Name: Salisbury Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 large egg; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon homemade steak seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, sliced thin; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups beef broth or stock; Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste; 8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 14 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight hero that’s big on flavor and nostalgic comfort, Salisbury Steak is about to become a star in your dinner rotation. This classic American dish transforms humble ground beef into juicy patties, then bathes them in a luxuriously savory brown mushroom gravy that’s absolutely irresistible. Creating Salisbury Steak at home is easier than you might imagine, and the results are wonderfully cozy, rich, and sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food made from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Salisbury Steak recipe has its purpose, from the ground beef that forms the juicy foundation to the hearty mushroom gravy that ties it all together. Gather a few kitchen staples and a handful of flavorful boosters—each one adds its own magic to taste, texture, and color.

Ground beef: The juicy, tender base for those delicious steak-style patties.
Large egg: It binds the patties so they stay perfectly together.
Panko breadcrumbs: These help keep the patties light and delightfully moist.
A1 steak sauce: Adds bold, tangy undertones to the meat mixture.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the beefy flavor and brings true steakhouse vibes.
Ketchup: A hint of sweet tomato goodness balances the savoriness.
Homemade steak seasoning: Lends classic, punchy flavors; don’t skip it if you want real depth!
Garlic powder: Introduces mellow savoriness without overpowering.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and adds a gentle “from scratch” touch.
Butter (for browning): Gives the patties a golden crust and rich taste.
Butter (for gravy): Adds creaminess and a little decadence to every bite.
Medium onion, sliced thin: Brings sweetness and texture to the gravy.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Beef broth or stock: The backbone of a savory gravy that ties everything together.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper: Enhances every bite—season to taste.
Sliced baby Bella mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up all the gravy’s flavor.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining your ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be shy—roll up your sleeves or use gloves for this part! Mixing everything together by hand ensures tenderness, not toughness. Once it’s well-blended, shape the fragrant mixture into four round patties, each about ¾ to 1 inch thick. This helps them cook up juicy and substantial.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until it sizzles lightly. Gently add your well-formed patties and let them cook for about 5 minutes per side, getting that perfect golden-brown crust. The aroma at this point is amazing! Once they’re cooked through, transfer the patties to a plate and cover them with foil or a lid to lock in the warmth while you work on the gravy.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

If your skillet has more than a tablespoon of leftover grease, spoon away the excess so you’re left with just enough delicious drippings to flavor the gravy. Don’t rinse the pan—you want every tasty bit for maximum flavor! Melt three tablespoons of butter in the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until they turn soft and translucent. This step lays the sweet, savory foundation for your Salisbury Steak sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Once the onions are beautifully soft, sprinkle in the flour and stir it in well. Let this mixture cook another 2 minutes so the flour loses its raw edge and takes on a light golden hue. Now, while stirring constantly, gradually pour in the beef broth or stock. The gravy will begin to thicken after about 3–4 minutes—keep stirring to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Simmer with Patties and Mushrooms

With your base gravy ready, stir in the sliced mushrooms and gently nestle the cooked patties back into the skillet. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes. The mushrooms become tender, the patties soak up even more of that gorgeous gravy, and the whole pan transforms into pure comfort. Give everything a quick spoon baste in the sauce before serving!

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley will give your Salisbury Steak an inviting pop of color and fresh flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of black pepper just before serving brings out the deep, beefy aroma. Sliced green onions can also lend a touch of brightness!

Side Dishes

This dish begs for a soft, starchy side to soak up all that luscious mushroom gravy. Silky mashed potatoes are an absolute classic and hard to beat, but fluffy white rice or even buttered egg noodles make a wonderful base. Don’t forget a side of roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a bright salad to round out your comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style flair, serve your Salisbury Steak directly from the skillet at the table—the aroma will have everyone swooning! If you want to elevate things, plate each steak over a generous pillow of mashed potatoes and spoon the mushroom gravy artfully over the top. Or try miniature patties and ladle them into individual bowls for a modern twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save any remaining Salisbury Steak, allow the patties and gravy to cool before transferring both to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to five days, and the flavors often get even richer overnight as everything melds together.

Freezing

Want to stock up for future cravings? Let your cooked Salisbury Steak and gravy cool completely, then pack them together in a sturdy container or freezer bag. Make sure to label and date! They’ll stay tasty for up to three months and are just as delicious when reheated.

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig back in, reheat the Salisbury Steak gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to the gravy if needed to restore that silky texture. Warm slowly until hot throughout—comfort food perfection, round two!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While traditional Salisbury Steak uses beef, swapping for ground turkey or chicken gives you a leaner version with a different flavor profile. Be sure to adjust seasonings to your taste, and add a touch more breadcrumbs if your mixture seems loose.

Do I need to use mushrooms in the gravy?

Not at all. If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, simply leave them out or substitute with other vegetables, such as cooked carrots or peas. The gravy will still be delicious and perfectly suitable for Salisbury Steak!

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and shape the patties up to two days in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sear and finish with gravy. This makes weeknight prep a breeze.

What’s the best way to get even, juicy patties?

Mix just until combined—over-mixing can make the patties dense. Using damp hands or gloves helps with clean shaping, and leveling the patties to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay moist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it is not, due to the panko and flour. However, you can easily make your Salisbury Steak gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and swapping the flour in the gravy for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

Salisbury Steak is the kind of soul-satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re reviving a family favorite, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and second helpings to your table. Try it out and see why this classic has stood the test of time!