Salisbury Steak Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a little old-fashioned comfort to your dinner table, Salisbury Steak is where it’s at. This dish is the ultimate in cozy, craveable food—a gorgeous blend of tender, juicy ground beef, a touch of onion, and a rich, savory gravy draping everything in flavor. Whether you grew up seeing it on your grandma’s Sunday menu or you’re just discovering it now, Salisbury Steak is a classic that finds the sweet spot between easy weeknight meal and retro-chic comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Salisbury Steak is that it relies on kitchen staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient pulls double duty, providing flavor and contributing that unmistakable texture and color everyone loves.

• Ground beef (80/20): Choose a blend with enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful all the way through.
• Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian): This helps give structure to the patties, soaking up all the savory juices.
• Onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture that makes each bite tender.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the steaks with gentle garlicky warmth, balancing everything out.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings a signature depth and umami punch you simply can’t skip.
• Beef broth (low-sodium): Serves as the savory backdrop for the luscious gravy.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into that glossy, craveable gravy.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for rounding out every other flavor in the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear on the patties.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients

Start by adding your ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Using your hands or a fork, gently combine everything until just mixed—you want it uniform, but don’t overwork it or your Salisbury Steak patties could turn out tough instead of tender and juicy. This is where all the flavor magic begins!

Step 2: Shape Into Patties

With the mixture ready, form it into oval-shaped patties about three-quarters of an inch thick. This size is just right for cooking through while staying nice and moist, and the classic oval shape gives a little nod to tradition. Lay them out on a plate or baking sheet until you’re ready to sear.

Step 3: Sear the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add your Salisbury Steak patties. Let them sear undisturbed for about four minutes per side, developing a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in all those juicy flavors and gives each steak a satisfying bite.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Once the patties are browned, transfer them to a plate. Sprinkle the flour directly into the pan drippings—don’t skip this, because those little browned bits are flavor gold! Whisk the flour into the oil and drippings to create a smooth roux, then slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly until you have a velvety, lump-free sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Slip the seared Salisbury Steak patties back into the skillet, letting them nestle into the bubbling gravy. Simmer everything together for about five more minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld and the sauce to thicken just right. Every piece picks up that rich, beefy gravy—absolute heaven!

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy gravy generously over the top of each Salisbury Steak. This final touch ensures every bite is beautifully saucy—bonus points for serving with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles alongside to soak up even more of that delicious sauce.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the whole plate and adds a welcome pop of green. If you’re feeling decadent, a quick grind of black pepper or a few curls of crispy fried onions can take your Salisbury Steak over the top. A little extra gravy poured just before serving makes everything feel extra luxurious.

Side Dishes

Salisbury Steak always shines with classic comfort-food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing, soaking up every last drop of gravy. Buttered egg noodles, roasted green beans, or even simple steamed carrots make wonderful additions to round out the meal and give variety to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or want something a little whimsical, try making mini Salisbury Steak sliders on soft dinner rolls. For a family-style presentation, arrange the patties on a large platter, pour the gravy over the top, and scatter with fresh herbs. Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce is another delicious way to elevate the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Salisbury Steak, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The patties hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the extra time even gives them a little more flavor as the gravy soaks in.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well! Place the fully cooked and cooled steaks (with gravy) in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze in individual portions to make hurried weeknight dinners a breeze. They’ll keep wonderful flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

Gently warm your Salisbury Steak in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy seems too thick. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover and reheat in one-minute intervals, stirring the gravy for even warmth. The key is to heat slowly so the patties stay tender and the sauce remains silky.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Salisbury Steak and hamburger steak?

While both dishes use ground beef shaped into patties, Salisbury Steak often features bread crumbs, onion, and seasonings mixed into the meat, plus a signature brown gravy. Hamburger steak is usually more simply seasoned and often served without the rich, saucy topping.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

Absolutely! Sauté a handful of sliced mushrooms in the skillet after searing the patties, then proceed with the flour and broth for an extra earthy, flavor-packed twist on traditional Salisbury Steak.

Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might need a touch more moisture, so consider adding a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of Worcestershire sauce to keep everything juicy.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Swap out regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy. The results will still be absolutely delicious, with all the classic flavors of Salisbury Steak intact.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

You sure can! Form them up to a day in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes getting Salisbury Steak on the table even easier—just sear, sauce, and serve when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Salisbury Steak is pure comfort food at its very best—simple, hearty, and always satisfying. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, now’s the time! Gather your favorite sides, whip up that silky gravy, and treat your loved ones to a nostalgic classic that never goes out of style. Give it a try and prepare to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation.

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