Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food that evokes nostalgia with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. This dish, blending seasoned ground beef into juicy patties served with a delectable gravy, is often found on family dinner tables across America. As a child, I remember the aroma wafting through the house on busy weeknights, signaling that a hearty meal was just around the corner. This classic recipe captures that warmth and simplicity, making it perfect for any occasion when you want to bring a touch of homestyle cooking to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Why whip up Salisbury steak at home? This recipe is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Packed with flavor, it transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or searching for a satisfying weeknight dinner, Salisbury steak and gravy ticks all the boxes.
"This Salisbury steak was a game changer for my dinner parties! It’s comforting, easy to make, and everyone keeps asking for seconds!" – Jamie R.
How to Make Salisbury Steak and Gravy
Creating Salisbury steak is more straightforward than you think! The process involves mixing the ingredients, forming patties, browning them, and simmering everything in a luscious gravy. You’ll appreciate how easily it comes together, making it an approachable dish even for novice cooks.
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather these ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for subtle sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard (for a hint of tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
- 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed (for concentrated flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 additional beef bouillon cubes (for rich gravy)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for color and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken the gravy)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or leave out the mushrooms if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the hot water, adding the additional beef bouillon cubes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this to the gravy mixture and simmer until thickened, around 3 minutes.
- Return the patties to the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in gravy. Let them simmer together for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve immediately, topping each patty with a generous portion of gravy and onions.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To make your Salisbury steak experience even better, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delightful gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables add a pop of color and freshness to your plate, creating a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing leftover Salisbury steak is easy! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, do so for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Want to enhance your Salisbury steak? Here are a few tips for success:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the patties; it helps maintain juiciness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste – feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Creative Twists
Salisbury steak doesn’t have to be just traditional! Try incorporating different ingredients or flavors, such as:
- Adding shredded cheese into the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier version.
- Experimenting with different types of sauces in the gravy—try adding a splash of red wine for depth or a bit of barbecue sauce for a sweet kick.
Common Questions
1. How long does it take to prepare Salisbury steak?
The entire process takes about 30-45 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal.
2. Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?
Yes! If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can work as substitutes.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of water to keep the gravy from thickening too much.
Enjoy savoring this delicious Salisbury steak and gravy, a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to your table!
Salisbury Steak with Gravy
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) For juiciness
- 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ketchup For subtle sweetness
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard For a hint of tang
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth
- 1 cube beef bouillon, crushed For concentrated flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the patties
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cubes beef bouillon For rich gravy
- 1 tablespoon ketchup For color and sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch To thicken the gravy
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Gravy
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the hot water, adding the additional beef bouillon cubes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this to the gravy mixture and simmer until thickened, around 3 minutes.
- Return the patties to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in gravy. Let them simmer together for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve immediately, topping each patty with a generous portion of gravy and onions.