Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
Don’t Lose This Recipe!
A comforting, classic American dinner, Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy features tender, well-seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. It’s a budget-friendly family favorite that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Description
Salisbury Steak is not actually steak—it’s a flavorful ground beef patty made with breadcrumbs, seasonings, and egg, then pan-seared and finished in a delicious homemade onion gravy. The slow-cooked onions create natural sweetness while the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce provide deep, rich flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks
- 1½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Onion Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Patties
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley
Mix gently until just combined.
Form into 4–6 oval patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
In the same skillet melt butter.
Add sliced onions.
Cook for 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Add mushrooms if using and cook another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over onions.
Cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in beef broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Finish
Return patties to the skillet.
Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- Don’t overmix the beef to keep patties tender.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly gives the gravy its rich flavor.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control saltiness.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a little extra broth.
- Rest the patties for a few minutes before serving for the juiciest texture.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for an extra-rich gravy.
- Fresh thyme adds wonderful flavor to the gravy.
- Leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Mixed green salad
Approximate Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Health Benefits
- High in protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.
- Iron-rich: Beef provides iron, which helps maintain healthy red blood cells.
- B Vitamins: Supplies vitamins such as B12 and niacin for energy metabolism.
- Onions: Contain antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
- Homemade gravy: Lets you control sodium and avoid unnecessary additives found in many packaged mixes.
- Balanced meal: Pairing with vegetables and a whole-grain side can create a more complete, nutritious dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the patties and gravy up to one day in advance. Refrigerate separately or together, then gently reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze the steaks with the gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken works well, though the flavor will be lighter. Adding a little olive oil to the mixture can help keep the patties moist.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Use the egg and breadcrumbs as directed, avoid overmixing, and let the patties rest briefly before cooking.
Can I make it without mushrooms?
Yes. The recipe is delicious with just onions in the gravy.
How do I thicken thin gravy?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
What can I serve with Salisbury Steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad are all excellent choices.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened.