Salisbury Steak: The Ultimate Comfort Classic

This Salisbury steak recipe is everything I want in a comfort meal—savory, satisfying, and served in a rich mushroom gravy that makes every bite irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family meals and those timeless dishes that never go out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flavorful, and made from affordable ingredients I usually have on hand. The patties come together in minutes, and the gravy, rich with mushrooms and savory depth, takes it over the top. Whether I’m serving it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, it’s always a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Patties

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• pinch of salt

For the Gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I start by making the patties. In a mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, panko, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, pepper, and salt. I mix everything together gently, then shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
2. In a large skillet, preferably cast iron, I heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat and sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the onions for 2 minutes before adding the mushrooms. I cook them until they’re soft and browned, about 5 more minutes.
4. I sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Then I slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce. I add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. I return the patties to the skillet and let them simmer in the gravy for 10–12 minutes, until they’re fully cooked and the gravy is thickened.
6. Once done, I serve them hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add garlic: I sometimes add minced garlic with the mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use ground turkey: For a leaner version, I swap the ground beef for ground turkey.
• Cheesy twist: I mix in a tablespoon of grated parmesan into the patties for richness.
• Gluten-free: I use gluten-free panko and cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian option: I use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth for a meatless version.

storage/reheating

I store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the patties and gravy in a skillet over low heat until hot. The microwave works too, but I make sure to cover the dish and reheat slowly to keep the gravy from drying out. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions and thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the patties and even make the gravy ahead. I store them separately, then reheat and combine when I’m ready to serve.

What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?

Salisbury steak usually includes binders and seasonings like tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, while hamburger steak is typically just beef with salt and pepper.

Can I skip the mushrooms?

Of course. I like the depth mushrooms add, but if someone doesn’t enjoy them, I just leave them out or replace with extra onions.

What can I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes are my go-to, but rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables make excellent sides.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

I make sure to mix the ingredients well and not skip the panko, which helps bind everything together. Also, I avoid over-flipping them in the pan.

Conclusion

Salisbury steak is one of those meals I can always count on for comfort and satisfaction. It’s simple, affordable, and full of hearty flavors. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a nostalgic dish that delivers, this recipe always hits the spot.

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