Name: Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon of each); 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil if needed; ½ onion, diced; 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups beef stock or beef broth or beef consommé; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 20 reviews

If you’re in the mood for true comfort food but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen, this Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak is about to become your new go-to. Rich, beefy patties smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy—all prepared in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or simply when you crave something hearty, this recipe brings together classic flavors that will easily outshine anything from the freezer aisle.

Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak comes together with everyday pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Every ingredient has a purpose—whether it’s to bind the beef, build juicy flavor, or create that luscious gravy you’ll want to scoop up to the last drop.

Lean ground beef: Gives you juicy, meaty patties without being greasy.
Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy panko keeps your steaks tender with perfect texture.
Italian seasoning: This blend adds an herby backbone that lifts the savory beef.
Large egg: Acts as the essential binder making sure your patties hold together.
Ketchup: Sweetness and tang for both the patties and the gravy—it’s a secret flavor booster.
Dijon mustard: Punches up the patties with just the right amount of zip.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings that deep, umami magic to both steak and gravy alike.
Salt and pepper: Season with a generous hand to brighten all the flavors.
Fresh garlic clove: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
Extra virgin olive oil: For that golden sear and to keep things silky in the pan.
Onion: Provides a sweet, earthy base for the gravy.
Mushrooms: Classic in Salisbury steak, they add earthiness and become tender and delicious in the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Extra richness for building the roux and a silky finish to the gravy.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to just the perfect consistency.
Beef stock or broth: Deepens the flavor and gives the sauce its body.

How to Make Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Steaks

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic. Use your hands to gently mix everything until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into four oval patties, each about three-quarters of an inch thick—this classic shape is perfect for holding plenty of gravy later.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Heat olive oil in your favorite deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the formed patties. Cook them until they develop a lovely brown crust, about four to five minutes per side. At this stage, don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through—there’s more time to finish them in the sauce. Transfer the browned patties to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Mushroom Gravy

Toss the diced onions into the same skillet, letting them soak up all those flavorful browned bits. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until soft and translucent—about three to four minutes. If the pan looks a little dry, drizzle in another splash of olive oil.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the mushrooms to the skillet with the soft onions. Sprinkle in a bit more salt and pepper, and cook for another three to five minutes. The mushrooms will reduce and turn gloriously golden, adding rich, earthy depth to your gravy.

Step 5: Build the Gravy

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter; stir gently to melt. Sprinkle over the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth paste, letting it cook off any raw flavor. Gradually add the beef stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The gravy should begin to thicken and become silky smooth.

Step 6: Simmer Steaks in the Gravy

Gently return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling gravy. Cover and let everything simmer for about five more minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the flavors have melded gloriously. If you notice the gravy becoming too thick, a splash of stock or water will loosen it right up.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

Ready to make this dish feel extra special? Spoon plenty of mushroom gravy over each steak, then top with a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper and a shower of chopped parsley. The color contrast brightens the plate and adds a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak practically begs to be served over creamy mashed potatoes. You could also go classic with buttered egg noodles, or keep it light with a side of crisp green beans. Anything that helps soak up that savory gravy is a winner in our book!

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the patties individually on rustic plates with the gravy cascading down the sides. For a modern twist, serve the steak over a creamy cauliflower mash or even toasted sourdough. If you’re cooking for a crowd, present them family-style in the skillet for a cozy, shareable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift for tomorrow’s lunch or busy nights—simply store the Salisbury steaks and mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll taste just as great up to two days later, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.

Freezing

Let your cooked steaks and gravy cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak freezes beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight; you may want to freshen up the gravy with a splash of beef broth before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Salisbury steak gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Stir the gravy occasionally and add a bit of water or broth if it’s become too thick. The microwave also works in a pinch, just use a lower power setting and cover the dish to keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While beef gives that classic Salisbury steak flavor, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch. Just note you may need to add a splash of broth or extra seasoning for richness.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

The combination of egg and panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect binder to keep everything together. Just mix the ingredients gently and shape firmly—the patties should hold without being compacted too tightly.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

No worries! Regular breadcrumbs or even finely crushed saltine crackers work great in this Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak. Panko just makes the patties extra tender, but you’ll still get delicious results.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare the mushroom gravy a day ahead and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, warm it gently on the stove and thin with a little extra stock if needed before adding the freshly cooked patties.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This version isn’t gluten-free due to the panko and flour, but you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the gravy. Just double-check other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, as some brands do contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Salisbury Steak proves that you can get classic comfort food on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor or quality. Give it a try the next time you crave something hearty and homemade—you might just discover a new weeknight favorite that feels like a big warm hug!