the gravy depth and texture, while the cornstarch ensures the perfect consistency.

1. Make the Gravy Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of hot water, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 4 teaspoons of cornstarch. Set this mixture aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet you used to brown the patties, add the sliced onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, stirring for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup of the broth mixture into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to the gravy.
4. Add Mushrooms and Simmer: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the rest of the gravy mixture. Mix well and bring the gravy to a low boil. Stir it every so often and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens.

How to Cook Step by Step

8. Combine Patties and Gravy: Return the browned Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Use a spoon to coat the patties with the gravy. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb the gravy.
9. Check for Doneness: Ensure the patties are cooked through by checking that they have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
10. Serve: Once the Salisbury steaks are done, serve them hot with generous spoonfuls of the onion and mushroom gravy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Salisbury steak is best served with comforting side dishes like mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or rice to soak up the rich gravy. For a lighter touch, try pairing it with steamed vegetables like green beans or a crisp side salad. Buttered egg noodles are also a popular choice, as they provide a simple base to complement the flavorful gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the patties: Make sure to brown the patties but don’t overcook them in the skillet before adding them back into the gravy. Overcooked beef patties can become dry.
• Not deglazing the pan: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan! This technique lifts all the flavorful browned bits from cooking the patties and incorporates them into the gravy.
• Using too much cornstarch: Be careful with the cornstarch—too much will make the gravy too thick and gloopy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best consistency.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm the steak and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the gravy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out.

Questions that come up a lot

Can I freeze Salisbury steak? Yes! You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy. Let everything cool, then place the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just be aware that turkey tends to cook a little faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of mushrooms? If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with sliced bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Salisbury Steak and Gravy Recipe is a classic comfort food that brings together flavorful beef patties and a rich gravy, perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of onions, mushrooms, and a well-seasoned steak patty makes this dish a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-make meals!

Lily