There are some dishes that just transport you back to childhood, and for many, Salisbury Steak with rich, savory gravy is at the top of that list. This classic comfort food is more than just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate, delivering incredible flavor with every bite.
Forget the frozen TV dinner versions you might remember! Our homemade Salisbury Steak and Gravy recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. Featuring perfectly seasoned beef patties nestled in a luxurious mushroom and onion gravy, it's hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe
This recipe isn't just about nostalgia; it's about creating genuinely delicious food. Here’s why it stands out:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of tender beef patties, rich beef broth, and earthy mushrooms creates a depth of flavor that's truly irresistible.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that will keep everyone full and happy, perfect for a chilly evening or a Sunday family dinner.
- Surprisingly Simple: Don't let the gourmet taste fool you; the steps are straightforward and accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Pair it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a truly complete experience.
Essential Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of Salisbury steak lies in its humble yet impactful ingredients. You'll need ground beef for the patties, and for the gravy, staples like mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Having a quality chef's knife will make quick work of chopping your onions and slicing your mushrooms, ensuring consistent pieces for even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
How to Make Salisbury Steak and Gravy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making Salisbury steak from scratch is a rewarding process. We'll guide you through crafting perfectly seasoned patties and then building a luscious, thick gravy.
For the Salisbury Steak Patties
The key to juicy patties is to mix them gently. Overworking the meat can result in a tough texture. We'll combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and savory seasonings for that classic flavor.
For the Rich Mushroom Gravy
The gravy is where the magic truly happens. We'll build layers of flavor by sautéing mushrooms and onions, creating a roux with flour, and then simmering it all with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until it's thick and irresistible.
Expert Tips for Salisbury Steak Success
- Don't Overmix the Meat: Gentle handling of the ground beef mixture prevents tough patties.
- Get a Good Sear: Browning the patties deeply before adding them to the gravy locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
- Scrape Up the Fond: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan from cooking the patties are flavor gold! Scrape them up when you add the broth to infuse the gravy with extra richness.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more beef broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Optional Add-ins: A splash of red wine or a teaspoon of fresh thyme can elevate your gravy even further.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Steak
Curious about this classic dish? Here are some common questions we hear:
FAQs
What exactly is Salisbury steak?
Salisbury steak is a classic American dish made from ground beef patties, seasoned and often mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs or egg, then pan-fried and served with a rich brown gravy, typically containing mushrooms and onions.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The cooked Salisbury steak and gravy can also be made a day in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.
What are good side dishes to serve with Salisbury steak?
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes (which are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy!), egg noodles, or steamed white rice. Green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad also make excellent complements.
Why is my Salisbury steak tough?
The most common reason for tough Salisbury steak patties is overmixing the ground beef mixture. When preparing the patties, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overworking the meat develops the protein strands, resulting in a denser, tougher texture.
Classic Salisbury Steak and Mushroom Gravy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A timeless comfort food featuring seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into an oval-shaped patty, about 3/4-inch thick.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside. Do not drain the drippings.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 6: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Step 7: Gradually whisk in beef broth and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the gravy thickens.
Step 8: Stir in Dijon mustard. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 9: Return the browned Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
Step 10: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a deeper taste. Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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