When it comes to soul-soothing, nostalgic comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like Salisbury steak patties smothered in rich, velvety brown gravy. Whether you grew up eating this on weeknights or are just discovering its charm, this dish delivers big flavor without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps. We’re talking about juicy, seasoned ground beef patties, pan-seared to perfection and bathed in a luscious onion and mushroom gravy. If you're looking for a salisbury steak recipe easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve to guests, this one hits the sweet spot. It’s a satisfying, hearty meal that tastes like home.
Salisbury Steak Patties with Brown Gravy
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large skillet or sauté pan A cast iron skillet is ideal for a good sear, but any nonstick or stainless steel skillet will do.
Mixing bowl For combining the beef mixture.
Whisk Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Spatula or tongs To flip the patties gently without breaking them.
Measuring spoons and cups Precision matters in the seasoning.
Optional: Crockpot or Oven Want to make this a crockpot salisbury steak easy version or turn it into a salisbury steak recipe easy oven-style? You totally can (see FAQs below).
For the Steak Patties
- 1½ pounds ground beef preferably 85/15 for juiciness
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 small yellow onion finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon ketchup adds depth and a touch of sweetness
For the Brown Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms cremini or white button work well
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make the Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, grated onion, garlic, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it or you’ll end up with tough patties.
Divide the mixture into 4 to 5 equal portions and form into oval-shaped patties about ¾ inch thick. These are your classic beef patties — the foundation of any good hamburger salisbury steak.
Sear the Patties
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this point — they’ll finish in the gravy. Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for about 6–8 minutes, or until softened and golden.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms. Stir well to coat and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Patties
Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally and spoon gravy over the patties as they cook.
Serve
Spoon generous amounts of the mushroom-onion gravy over each patty and serve hot. Whether you call it saulsberry steak recipes ground beef style or salsberry steak with mushroom gravy, this dish is all about bold, beefy comfort.
Perfect Pairings
Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy begs for something creamy and starchy to soak up that rich sauce. Here are some delicious side options:
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic, creamy mashed potatoes are the go-to. Buttery and smooth, they complement the texture of the beef patties and soak up every drop of brown gravy.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: A great alternative to mashed potatoes, especially if you’re after a rustic, homestyle vibe.
- Steamed Green Beans or Peas: Add a splash of color and crunch with simple green veggies. Lightly buttered green beans are particularly nice.
- Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: For those who want to sop up extra gravy without a fork.
To drink, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a simple iced tea works beautifully. And for dessert? Think about a warm apple crisp or a slice of chocolate cake to round out this comfort-food experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use sirloin instead of regular ground beef?
Yes! Ground sirloin makes a leaner patty and is a great pick for those looking at easy sirloin steak recipes. Just be sure to watch your cook time so they don’t dry out.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely — you can turn this into a slow cooker salisbury steak by searing the patties first, placing them in a crockpot with sautéed onions and mushrooms, pouring in the gravy mixture, and cooking on low for 5–6 hours.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, homemade salisbury steak freezes well. Cook completely, let cool, and freeze in an airtight container with gravy. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of beef broth.
4. Can I bake it instead?
For a salisbury steak recipe easy oven version, assemble everything in a baking dish and bake covered at 350°F for about 35 minutes. You’ll still get that homey vibe with less hands-on time.
5. What kind of mushrooms should I use?
Cremini mushrooms are perfect for their earthiness, but white button mushrooms are also fine. You can even go wild with a mix for more flavor if making a salisbury steak with mushroom gravy variation.
