Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe (Easy!)

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This Salisbury Steak Recipe is the ultimate comfort classic, made with simple ingredients and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. Whether you’re a fan of those retro TV dinners or just love an old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs meal, these juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection will become your new go-to. For a lighter version, try my Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe.

 

But First, What is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury Steak is an American dish made from ground beef, onion and breadcrumbs, formed into patties and cooked in a brown gravy. Mushrooms are traditionally added in as well. 

Hamburger Steak Vs. Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury Steak is a version of Hamburger Steak (technically Hamburg Steak, as the Germans would say). Salisbury Steak differs from Hamburger Steak by incorporating other fillings and ingredients (much like meatloaf), whereas Hamburger Steak is just meat and seasonings.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe!

This homemade Salisbury steak recipe hits all the marks. It’s packed with rich flavor, thanks to Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a savory onion gravy made from scratch. Unlike store-bought gravy packets, this recipe delivers authentic taste with wholesome, simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile! Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or just vegetables like maple glazed carrots or peas. The rich brown gravy alone will have everyone going back for seconds.

Ingredients Needed for Salisbury Steak

Since Salisbury Steak can incorporate many ingredients, I included ones that add flavor while ensuring these babies stay moist. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the steaks:

• Ground Beef –  the main ingredient.
• Onion – adds some subtle onion flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t like onions; you’ll barely notice them.
• Eggs – binds all the ingredients together.
• Garlic and Herb Breadcrumbs – you can achieve a similar flavor by using plain breadcrumbs with added garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Worcestershire Sauce – adds savory flavor and moisture.
• Whole Milk – keeps the Salisbury steaks tender and adds moisture. You can use any kind of milk.
• Salt and Black Pepper – seasoning while you go is essential for flavor, so don’t skip out on these two.
• Olive Oil – to cook the onions and steaks.

Mushroom Gravy for the Best Salisbury Steak

This Salisbury Steak gravy is a classic, made with butter and mushrooms, thickened with flour, and flavored with beef consomme, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Sounds like a weird combination, but I PROMISE you’ll love this Salisbury Steak recipe!!

• Butter – to add flavor and to saute the mushrooms.
• Mushrooms – the earthy flavor really lends itself to the gravy mix and is the perfect addition to Salisbury steak. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, omit them.
• All-Purpose Flour – thickens the gravy. Cornstarch is a good substitute.
• Beef Consomme – basically clarified beef broth with concentrated flavor! It’s one of my favorite ingredients. 
• Beef Broth – also contains beef flavor but is thinner than the consomme.
• Worcestershire Sauce – for extra umami.
• Dijon Mustard – gives a teeny tiny kick to the gravy. 
• Salt and Black Pepper – season to taste.

Variations for Salisbury Steak

The beauty of this recipe is you can make it your own by adding in additional spices or playing around with different meats and aromatics. Here are some ideas:

• Use Different Ground Meat: Use ground turkey, veal, pork, a fuller fat ground beef, etc. in place of 93/7 ground beef. Or a combination of a couple different meats.
• More Herbs: Add in more dried or fresh herbs to your liking. A packet of onion soup mix is a popular addition for many people.
• Homemade Broth: Use homemade bone broth in place of store bought broth for a nutrition boost!
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain bread crumbs or even crushed crackers instead of panko.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced onions or even diced carrots to the gravy for more texture.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

This recipe’s biggest challenge is the time it takes to make. However, I purposely made this a big recipe so you’ll be able to enjoy leftovers days later! Use a large, deep skillet to have enough room for all that gravy! I love using a big cast iron skillet for this. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are my step by step directions for making this easy Salisbury Steak recipe:

1. Form Ground Beef Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire, milk, salt, and black pepper. Divide mixture into portions and form into oval patties. I made 8 patties.

2. Brown the Patties

Brown the formed steaks in olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high. Just brown each side (3-4 minutes), don’t cook completely. Remove from the pan and set aside. 

3. Make the Gravy

Sauté mushrooms in the same pan, then whisk in butter and flour to create a roux. Slowly stir in beef broth, consommé, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.

4. Finish Cooking

Return the browned Salisbury steak patties to the pan, spoon gravy over the top, cover, and simmer until the internal temperature reaches 160° F. Serve hot with any desired side dishes.

Salisbury Steak Recipe – Easy tips for success

How Thick to Make the Steaks:

Your steaks’ thickness determines how long cooking them takes. Aim for no more than 1 inch thick.

Why does Salisbury Steak Fall Apart?

The two main reasons Salisbury Steaks don’t hold their shape are: 

1. They aren’t formed well and/or, 
2. They’ve been overcooked.

If the patties aren’t staying together or firm enough, consider adding another egg. Freezing them for 10 minutes before pan-searing will also help them hold their shape. The eggs in the Salisbury Steaks help hold them together and keep their shape. The egg white protein holds all the ingredients together, but overcooking breaks down that protein. So, once they’re done, just keep them warm until serving.

For a thicker gravy:

Use 1 cup of beef broth. For thinner gravy, add additional beef broth until desired consistency is reached.

How do I know if my steaks are done?

When Salisbury steaks reach an internal temperature of 160° F.

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak

Here are some family favorites to serve with this recipe!

Storage + Make Ahead Directions for Salisbury Steak

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish is the perfect make-ahead meal since the gravy keeps everything moist.

Freezing + Reheating

To freeze, allow steak to cool and transfer to a airtight freezer safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months! To reheat, transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat at 325° F for about 30 minutes.

Make Ahead

Prepare the patties and gravy up to a day ahead, store separately in airtight containers, and reheat on the stove over medium heat.

More Ground Beef Recipes to Try!

Whether it’s your first time making this easy dinner recipe or you’re revisiting a family favorite, this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is bound to become a staple in your home. With its rich mushroom gravy, juicy ground beef patties, and endless pairing options, this great recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a hearty meal to impress. Printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.