Classic Salisbury Steak

Sink your fork into the absolutely irresistible Classic Salisbury Steak! These tender beef patties are bathed in a silky, onion-packed mushroom gravy that soaks perfectly into mashed potatoes or rice. It’s rich, savory, and downright comforting.

The best part? This cozy, old-school favorite is surprisingly easy to whip up in under an hour—making it a go-to for busy weeknights or satisfying Sunday suppers. Every bite is packed with homestyle flavor that’ll have your whole family begging for seconds.

This version was inspired by the hearty plates my grandma used to serve. It’s everything you love about classic diner food, conveniently made at home. Perfect for those nights when you crave something nostalgic and soul-warming.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Satisfying, hearty, and packed with rich, savory flavors.
• Quick dinner fix: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike devour these juicy patties and gravy.
• Great leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight, making meal prep a breeze.

Key Ingredients for Salisbury Steak

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this dish, delivering a savory, juicy texture. For the best Salisbury Steak, choose 80/20 ground beef—it’s moist without being too greasy. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version, but the flavor will be milder.

Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs help bind the patties, keeping them tender and juicy. Use plain or Italian-style for added seasoning. If you’re gluten-free, swap with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats—just expect a slightly different texture.

Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms bring deep, earthy flavor to the gravy, making this dish truly shine. White or cremini mushrooms work best, but portobellos are a great upgrade if you want even more mushroom richness. If you're not a fan, feel free to omit them or replace with finely chopped bell pepper.

Yellow Onion

The sweet, caramelized notes of yellow onion infuse the gravy with classic flavor. Slice them thinly so they soften quickly in the pan. Red onion or shallots can be used as lighter, sweeter alternatives.

Beef Broth

Beef broth gives the gravy its savory backbone and makes everything taste home-cooked. Go with low-sodium for better control over seasoning. You can use chicken broth in a pinch, but the result will be less robust.

Instructions for Salisbury Steak

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Combine and Shape the Patties

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands for even mixing, then shape the mixture into four oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick.

Brown the Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned (they don't need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove the patties to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the sliced onions for 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5–7 minutes.

Build the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Pour in the beef broth, then stir in 2 tablespoons ketchup and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Simmer the Steaks in Gravy

Return the browned patties (and any juices) to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning the patties once halfway. The gravy will thicken and the patties will cook through.

Finish and Serve

Stir in 1 tablespoon butter to the gravy for added richness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot—spooning the luscious mushroom-onion gravy over each steak.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free crackers or oats, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the gravy. Double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free for a worry-free meal.

Kick Up the Heat

For a spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into your beef mixture. You can also stir some chili flakes into the gravy for an extra kick.

Mushroom-Free Option

If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, leave them out and double the onions for a savory, sweet onion gravy. You’ll still get that classic depth of flavor without the earthiness.

Turkey Salisbury Steak

Lighten things up by replacing the ground beef with ground turkey. The patties will be leaner but just as flavorful—just watch your cook time to avoid drying them out.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Substitute the finishing butter with a plant-based alternative or simply omit it for a dairy-free dish. The gravy will still be thick and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Salisbury Steak over a generous mound of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo. It’s also delicious spooned over fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles. Don’t forget a pop of color—add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a fresh, herby finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Salisbury Steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Steak (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Salisbury Steak ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix and shape the patties up to a day ahead, or even cook the entire dish and simply reheat when ready to serve.

Q: What’s the difference between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak?
A: Salisbury Steak typically contains binders like bread crumbs and egg, plus a flavorful gravy with onions and mushrooms, while Hamburger Steak is usually just seasoned beef served plain or with simple pan juices.

Q: Can I use another type of ground meat?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well, though beef is classic for flavor. Just monitor cook time to prevent leaner meats from drying out.

Craving classic comfort food? This Salisbury Steak is everything you love: rich, hearty, and surprisingly simple! Give it a try, then let me know what you think in the comments below—your ratings and feedback are always appreciated.