If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in food form, Salisbury Steak with gravy is the way to go. This classic dish brings together savory, seasoned beef patties with a rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Salisbury Steak is one of those classic comfort foods that never gets old. The combination of tender beef patties smothered in a luscious gravy is so satisfying, and the flavors just melt together. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, and it’s incredibly easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients. Plus, you can make it in one pan, which means fewer dishes—always a win! Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or want to impress guests with a nostalgic meal, Salisbury Steak and Gravy is your answer.
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but let’s dive into how to make this classic dish.
Ingredients
(Full list below in the recipe card)
- Ground beef
- Onion (for both the patties and the gravy)
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Flour (for thickening the gravy)
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Butter and oil (for frying)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) in a bowl. Add some finely chopped onion to the mix for extra flavor. Once everything is combined, form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Set aside while you prepare the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and cooked through. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add a little more butter and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add a tablespoon of flour to the skillet and stir to form a roux. Let it cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan—they add tons of flavor to the gravy. Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and bring the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.
Step 4: Return the Patties to the Skillet
Once the gravy has thickened, return the browned patties to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the top of the patties, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the patties to soak up the gravy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Salisbury steaks with the rich gravy spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal. Get ready to dig in!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Tender Patties: To make the patties even more tender, try adding a little milk to the ground beef mixture along with the breadcrumbs. This helps keep the patties moist.
- Beef Broth Substitute: If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth, but beef broth gives a deeper flavor to the gravy.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of thyme to the gravy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Mushroom Gravy: For a different twist, you can add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a savory, earthy flavor.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth for the gravy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Salisbury Steak and Gravy is a hearty meal that pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of buttered corn or a slice of garlic bread to soak up that delicious gravy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the Salisbury Steak and Gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent the meat from drying out.
4 FAQs
- Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?
Yes, you can! After cooking, let the Salisbury steak cool completely. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the oven. - Can I make the gravy without flour?
Yes, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then add it to the gravy to thicken it. - Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the gravy will give it extra flavor and texture. - How do I know when the patties are done cooking?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. The savory beef patties smothered in rich gravy are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish will never disappoint. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that feels both nostalgic and utterly satisfying!
Print
Salisbury Steak and Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried and simmered
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salisbury Steak and Gravy is a classic comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. This dish is perfect when served with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
-
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
-
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the gravy)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Make the Salisbury Steaks:
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and form each portion into a patty. -
Cook the Steaks:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened and caramelized. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer. -
Thicken the Gravy:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering gravy and stir constantly until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked Salisbury steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Let the steaks simmer in the gravy for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream.
- For a healthier version, lean ground turkey can be used instead of beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Salisbury steak with gravy
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg