This Salisbury steak recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that has been a staple in American kitchens for decades. Made with seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy, this Salisbury steak recipe is the epitome of classic comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a Sunday meal for the family, this dish is sure to be a hit.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Salisbury steak recipe, the key ingredients, cooking techniques, and some delicious serving suggestions. You’ll also find some handy tips and variations, so you can adapt this recipe to your dietary needs or preferences. If you want to explore other similar beef-based recipes, check out Hamburger Steak for another take on the classic beef patty.
What is Salisbury Steak?
At its core, Salisbury steak is made from ground beef that’s mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and a variety of seasonings. The patties are pan-seared and then simmered in a savory gravy made from onions, mushrooms, and beef broth. While it may resemble a hamburger steak, this Salisbury steak recipe has a distinct flavor and texture due to the added seasonings and the rich gravy that accompanies it.
The dish was invented in the 19th century by Dr. James Salisbury, who believed that eating lean, minced beef was beneficial for health. Today, it’s less about dietary principles and more about satisfying comfort food cravings. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal, this Salisbury steak recipe is a great option. For additional comfort food inspiration, you might also enjoy Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a dessert pairing.
Key Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Recipe
Ground Beef
The main ingredient in this Salisbury steak recipe is, of course, ground beef. For the juiciest patties, it’s best to use beef with around 20% fat. This fat content helps keep the patties moist during cooking and adds flavor to the dish. However, if you prefer a leaner version, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken, though the taste and texture will be slightly different.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are essential for binding the ground beef and helping the patties hold their shape. You can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or regular breadcrumbs for a denser patty. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute.
Eggs
Eggs are another binding agent that helps hold the beef mixture together, ensuring the patties don’t fall apart while cooking. This is especially important when you’re pan-searing the patties before simmering them in the gravy.
Seasonings
To give this Salisbury steak recipe its signature flavor, a combination of seasonings is used:
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami and depth to the flavor.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: These spices enhance the beef’s flavor without overwhelming it.
- Dijon mustard: A small amount of mustard adds tanginess and balances the richness of the gravy.
Gravy Ingredients
The gravy is a key component of this Salisbury steak recipe, and it’s what sets this dish apart from a regular hamburger steak. Here are the essential ingredients for a savory mushroom gravy:
- Mushrooms: For an earthy, rich flavor.
- Onions: Caramelized onions provide sweetness and complexity.
- Beef broth: This forms the base of the gravy and provides a rich, beefy flavor.
- Flour or cornstarch: Used as a thickener to give the gravy a smooth, luxurious texture.
How to Make Salisbury Steak Patties
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the beef mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough patties.
- Shape the patties: Divide the beef mixture into four to six equal portions, depending on how large you want the patties. Shape each portion into an oval patty that’s about 1 inch thick.
- Brown the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are browned but not fully cooked through. You’ll finish cooking them in the gravy later.
Cooking Salisbury Steak
Cooking the Patties
To achieve perfectly cooked patties in this Salisbury steak recipe, it’s essential to brown them first before finishing them off in the gravy. This helps to seal in the juices and adds a layer of flavor through caramelization.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. This ensures the patties will brown properly.
- Brown the patties: Add the beef patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until a nice golden-brown crust forms. Once browned, remove the patties and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.
Making the Mushroom Gravy
The gravy is the heart of this Salisbury steak recipe, and it’s what takes it from good to great. Here’s how to make a savory mushroom gravy that will complement the beef patties perfectly:
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms: In the same skillet where you browned the patties, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook them over medium heat until the onions are caramelized and the mushrooms are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the gravy.
- Thicken the gravy: Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch and whisk to combine. Let the gravy simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed.
- Simmer the patties: Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top of each patty and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through and have absorbed some of the gravy’s flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
This Salisbury steak recipe pairs beautifully with traditional comfort food sides. Here are some classic and modern side dishes that complement this dish perfectly.
Classic Sides
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a must when serving this Salisbury steak recipe, as they soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Steamed vegetables: Peas, green beans, or carrots provide a light and fresh contrast to the richness of the steak and gravy.
Modern Variations
- Roasted vegetables: For a healthier option, try serving your Salisbury steak recipe with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
- Egg noodles: Serve the steak and gravy over wide egg noodles for a comforting twist.
For more side dish ideas that pair well with beef dishes, check out Ground Beef Recipes.
Variations of Salisbury Steak Recipe
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can easily substitute them with more onions to create a savory onion gravy. Simply omit the mushrooms and use double the amount of onions. Cook the onions slowly until they are caramelized for maximum flavor.
Healthier Salisbury Steak Recipe
To make a lighter version of this Salisbury steak recipe, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a low-carb or gluten-free option. For a healthier gravy, use low-sodium beef broth and thicken it with arrowroot powder instead of flour.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Don’t overwork the meat: When mixing the beef with the breadcrumbs and eggs, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the patties to become dense and tough.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the patties are cooked through without becoming dry, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F for ground beef.
- Make the gravy ahead of time: If you’re pressed for time, you can make the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and add the patties to finish cooking.
FAQs About Salisbury Steak Recipe
What is the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
This Salisbury steak recipe is made with additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, and it’s served with a gravy. Hamburger steak is usually simpler, often just ground beef formed into a patty, and can be served with or without gravy.
Can I freeze Salisbury steak?
Yes, Salisbury steak freezes well. You can freeze both the cooked patties and the gravy. Let everything cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
How do I make Salisbury steak gluten-free?
To make this Salisbury steak recipe gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
What can I use instead of mushrooms in the gravy?
If you don’t like mushrooms, you can replace them with caramelized onions or sautéed bell peppers. Alternatively, omit the vegetables and make a simple onion or beef gravy.
Conclusion
This Salisbury steak recipe is a timeless comfort food that brings rich flavors and hearty satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or try one of the healthier or gluten-free variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of juicy beef patties and savory gravy makes this Salisbury steak recipe a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food.
For more dinner ideas, check out Crab Brûlée Recipe, a unique and elegant dish that pairs well with comforting meals like this Salisbury steak recipe.
Enjoy making and serving your homemade Salisbury steak recipe!