Salisbury steak is the king of the "diner-style" dinner. It’s more sophisticated than a hamburger but easier to pull off than a traditional roast. The heart of any homemade salisbury steak recipe is a juicy, seasoned beef patty smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy.
While many of us grew up with the banquet salisbury steak recipe from the freezer aisle, making it from scratch is a total game-changer. Here is how to create a 5 star salisbury steak recipe in your own kitchen.
What Makes a Great Salisbury Steak?
A traditional salisbury steak recipe relies on two main components: the "steak" (which is actually a seasoned ground beef patty) and the salisbury steak gravy recipe.
- The Meat: Most salisbury steak recipes use ground beef, but you can elevate the flavor by using a salisbury steak recipe cube steak method or even a turkey salisbury steak recipe for a lighter twist.
- The Binder: To get that signature tender texture, you need breadcrumbs and an egg. This prevents the "steak" from becoming a tough burger.
- The Gravy: You can go the simple salisbury steak recipe route using a salisbury steak recipe with onion soup mix, or build a deep, rich salisbury steak mushroom gravy from scratch.
Ingredients for Salisbury Steak and Gravy
To make this recipe for salisbury steak and gravy, gather these kitchen staples:
Ingredient Amount Role
Ground Beef 1.5 lbs The base for a salisbury steak recipe with ground beef.
Breadcrumbs ½ Cup Keeps the meat tender and moist.
Beef Broth 2 Cups The foundation of the salisbury steak sauce recipe.
French Onion Soup Mix 1 Packet Secret weapon for a salisbury steak recipe with french onion soup mix.
Worcestershire Sauce 1 Tbsp Adds that essential "umami" punch.
Mushrooms 8 ozSliced thin for a classic salisbury steak recipe with mushroom soup vibe.
How to Make Salisbury Steak (Step-by-Step)
1. Shape the Patties
Mix your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Shape them into oval patties—this distinguishes them from round burgers and is the hallmark of an old fashioned salisbury steak recipe.
2. The Sear
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear the patties until golden brown on both sides. They don't need to be cooked through yet; they will finish in the gravy. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Gravy
In the same skillet, sauté your onions and mushrooms. If you’re using the french onion salisbury steak recipe method, stir in your soup mix and beef broth. Whisk in a little flour or cornstarch to thicken it into a luscious salisbury steak with brown gravy recipe.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Place the patties back into the gravy. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors, resulting in the best salisbury steak recipe you’ve ever tasted.
Modern Cooking Variations
- The Oven Method: If you're cooking for a crowd, a salisbury steak in oven recipe is much easier. Place the seared patties in a baking dish, pour the gravy over the top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- The Slow Cooker: For a "set it and forget it" meal, try a recipe for crock-pot salisbury steak. Just be sure to brown the meat first to lock in the juices!
- Dietary Swaps: Follow a keto salisbury steak recipe by swapping breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds and using a xanthan gum thickener for the gravy. For a wheat-free version, try the salisbury steak recipe gluten free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. A salisbury steak recipe with ground chicken or a venison salisbury steak recipe are great ways to lean out the dish while keeping it flavorful.
What should I serve it with?
Salisbury steak is practically mandatory with mashed potatoes to soak up the extra salisbury steak and gravy recipe. Steamed peas or a side of buttered noodles also work beautifully.
Is this the same as a "Hamburger Steak"?
Close, but not quite! A hamburger steak is usually just meat and salt/pepper. A salisbury steak simple recipe includes fillers like breadcrumbs and onions, giving it a texture more similar to meatloaf.
