Salisbury steak is a classic American dish known for its hearty beef patties served in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a dish that brings nostalgia to many, evoking memories of family dinners and comforting meals. With its tender, juicy beef patties paired with a flavorful gravy filled with caramelized onions and mushrooms, this skillet recipe is an easy and satisfying option for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food, and this version is made even easier with just one skillet for cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Flavorful: The beef patties are tender and juicy, enhanced with the umami of Worcestershire sauce and seasoning.
- One-Pan Wonder: From cooking the patties to making the gravy, everything is prepared in one skillet, making for a simple cleanup.
- Rich and Savory Gravy: The mushroom and onion gravy is the perfect complement to the steak patties, creating a comforting, mouth-watering meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing ahead, this recipe stores and reheats well, making it a great option for weekly meal prep.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or add vegetables of your choice to make it even heartier.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
- Ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for juicy, flavorful patties)
- Breadcrumbs (adds structure to the patties)
- Egg (helps bind the ingredients together)
- Worcestershire sauce (adds savory depth)
- Ketchup (a hint of sweetness and moisture)
- Garlic powder (for a mild, aromatic flavor)
- Onion powder (adds savory flavor)
- Salt (to season)
- Black pepper (for a mild kick)
For the Gravy:
- Unsalted butter (for sautéing and creating a rich base)
- Sliced onions (adds sweetness and depth to the gravy)
- Sliced mushrooms (for an earthy, rich texture)
- All-purpose flour (thickens the gravy)
- Beef broth (low-sodium preferred for a balanced flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce (boosts the gravy’s umami flavor)
- Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Make the Salisbury Steak Patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that can lead to dense patties.
- Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 portions (depending on your preferred size), and shape them into oval patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to coat the bottom of the pan, then cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. The onions will become caramelized and sweet, while the mushrooms will contribute their earthy flavor to the gravy.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and mushrooms, stirring well to coat. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to deepen the flavor. Stir everything together and bring the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Patties with the Gravy
- Return the cooked patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting the patties simmer for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and fully infused with the gravy’s flavors. This also helps the gravy thicken and become more flavorful.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, it’s time to serve. Plate the Salisbury steaks, generously spooning the rich gravy over them. This dish is delicious when served with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles. For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 patties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations to Try
- Turkey Salisbury Steak: For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Turkey Salisbury steak is still flavorful but with a lighter profile.
- Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free flour alternative or cornstarch.
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to the beef mixture for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based patties or portobello mushrooms in place of the beef for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition of your meal by adding bell peppers, carrots, or peas into the gravy. These vegetables will bring a vibrant color and additional vitamins to the dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the gravy will continue to meld and improve as it sits.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the Salisbury steak in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the gravy as it reheats.
Classic Skillet Salisbury Steak
This comforting Salisbury steak features juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy made with onions and mushrooms. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion and cooks all in one skillet!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Combine until just mixed, then form the mixture into 4–6 oval-shaped patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and cook over low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the patties to cook through and the gravy to thicken.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning the gravy over them. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
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FAQs
- What kind of beef is best for Salisbury steak?
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio works best for Salisbury steak as it produces juicy patties. However, leaner beef can be used if preferred. - Can I use canned gravy instead of homemade?
While homemade gravy offers a deeper flavor, you can certainly use canned or jarred gravy for convenience. - Why are my patties falling apart?
This can happen if the beef mixture isn’t mixed enough or is overworked. Ensure the ingredients are well combined but not over-mixed, and handle the patties gently while cooking. - Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine. - What can I serve with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are classic pairings. Steamed vegetables or a side salad also work wonderfully as accompaniments.
How to Make the Gravy Thicker If your gravy is too thin, simply let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can create a slurry with equal parts flour and water, whisk it in, and cook for another minute until thickened.
Conclusion This Classic Skillet Salisbury Steak recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. The tender, juicy beef patties and rich, savory gravy are a winning combination that’s sure to satisfy everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will please a crowd, this one-pan meal is perfect. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite!