If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, you’re in the right place. This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is a classic dish made with juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. The combination of simple ingredients creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and downright delicious, perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a warm, fulfilling plate. Every bite delivers that savory goodness that makes Salisbury steak such a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, bringing together flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. From the tender beef patties to the silky gravy loaded with mushrooms and onions, these staples come together simply but effectively.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base, providing tender, juicy patties full of flavor.
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the patties without making them dense.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to keep all the ingredients in your patties together.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang, enhancing the meat’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a mild bite and depth that complements the sauce beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in subtle herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and gravy perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the patties to a delectably crisp exterior.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Sweetens and flavors the gravy as it softens.
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Bring earthiness and meaty texture to the savory sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to that smooth, thick gravy you’ll want to pour over everything.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry that thickens the gravy without lumps.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the gravy flavors together.
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided: The soul of the gravy, providing robust beefy flavor and moisture.
- 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy umami boost to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses gentle aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- Kosher salt, to taste: For seasoning adjustments to your liking.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: To finish off with a bright peppery kick.
- Optional for serving: mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles: The perfect cozy accompaniments that soak up every bit of that luscious gravy.
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Make Patties
Start by combining the ground beef with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, oregano, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything gently—overmixing can make the patties tough—then shape into four oval patties. This step sets the base by forming tender, flavorful meat patties that hold together beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Brown Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your patties and cook until they develop a golden brown crust on each side. This browning step locks in juices and adds a wonderful texture and flavor. After browning, remove the patties and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and cremini mushrooms. Sauté until they become tender and begin to caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness and deepening the flavor of your gravy base. This step is crucial for building the rich, savory profile that makes this Salisbury steak recipe so outstanding.
Step 4: Make Gravy
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry, then slowly whisk this into the skillet to thicken your gravy gently, without lumps.
Step 5: Simmer
Return the browned steaks, along with the sautéed onions and mushrooms, into the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring every bite bursts with flavorful warmth.
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the gravy, making the dish visually appealing and even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, both of which soak up the savory mushroom and onion gravy beautifully. Steamed green beans or a crisp side salad can also balance the meal with some brightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Salisbury steak open-faced on toasted rustic bread, then pile on the mushroom gravy for a hearty sandwich. Alternatively, slice the patties and serve atop buttery rice pilaf with gravy drizzled over—a delightful way to mix up the presentation without losing that classic comfort food appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to store the gravy and patties together to maintain their succulent texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe later, freeze the cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When freezing, make sure everything cools completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and to warm the patties evenly. You can also microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel for a quick meal fix. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help maintain the perfect gravy consistency during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives that classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with ground turkey or a beef and pork blend for a slightly different but equally delicious result.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener—just use about double the amount, and whisk it into the butter before adding the broth to avoid lumps.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Definitely! You can form the patties up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, making dinner prep even quicker when you’re ready to cook and simmer everything together.
What if I don’t have cremini mushrooms?
White button mushrooms work just as well and are often easier to find. They offer a milder flavor but still bring great texture and earthiness to the gravy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s approachable for cooks of all levels, yet delivers that satisfying, rich flavor we all love. I encourage you to try making this at home—you’ll see how effortlessly it comes together and quickly becomes a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Print
Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is a comforting and classic American dish made with tender ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner served alongside mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided
- 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional for serving
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Instructions
- Make Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix carefully to avoid overworking the meat, then form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Brown Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cremini mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables have softened and browned slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Gravy: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry, then gradually whisk this into the skillet to thicken the gravy.
- Simmer: Return the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and browned beef patties to the skillet with the gravy. Simmer gently until the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy becomes thickened, about 5-10 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a little additional water or beef broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak hot with the mushroom-onion gravy spooned generously over the top. Accompany with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the ground beef mixture to keep patties tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch slurry gradually while simmering.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
