When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like Salisbury Steak. But let's be real, sometimes the thought of multiple pans and a lengthy cooking process can deter us. That's where this Easy Skillet Salisbury Steak recipe comes in! It's a true weeknight hero, delivering all the classic, savory flavors you crave with minimal fuss and only one pan to clean.
Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef patties, seared to a beautiful golden brown, then nestled in a rich, velvety brown gravy brimming with caramelized onions and optional earthy mushrooms. All of this comes together quickly in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a hearty, homemade meal without the hassle.
Why You'll Love This Easy Skillet Salisbury Steak
This recipe isn't just easy; it's incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor. Here's why it's about to become a regular in your dinner rotation:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything from searing the patties to simmering the gravy happens in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 40 minutes, it's perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a delicious, home-cooked dinner.
- Classic Comfort: It delivers that nostalgic, hearty flavor that makes Salisbury steak a beloved staple.
- Economical: Made with budget-friendly ground beef, it's a fantastic meal for feeding the family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious journey. Most of these are pantry staples you likely already have on hand!
For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
- Ground Beef: We recommend 80/20 lean ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Bread Crumbs: Panko or regular bread crumbs work perfectly as a binder.
- Ketchup & Worcestershire Sauce: These add a tangy, umami depth to the patties.
- Mustard Powder: A secret weapon for enhancing the beefy flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the patties together.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for taste.
For the Delicious Gravy:
- Butter & Olive Oil: For searing and building the gravy base.
- Onion: Thinly sliced, it caramelizes beautifully, adding sweetness and depth.
- Mushrooms (Optional): Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: To create a roux and thicken the gravy.
- Beef Broth: The foundation of our rich, savory gravy.
How to Make Skillet Salisbury Steak (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and effortless meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Salisbury steak patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Don't overmix, or the patties can become tough. Form the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, about 1-inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the patties. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. The patties don't need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the onions and mushrooms. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned.
Step 4: Make the roux for the gravy. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and form a light brown roux. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy and preventing a raw flour taste.
Step 5: Deglaze and simmer the gravy. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds immense flavor! Continue to whisk until the gravy begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Return patties to the gravy. Carefully place the seared Salisbury steak patties back into the simmering gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired consistency. Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you need a good quality knife for slicing the onions or mushrooms, consider checking out this Quality Chef's Knife.
Step 7: Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Skillet Salisbury Steak
- Don't Overmix the Patties: Overmixing ground beef can result in tough, dense patties. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Get a Good Sear: A nice brown crust on your patties adds a ton of flavor and texture. Don't rush this step.
- Scrape Up the Fond: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan after searing the patties and cooking the onions are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them up when you add the broth – it's key to a rich gravy!
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk into the simmering gravy to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Skillet Salisbury Steak is a complete meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right side dishes:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus
- Fluffy White Rice
- A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers are just as delicious! Store any remaining Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy is too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave.
FAQs
What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a dish made from ground beef patties, often mixed with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then pan-fried or baked and typically served with a rich brown gravy, often featuring onions or mushrooms.
Can I make Salisbury Steak without mushrooms?
Absolutely! While mushrooms add an extra layer of savory flavor to the gravy, you can easily omit them if you're not a fan. The gravy will still be delicious and flavorful.
What are the best side dishes for Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, green beans, or roasted asparagus are all excellent choices that soak up the delicious gravy beautifully.
Can I freeze leftover Skillet Salisbury Steak?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, transfer the Salisbury steak and gravy to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Easy Skillet Salisbury Steak
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
This classic comfort food features savory ground beef patties cooked in a rich, flavorful brown gravy with onions and mushrooms, all made in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (Panko or regular)
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, about 1-inch thick.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. The patties don't need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned.
Step 4: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and form a light brown roux.
Step 5: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the gravy. Continue to whisk until the gravy begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully place the seared Salisbury steak patties back into the simmering gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired consistency. Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Notes
For a richer gravy, you can use a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine. If you don't have mustard powder, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can be used in the patties. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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