There’s just something about Salisbury Steak that feels like the ultimate comfort food: juicy, flavorful beef patties swimming in a rich, savory mushroom-onion gravy, begging to be paired with a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes. Every forkful brings together savory, tender beef, umami-packed sauce, and hearty veggies, making it the sort of cozy, old-fashioned dish you want to share with both family and friends. If you’re craving a recipe that hits all the soothing notes of home-cooked goodness yet feels a touch special, Salisbury Steak is about to become your new dinner hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salisbury Steak is all about big flavor delivered with simple, straightforward ingredients. Each component not only brings its own unique taste and texture, but also works together to create a dish that’s familiar yet showstopping every time.

Ground beef (1 lb): The foundation for juicy, tender patties—use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best mix of flavor and texture.
Large egg (1): Acts as the binder to hold everything neatly together.
Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): These extra-light crumbs keep the patties moist rather than dense.
A1 steak sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a punch of umami and subtle tang to the meat mixture.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Deepens the flavor profile with savory notes and mild sweetness.
Ketchup (1 tbsp): Lends a gentle sweetness that balances the beef and gravy.
Homemade steak seasoning (1 tbsp): Brings big, savory flavor and ensures a perfectly seasoned patty.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Savory and aromatic for a pop of background flavor.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle depth and a bit of sweetness to the beef mixture.
Butter (1 tbsp + 3 tbsp): Used for cooking the patties and sautéing the veggies for ultra-rich flavor.
Medium onion, thinly sliced (1): Brings sweetness and classic gravy character as it caramelizes.
All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the gravy, making it luxuriously smooth.
Beef broth or stock (2½ cups): The savory backbone of the gravy—use stock for even more richness.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste): Essential for balanced flavor throughout.
Sliced baby Bella mushrooms (8 oz): Tender, meaty mushrooms give the gravy incredible depth and texture.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

Start by reaching for a good-sized bowl—trust me, you’ll want a little elbow room here. Combine the ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using your hands (I love slipping on a pair of gloves for this), gently mix everything together just until combined. You want the mixture to stay light and tender. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, and shape them into thick, round patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Doing this by hand helps ensure your Salisbury Steak patties will be juicy, not tough.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat the first tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add your beef patties. Leave them undisturbed for about five minutes per side so they get that gorgeous golden crust. When both sides are browned and the patties are almost cooked through, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil or a lid—you want to keep them warm while you work on the gravy magic.

Step 3: Prep the Skillet for Gravy

Don’t clean out the skillet—seriously, keep all those little brown bits! If there’s more than a tablespoon of fat left, spoon out the excess so you’re left with just about one tablespoon. The pan drippings will give your Salisbury Steak gravy deeper flavor. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible.

Step 4: Sauté Onions for Gravy

Add three tablespoons of butter to the skillet over medium heat, letting it melt and mingle with the beef drippings. Toss in your thinly sliced onions and cook for around five minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should soften and turn translucent, which brings out all their natural sweetness—the perfect base for luscious gravy.

Step 5: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat them well. Allow this mixture to cook, stirring frequently, for about two minutes. You’re looking for the flour to take on a light, nutty brown color. This simple step helps prevent any raw flour taste in the finished Salisbury Steak gravy, ensuring a silky, well-rounded sauce.

Step 6: Add the Broth and Thicken

Slowly pour in your beef broth while continuously stirring, making sure all the flour is dissolved. Increase the heat just a bit and let everything simmer for three to four minutes, stirring often. The gravy will start to thicken and develop gorgeous depth. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting along the way so the flavor is just right.

Step 7: Finish with Mushrooms and Simmer

Add the mushrooms to the skillet, gently nestle your browned patties back in, and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer together for about seven to ten minutes. The mushrooms will soften and become silky, and the gravy will thicken to just the right consistency, coating every nook and cranny of the Salisbury Steak.

Step 8: Time to Serve

Now comes my favorite part: serving! Salisbury Steak is absolute heaven over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Scoop extra gravy over the top and don’t forget a side of steamed veggies or warm bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over Salisbury Steak adds instant color and a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the gravy. You could also finish with a little flaky sea salt or a light dusting of black pepper for extra flair. If you adore onions, pile on some extra caramelized onions right before serving—visually stunning and packed with flavor!

Side Dishes

Fluffy mashed potatoes are a no-brainer (they’re the ultimate gravy sponge!), but Salisbury Steak also loves company with buttered egg noodles, rice, or rustic hunks of warm bread. For a pop of color and freshness, serve with steamed green beans, peas, or even a lightly dressed salad. The hearty, saucy nature of the steak works well alongside just about any classic comfort side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual Salisbury Steak patties in small cast iron skillets for a rustic, bistro-inspired experience, or make mini patties for party-friendly sliders. For a fun twist, spoon the mixture over toasted bread slices, almost like an open-faced sandwich smothered in rich mushroom gravy. Feeling extra? Top each steak with a fried egg for brunch vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Steak stores beautifully. Simply transfer the patties and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gravy may thicken slightly when chilled, but a quick warm-up brings everything right back to life.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Salisbury Steak! Let everything cool completely, then place patties and gravy in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to three months—an easy way to stash away some homemade comfort for future cravings.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Salisbury Steak in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy is too thick. The microwave works in a pinch; just use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts, stirring the gravy occasionally to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Definitely! While classic Salisbury Steak uses ground beef, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a beef-pork blend. Just keep an eye on fat content—leaner meats may need a touch more butter or a splash of milk to stay juicy and tender.

How can I make Salisbury Steak gluten-free?

No problem! Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the gravy. Double-check that your steak sauce and Worcestershire are gluten-free, and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly comfort meal.

My gravy turned out lumpy—what happened?

Usually, lumps form if the flour isn’t fully incorporated with the butter and onions before adding the broth. Next time, whisk the flour in thoroughly and add the broth slowly, whisking the whole time. For now, a quick blitz with an immersion blender usually smooths things right out!

Can I make Salisbury Steak ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Salisbury Steak is a meal prep superstar. Cook the patties and gravy, then store them together in the fridge. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so your reheated meal tastes just as delicious—if not more so.

What if I don’t have A1 steak sauce?

Don’t worry—you can substitute with extra Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce, and a smidge of ketchup. It won’t be exactly the same, but your gravy will still have plenty of tangy, savory depth.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together like a comforting plate of Salisbury Steak covered in rich mushroom-onion gravy. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, bringing the same warmth, nostalgia, and smiles to your table as it has to mine. Dive in, make it your own, and don’t forget to save a little extra gravy for those lucky leftovers!

Salisbury Steak Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Salisbury Steak recipe combines seasoned ground beef patties with a savory mushroom gravy, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Patties: In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, A1 sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 patties.
Cook Patties: Cook patties in a skillet over medium heat until done; set aside.
Make Gravy: In the same skillet, sauté onions, then add flour, broth, and mushrooms. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return patties to the skillet and simmer until mushrooms are tender.
Serve: Serve Salisbury Steak with mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

You can serve this dish with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the patties and gravy to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American