Salisbury Steak (Easy, Juicy, Cozy Weeknight Dinner)

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Salisbury steak patties in brown gravy with mushrooms and onions

Salisbury steak patties in a skillet covered in rich brown mushroom-onion gravy, served with mashed potatoes.
Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. You get juicy patties, a savory onion-mushroom gravy, and that cozy diner-style flavor that feels better than restaurant. This Salisbury steak recipe is simple, satisfying, and made in one skillet.

Introduction

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The best Salisbury steak is all about two things: well-seasoned patties and a gravy that’s silky and rich. A quick sear gives the patties a golden crust, then they finish cooking in the gravy so they stay tender.

And don’t skip scraping up the browned bits in the pan. That’s where the wow flavor comes from.

Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak

  • Better than restaurant: Homemade gravy tastes rich and fresh.
  • Juicy & satisfying: Patties simmer in gravy so they stay tender.
  • One-pan cleanup: Everything happens in one skillet.
  • Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients, big comfort.
  • Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak

Image: Ingredients on a counter including ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, broth, mushrooms, flour, and seasonings.

Ingredients for Salisbury steak including ground beef, mushrooms, broth, and seasonings
Simple ingredients for juicy patties and rich gravy

Patties

  • Ground beef (1 1/2 lb): Classic flavor; ground turkey works for lighter.
  • Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind and keeps patties tender; panko works too.
  • Egg (1): Binder so patties hold together.
  • Onion (1/2, grated or finely diced): Adds moisture and flavor.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Savory boost.
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp): Deep, rich flavor.
  • Kosher salt (1 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Season well.

Gravy

  • Butter (2 Tbsp): Adds richness.
  • Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Optional but delicious; adds savory depth.
  • Onion (1/2, sliced): Sweetens as it cooks.
  • Flour (2 Tbsp): Thickens the gravy.
  • Beef broth (2 cups, low-sodium): Gravy base.
  • Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Brightens the gravy.
  • Ketchup (1 Tbsp): Classic diner-style sweetness.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

Image: Four-panel collage showing patties formed, seared in skillet, gravy whisked, patties simmering in gravy.

Four-step collage showing forming patties, searing, making gravy, and simmering Salisbury steak
Sear the patties, whisk the gravy, then simmer until juicy

Salisbury Steak Recipe Step-by-Step

  • 1. Mix and shape.

Combine patty ingredients and shape into 6 oval patties.

  • 2. Sear the patties.

Sear 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high. Transfer to a plate.

  • 3. Sauté mushrooms and onions.

Cook 6–8 minutes over medium until softened and golden.

  • 4. Build the gravy.

Stir in flour 1 minute. Whisk in broth until smooth. Add Dijon and ketchup. Simmer 3–4 minutes until glossy.

  • 5. Simmer to finish.

Return patties, cover, and simmer 8–10 minutes on medium-low.

Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak

  • Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing keeps patties tender.
  • Sear well: Browning adds big flavor to gravy.
  • Whisk slowly: Add broth gradually to prevent lumps.
  • Simmer low: Keeps patties juicy.

Variations & Substitutions

  • No mushrooms: Skip and add extra onion.
  • Extra herbs: Add a pinch of thyme to gravy.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and 1:1 flour.

Storing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm over low with a splash of broth.
  • Freeze: Freeze patties in gravy up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
  • Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli

Reader Review

This tasted like the best diner meal at home. The gravy was so good we poured it on everything!

Final Notes

If you make this Salisbury steak, leave a rating and tell me—mashed potatoes or noodles?

Recipe Card: Salisbury Steak

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp ketchup

Instructions

  • 1. Mix and shape 6 patties.
  • 2. Sear 3–4 minutes per side; remove.
  • 3. Cook mushrooms and onion in butter 6–8 minutes.
  • 4. Stir in flour 1 minute; whisk in broth, add Dijon and ketchup; simmer 3–4 minutes.
  • 5. Return patties; cover and simmer 8–10 minutes.

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