The Ultimate Salisbury Steak: A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Love
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings back memories of cozy family dinners, this Salisbury steak recipe is a must-try! This dish combines tender, juicy ground beef patties with a rich, savory onion gravy that’s packed with flavor. It’s a timeless recipe that’s simple to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal, this Salisbury steak will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish from scratch!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- For the Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the best flavor and texture)
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style work great)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more if you like a bit of a kick)
- For the Gravy:
- 1 (10 ½ ounce) can of condensed French onion soup (a pantry staple that adds incredible depth of flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (for extra oniony goodness)
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for a subtle tangy umami boost)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties:
Start by making the beef patties, which are the heart of this dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. The breadcrumbs and egg act as binders, ensuring the patties hold their shape while staying tender and juicy. Mix everything together gently with your hands—overmixing can make the patties tough, so just combine until everything is evenly distributed. Once mixed, shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, depending on your preferred size. Set the patties aside on a plate while you prepare the skillet. - Sear the Patties:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or a small pat of butter to coat the pan. When the skillet is hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later. Once seared, transfer the patties to a clean plate and set them aside. - Make the Savory Onion Gravy:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and caramelized. The onions will pick up the flavorful browned bits left behind by the patties, adding extra depth to your gravy. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the can of condensed French onion soup and beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the gravy cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. - Simmer the Patties in the Gravy:
Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the rich, onion-filled gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty to ensure they’re well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the patties to finish cooking through while soaking up all the delicious flavors of the gravy. If the gravy thickens too much, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to adjust the consistency. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the patties are tender and cooked through (they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F), remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Salisbury steaks to a serving platter and spoon the luscious onion gravy over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed green beans. For an extra comforting touch, serve with a side of warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that irresistible gravy!
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Make It Ahead: Salisbury steak is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare the patties and gravy in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy on the stove, add the patties, and simmer until warmed through.
- Customize the Gravy: If you don’t have condensed French onion soup on hand, you can substitute with a packet of onion soup mix combined with 1 cup of water. For a creamier gravy, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
- Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions. They’ll add a wonderful earthy taste that complements the beef perfectly.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well! Assemble the patties and cook them in the gravy, then let everything cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Salisbury steak recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the simplicity of pantry ingredients with the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal. The tender beef patties, paired with a luscious onion gravy, create a dish that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its hearty, savory goodness. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it an easy go-to for any night of the week.
Give this Salisbury steak a try, and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation! What’s your favorite side to pair with this classic dish? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
