Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food classic, bringing hearty flavor to the table in under an hour. With juicy, well-seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy, it turns a simple ground beef dinner into a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s a nostalgic dish that evokes home-cooked dinners with loved ones and is just as welcome on a busy weeknight as it is at a casual family gathering.

This recipe skips the TV dinner version and brings it back to its roots with simple, whole ingredients and bold flavors. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and you have a meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible. Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, Salisbury Steak is a must in your comfort food rotation.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best. You want enough fat to keep the steaks juicy and tender, but not so much that the patties fall apart or get greasy in the pan.

Ingredients for the Salisbury Steak

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the gravy:

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Make the Steak Patties

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 4 to 6 oval patties.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for about 4 minutes per side, until well-browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and golden, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly. Return patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over them. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.

Serving and Storing Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak is best served hot with plenty of gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option, but you might want to add a splash of milk to keep the patties from drying out.

Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?

Absolutely. Cook the dish fully, let it cool, then freeze in portions with the gravy. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Try soy sauce mixed with a dash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

Nope. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can leave them out and double the onions for a delicious alternative.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Salisbury Steak, you’ll want to check out these other comforting mains:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, skillet-ready meal.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan if you’re craving a veggie-forward dish with hearty vibes.
Shipwreck Dinner for an easy one-pan option loaded with flavor.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a pasta night you won’t forget.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you want a hands-off dinner that satisfies.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need comfort on a plate.

Have you tried making Salisbury Steak from scratch? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or try something new? Any twists to the gravy?

Drop your tips or questions in the comments—let’s keep the comfort food conversation going.

And if you’re looking for more weeknight inspiration, visit me on Pinterest @ Nina Dishes.

Salisbury Steak

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy beef patties simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. It’s an easy, hearty dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles, perfect for cozy family meals or weeknight comfort.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 4 to 6 oval patties.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for about 4 minutes per side, until well-browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and golden, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.

4. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly. Return patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over them. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes.