How to Make Salisbury Steak: A Comfort Food Classic
Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish of tender ground beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals, this recipe is easy to make and always satisfies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Salisbury steak from scratch, ensuring it’s juicy, savory, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Steak Patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties, about ½-inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5–6 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Mix in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
- Return the seared steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. This allows the patties to cook through and absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.
- Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the patties are fully cooked and the gravy is rich and velvety, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, smothered in gravy, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can result in dense patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms provide the best flavor and texture.
- Customize the Gravy: For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Make It Ahead: Salisbury steak reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury steak is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy, flavorful patties and savory mushroom gravy creates a dish that feels indulgent yet homely. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it and enjoy a taste of timeless comfort food!
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