Salisbury Steak is a hearty and satisfying meal that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. This classic dish combines juicy, seasoned ground beef patties with rich, savory mushroom gravy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare, Salisbury Steak is a go-to recipe that will please both family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of beef and mushroom gravy delivers a deliciously rich taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Meal Options: Serve Salisbury Steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Affordable Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Cooked patties can be stored for later meals; just reheat and enjoy!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Salisbury Steak, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium size bowl
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking gloves (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium size bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients evenly when forming the patties.
- Skillet: Ideal for cooking the patties and making the gravy in one pan for enhanced flavor.
- Spoon: Useful for scraping up tasty bits from the skillet to create a rich gravy.
Ingredients
Salisbury Steak is an easy comfort food dinner that is affordable and simple to make! Juicy, well seasoned ground beef patties are smothered in a savory brown mushroom gravy with onions to create this classic American dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 tablespoon homemade steak seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion (sliced thin)
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 ½ cups beef broth (or stock)
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
– 8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms
How to Make Salisbury Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Using a medium size bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using your hands (I wear gloves), mix all the ingredients together. Form four round patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Add one tablespoon of butter to a medium size skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for five minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them on a plate. Cover with foil or a lid to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
If there’s more than one tablespoon of grease left from cooking the meat, use a spoon to discard excess grease until only one tablespoon remains. Do not clean the skillet; you want those flavorful pan drippings for your gravy.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
Add three tablespoons of butter into the skillet and use a spoon to scrape up all the bits from the bottom. Add sliced onions and cook for five minutes until they become translucent.
Step 5: Add Flour
Sprinkle in three tablespoons of flour while stirring into the butter and onions. Cook this mixture for about two minutes until lightly browned.
Step 6: Incorporate Broth
While stirring continuously, gradually add in two-and-a-half cups of beef broth. Stir until all flour is mixed into the broth. Cook for three to four minutes while stirring often until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Combine Patties & Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms along with cooked patties back into the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for seven to ten minutes until mushrooms are tender and gravy has thickened.
Step 8: Serve Your Dish
Serve your Salisbury Steak with mashed potatoes, over rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Don’t forget some warm bread to soak up that delicious gravy!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak is a hearty meal that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve this classic dish.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the rich gravy, soaking up all the flavors.
Over Rice
- Serving Salisbury Steak over fluffy rice offers a different texture and absorbs the savory mushroom gravy beautifully.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Fresh steamed veggies add color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the steak and gravy.
On a Toasted Bun
- For a fun twist, place the Salisbury Steak on a toasted bun to create a delicious sandwich option.
With Warm Bread
- Soft, warm bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining gravy, making every bite enjoyable.

How to Perfect Salisbury Steak
To create perfectly tender and flavorful Salisbury Steak, consider these essential tips:
Use quality ground beef: Choose ground beef with an 80/20 fat content for juicy patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
Let patties rest: After forming the patties, allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps in retaining moisture during cooking.
Taste your seasoning: Before cooking, taste your mixture to ensure it’s well-seasoned; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Use pan drippings: Don’t discard those flavorful drippings! They add depth to your gravy when making Salisbury Steak.
Simmer for flavor: Allow the dish to simmer after adding back the patties. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of both steak and mushrooms.
Best Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak
Pairing side dishes with your Salisbury Steak can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with garlic add richness that complements the steak perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast to the soft textures of the dish.
Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds offer crunch and freshness alongside the savory steak.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances the heaviness of the meal while adding a refreshing crunch.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a pop of sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors of Salisbury Steak.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes adds an interesting flavor profile that pairs well with rich gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salisbury Steak, certain mistakes can detract from the deliciousness of this classic dish. Avoid these common pitfalls for a perfect meal.
- Not seasoning the beef: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland patties. Always season the ground beef mixture with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for flavor.
- Overcooking the patties: Cooking the patties too long can make them dry. Aim for a juicy texture by cooking them just until they are no longer pink in the center.
- Using too much grease: Excess grease from cooking can make your gravy greasy. If there’s more than a tablespoon of grease left in the skillet, discard the extra before making the gravy.
- Neglecting to scrape the pan: Leaving bits stuck to the pan will result in a less flavorful gravy. Make sure to scrape up all those delicious drippings when adding butter and onions.
- Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste your gravy while cooking may lead to imbalanced flavors. Adjust seasoning gradually until it reaches perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Salisbury Steak in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salisbury Steak
- Place cooled Salisbury Steak in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Salisbury Steak
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of beef broth until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to Salisbury Steak that can help you perfect your dish.
What is Salisbury Steak made of?
Salisbury Steak is primarily made from ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, cooked and served with a rich mushroom gravy.
How do I make homemade Salisbury Steak?
To make homemade Salisbury Steak, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs and spices, shape into patties, cook them, and then prepare a gravy using pan drippings and mushrooms.
Can I use turkey instead of beef for Salisbury Steak?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for beef; however, you may need to adjust seasonings as turkey has a milder flavor.
What should I serve with Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury Steak pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Bread is also great for soaking up that delicious gravy!
Final Thoughts
Salisbury Steak is not only an easy comfort food but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different seasonings or add vegetables to the gravy. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This traditional dish features juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy, making it perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon homemade steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix until just combined and form into four patties.
- Heat one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about five minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Remove patties and set aside. In the same skillet, add three tablespoons of butter and the sliced onions; cook until translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for two minutes before gradually adding beef broth while stirring continuously until thickened.
- Add back the patties along with sliced mushrooms and simmer for 7-10 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (200g)
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 614mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg