This recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour. The beef patties are juicy and tender, while the savory mushroom-onion gravy adds incredible flavor. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste, and it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Great for busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion (finely chopped and sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Mushrooms (sliced)
Beef broth
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Water
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch (or flour) with water to make a slurry. Add to the skillet and stir until the gravy thickens.
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the patties are fully cooked and the flavors have blended.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for deeper flavor.
Include chopped bell peppers or celery in the beef mixture for added texture.
Substitute the beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth for a different twist.
Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add a splash of broth or water to thin the gravy if needed. For freezing, place cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
FAQs
What is Salisbury steak made of?
Salisbury steak is made of ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, shaped into patties and served with a brown gravy, often with mushrooms and onions.
Can I use instant gravy instead?
Yes, you can use pre-made or instant gravy for convenience, but making it from scratch adds better flavor and texture.
What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury steak often includes more seasonings and fillers like breadcrumbs and egg, while hamburger steak is usually just seasoned beef.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch (instead of flour) to thicken the gravy.
What side dishes go well with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, green beans, or steamed vegetables are all great options.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the patties and even cook them in advance. Store separately from the gravy and reheat together when ready to serve.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs, which act as binders, and avoid overmixing the beef.
Do I have to use mushrooms?
No, mushrooms are traditional but optional. You can leave them out or replace them with more onions or other vegetables.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s usually a hit with kids thanks to the mild flavor and rich gravy.
Can I bake the patties instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then finish them in the gravy on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Easy Salisbury Steak is a timeless, satisfying dish that combines flavorful beef patties with a rich, savory gravy. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers big on comfort and taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice.
Easy Salisbury Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped (plus extra sliced for gravy)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties about ½ inch thick.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and browned.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch (or flour) with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook until the gravy thickens.
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them in the gravy.
Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the patties are cooked through and flavors meld.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.Add red wine to the gravy for extra depth.Include chopped bell peppers or celery for texture.Substitute beef broth with vegetable or mushroom broth for variation.Add hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicier flavor.Mushrooms are optional—feel free to omit or replace with more onions.
