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If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe. This dish takes humble ground beef and transforms it into juicy, savory oval patties, smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, it’s a straightforward recipe that delivers in taste, texture, and nostalgia—plus, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Trust me, once you make this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe, it’s bound to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the best meals, and this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is no exception. Each element plays a critical role—from the panko breadcrumbs that keep the patties tender to the Worcestershire sauce that deepens the gravy’s flavor. Getting these ingredients ready ensures you create a dish that’s rich, juicy, and irresistibly satisfying.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein for juicy, flavorful steaks without too much fat.
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds light texture and helps bind the patties perfectly without weighing them down.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a gentle binder to hold everything together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Brings a subtle sweetness and tang that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness for complexity within the patty mixture.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy herbal note for well-rounded taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning that brings all the flavors alive.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear that locks in juices and adds golden color.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Sautéed to sweet, tender perfection to elevate the gravy.
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthiness and body to the gravy, creating phenomenal depth.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: For mixing with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Enriches the gravy with a silky, velvety finish.
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided: Forms the flavorful base of the gravy, keeping it savory and robust.
- 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Key ingredient that amps up the umami factor in the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile without overpowering.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Final seasoning touches for balanced flavor.
- Optional for serving: mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles: Classic comforting sides that soak up the glorious gravy.
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Mix everything gently to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the patties tender rather than tough. Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties that are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties carefully and cook until golden brown on each side—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Browning seals in the juices, creating that mouthwatering crust we all love. Once browned, transfer the steaks to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and cremini mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat until they become tender, fragrant, and slightly caramelized—this step builds the savory foundation for your gravy. When done, remove the onions and mushrooms from the pan and set aside with the steaks.
Step 4: Make the Rich Gravy
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the salted butter until melted. Pour in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth followed by Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this slurry into the skillet, mixing constantly to prevent lumps. Let the gravy begin to thicken and come to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and browned patties back to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Let everything cook together until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency. If it gets too thick, simply add a splash of water or beef broth and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is ready to be served immediately. Ladle plenty of that luscious mushroom gravy over each steak and pair with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a truly comforting meal experience.
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and a pop of color bring life to this dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over each plate for an herbaceous finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy. For an extra touch, a few thin slices of green onion or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add visual interest and flavor.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are the traditional, beloved choice with Salisbury steak because they soak up the gravy so well. Buttered egg noodles are a wonderful alternative, bringing a soft, silky texture that complements the beef. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans make excellent lighter accompaniments that add color and balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Salisbury steak open-faced on toasted rustic bread for a Salisbury steak sandwich. You could also plate the patties over creamy polenta or rice pilaf for a comforting variation with a different grain. Don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes and sides to put your own spin on this classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor. The patties and gravy will stay moist and delicious, ready for quick reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Salisbury steak by placing the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, consider portioning the dish into meal-sized servings so you can thaw just what you need without waste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much during reheating. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe calls for lean ground beef for its classic flavor and texture, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep in mind that these meats may cook faster and can be less juicy, so consider adding a bit more panko or an extra egg to maintain tenderness.
What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work as well to bind the patties. Panko adds a lighter, airier texture, but traditional breadcrumbs will still help hold your Salisbury steaks together without issue.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before making the gravy?
Browning the patties first is key to developing those rich, caramelized flavors that make Salisbury steak so delicious. It creates a lovely crust that helps seal in juices, plus those browned bits in the pan contribute amazing depth to the gravy when you sauté the onions and mushrooms.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner if needed?
The cornstarch slurry is your gravy’s thickening agent. To thicken, simply make and add a bit more slurry with cornstarch and water. To thin the gravy, stir in a little more beef broth or water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
What sides besides mashed potatoes complement this dish well?
Besides mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad all make great partners to Salisbury steak. These sides provide balance, texture, and color to round out your meal deliciously.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create this comforting and flavorful Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe, there’s no reason not to bring it into your dinner rotation. It’s straightforward to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Next time you want a nostalgic, homey meal that’s full of heart, pull together these simple ingredients and enjoy every savory bite!
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Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy beef patties mixed with flavorful herbs and seasonings, cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting classic perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served best alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth, divided
- 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated, then form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Brown the Patties: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the patties and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until they become tender and lightly caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy Base: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry and slowly whisk it into the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked onions, mushrooms, and beef patties to the skillet. Continue cooking on medium-low heat until the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the gravy thickens further. If the gravy thickens too much, add a small amount of water or beef broth to reach desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, topped with the mushroom-onion gravy. Accompany with your choice of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing the beef mixture to keep patties tender.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the skillet.
- Internal temperature of 160°F ensures the beef is safely cooked without being overdone.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add cornstarch slurry gradually and cook a few extra minutes.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing patties and gravy separately, then reheating gently before serving.
