**Salisbury Steak Recipe** Recipe
If you’re searching for a classic comfort food that brings together juicy, flavorful patties and a rich, savory gravy, look no further than this Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s a nostalgic dish that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular—the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that warms you from the inside out and always hits the spot on a cozy night in. Whether you’re new to the world of Salisbury steak or revisiting a family favorite, this recipe’s mouthwatering aroma and satisfying taste will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Salisbury Steak Recipe is how it uses pantry staples to build big flavor. Each component plays a starring role in creating those signature tastes and textures, making every bite a little celebration of classic home cooking.
- Ground beef (85% lean): The heart of the patties, 85% lean has just enough fat for juicy, tender results.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and keep them delightfully moist.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and tang that shines in both the patties and the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient is key for deep, savory umami flavor in every bite.
- Onion powder: Provides gentle, aromatic warmth throughout the mixture.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder gives the patties a little extra zip.
- Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, helping the patties hold their shape as they cook.
- Salt and black pepper: Season simply but generously for balanced flavor.
- Butter: Used for sautéing and building a luscious, silky gravy.
- Onion (thinly sliced): Caramelizes in the pan, lending sweetness and texture to the gravy.
- Beef broth (low-sodium): Forms the savory base of the gravy, allowing you to control the salt level.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Add these at the end to perfectly season your finished dish.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by gathering all your patty ingredients in a large mixing bowl—ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently combine everything, making sure you don’t overmix (that’s the secret to tender steaks!). Once blended, shape the mixture into four even, oval-shaped patties. Lining them up on a plate, you’ll already notice how inviting they look, promising a hearty meal ahead.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is on the leaner side, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet and let them sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal here is to get a deep, golden-brown crust—this step locks in juices and adds irresistible flavor. Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet; they’ll finish in the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
Lower the heat to medium, and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and beautifully golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for about a minute—this helps cook off the raw flour taste and begins to thicken your gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking as you go to keep things smooth, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching it transform into a rich, glossy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return your browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling gravy. Spoon a bit of sauce over the top to keep them extra moist. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the patties finish cooking all the way through, and the gravy thickens to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency. The aroma at this stage is just incredible—trust me, your kitchen will smell like comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy is rich and velvety, it’s time to serve. Pile the steaks onto plates and spoon over plenty of that luscious gravy. Salisbury Steak Recipe is best enjoyed hot, with your favorite starchy side soaking up every drop of sauce. Get ready for a round of applause at the dinner table!
How to Serve Salisbury Steak Recipe

Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your Salisbury Steak Recipe feel extra special. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a pop of color and freshness. For an extra savory touch, a few twists of cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika can be just the thing. If you love mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms make a wonderful addition to the gravy or as a final flourish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a natural partner for creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the gravy beautifully. But don’t stop there—steamed rice or buttered egg noodles are equally delicious choices. For veggies, think simple and vibrant: roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad all round out the meal and balance the richness of the steak and gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Salisbury Steak Recipe into a showstopper by serving it family-style in a large skillet or casserole dish, letting everyone help themselves at the table. For a cozy twist, serve individual patties in mini cast-iron pans or on a bed of mashed potatoes. If you’re hosting, try plating each steak with a swirl of gravy and a colorful vegetable medley for a bistro-inspired look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Once cooled, store the patties and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing any of their wonderful flavor or tenderness.
Freezing
This Salisbury Steak Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just allow the steaks and gravy to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Salisbury steak and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce seems thick. Warm gently until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them loosely to prevent splatters. The flavors are just as comforting the next day!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While classic Salisbury steak is made with beef, ground turkey or chicken can be tasty substitutes. Just keep in mind that poultry is leaner, so add a bit of extra oil or a splash of broth to keep the patties moist.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to include both the egg and breadcrumbs in your mix, as they’re the key binders. Mixing the ingredients just until combined (not overworking) helps keep the patties tender and intact during cooking.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes, and it’s delicious! Simply add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and sauté until softened. They’ll add earthy flavor and an extra layer of heartiness to your Salisbury Steak Recipe.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely. Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the gravy. The dish will turn out just as tasty and comforting!
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
You sure can. Shape the patties up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the recipe steps. This makes dinnertime even easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about gathering around the table for a homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe—every bite delivers nostalgia, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch soon. It’s a classic that always brings people together, and once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
**Salisbury Steak Recipe** Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Salisbury steak recipe featuring flavorful beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy, perfect for a comforting homemade dinner served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into 4 oval patties.
- Sear the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if needed, then sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until well browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the onions: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Make the gravy: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, followed by Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the patties in gravy: Return the patties to the skillet, spoon some gravy over the top, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, with extra gravy on top.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add mushrooms to the gravy with the onions.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg