Classic Salisbury Steak

This classic Salisbury Steak brings a warm, hearty meal to your table with its tender ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. It's the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate after a long day.

This recipe conjures memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients transforms into an unforgettable meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Ingredients You Need

• Olive oil: for browning and sautéing adding a smooth base and preventing sticking
• Yellow onion: minced for the patty mixture brings a mild sweetness and moisture
• Garlic cloves: minced provide an aromatic kick that complements the beef
• Egg: acts as a binder to hold the patties together for a tender texture
• Milk: adds moisture ensuring the patties stay juicy and soft
• Yellow mustard: gives a subtle tang and depth to the flavor profile
• Ketchup: adds a hint of sweetness balancing the savory ingredients
• Worcestershire sauce: layers complex umami notes enhancing the overall taste
• Dried oregano: for an herbal touch brightening the patties
• Salt and pepper: to season and bring out the natural flavors
• Italian breadcrumbs: bind the mixture and absorb moisture keeping patties tender choose fresh, finely ground breadcrumbs for best results
• Ground beef: with 80% lean content balances richness and juiciness for succulent patties
• Additional olive oil: for cooking the patties without drying out the meat
• Finely diced onion: cooked in the gravy adds a mellow sweetness and texture
• Unsalted butter: enriches the gravy giving a creamy mouthfeel
• White button mushrooms: sliced release earthiness and soak up the savory broth flavor
• Beef broth: forms the luscious base of the gravy packed with meaty goodness
• Beef bouillon cube: intensifies flavor complementing the broth
• Onion powder and garlic powder: boost the savory aroma of the sauce
• Extra Worcestershire sauce: enriches the gravy making it deeply flavorful
• Cold water combined with cornstarch: creates a slurry to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Patty Mixture:

In a spacious bowl, blend two tablespoons of olive oil, minced onion, minced garlic, whisked egg, milk, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Italian breadcrumbs. Stir until everything is uniformly combined.

Shape And Cook Patties:

Gently fold in the ground beef without overmixing to avoid toughening. Divide into four equal parts and shape each into an oval patty about three-quarters of an inch thick. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare The Mushroom Gravy:

In the same skillet, add finely diced onion and butter. Cook gently until the onion softens and picks up a light golden color after about five minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender and their moisture is released, roughly seven to ten minutes.

Create The Rich Sauce:

Pour in beef broth adding the bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Bring this to a gentle simmer scraping the browned bits from the bottom to dissolve all that flavor. Whisk together cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl then stir this slurry into the simmering gravy. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately one to two minutes.

Simmer The Patties In Gravy:

Return Salisbury steak patties to the skillet tucking them snugly into the gravy. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the patties soak up all those mushroom-veiled flavors.

Serve And Enjoy:

Ladle the mushroom gravy generously over the Salisbury steak. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a hearty comforting meal.

I remember making Salisbury steak for a family gathering years ago and being amazed by how everyone requested seconds. The combination of savory patties nestled in a mushroomy sauce creates a truly memorable dinner.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftover Salisbury steak patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from separating For longer storage, freeze the patties and gravy separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best texture

Ingredient Variations

Experiment by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or a beef and pork blend for different textures and flavors Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier patty texture Try cremini or portobello mushrooms to add earthier and more intense mushroom flavor profiles

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Classic mashed potatoes soak up every drop of the luscious mushroom gravy Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a fresh, vibrant contrast Serve with buttery egg noodles tossed in parsley for an old-fashioned diner feel

This Salisbury steak melts in your mouth and the mushroom gravy lingers with satisfying richness. It's a dish you will want to return to time and again for its comforting warmth and simple elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the patties stay tender and juicy?

To keep patties tender, mix ingredients gently without overhandling and avoid overcooking. Simmering them in the gravy also helps retain moisture and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the Italian breadcrumbs?

Yes, Panko breadcrumbs work well as a substitute providing a slightly lighter texture, but the overall binding effect remains similar.

→ What can I serve with Salisbury steak for a complete meal?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables complement the rich mushroom gravy and beef patties perfectly for a balanced dinner.

→ How long should I cook the mushroom gravy?

Sauté mushrooms for about 7-10 minutes until tender, then simmer the gravy until it thickens, which usually takes 1-2 minutes after adding the slurry.

→ What is key to making a rich and flavorful gravy?

Using beef broth enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onions, and fresh mushrooms builds a deep, savory base for a rich gravy.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and gravy separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving to maintain texture and flavor.