Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak: A Classic Comfort Food Dinner in 40 Minutes

Classic Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe with Rich Onion Gravy

This mouthwatering Salisbury steak recipe transforms humble ground beef into a restaurant-quality comfort food classic that your family will request again and again. Far from just a basic hamburger patty, this American favorite features well-seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy that perfectly complements creamy mashed potatoes. Ready in just 40 minutes, this budget-friendly meal delivers gourmet flavor without the fuss!

What Is Salisbury Steak?

Despite its name, Salisbury steak isn’t actually a steak at all! This comfort food classic consists of seasoned ground beef patties shaped to resemble steaks, then smothered in a flavorful brown gravy. Created by American physician Dr. James Salisbury in the late 19th century, this dish was originally promoted as a health food. Today, it’s beloved as a hearty, satisfying dinner that combines the accessibility of hamburger with the elegant presentation of more expensive cuts.

Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses economical ground beef instead of pricey steak cuts
• Family-pleasing: A nostalgic comfort food that appeals to all ages
• Make-ahead friendly: Patties can be formed in advance and the dish reheats beautifully
• Restaurant quality: Delivers gourmet flavor from simple ingredients

Ingredients for Perfect Salisbury Steak

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for juicy patties)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make the Best Salisbury Steak from Scratch

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix to keep patties tender.
2. Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty about ¾-inch thick, resembling a steak shape.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in beef broth, remaining Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Return the beef patties to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
7. Whisk the cornstarch mixture once more, then slowly pour into the simmering gravy while stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
8. Serve hot, spooning plenty of onion gravy over each patty and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak

• Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender
• Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking
• Let the patties brown well before flipping for the best flavor development
• Taste the gravy before adding the patties back in and adjust seasonings if needed

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak

This classic American dinner deserves perfect accompaniments! Try serving your Salisbury steak with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes – The traditional pairing that soaks up all that delicious gravy
• Buttered egg noodles – A simple alternative to potatoes
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli – For a pop of color and nutrition
• Dinner rolls – Perfect for mopping up every last bit of gravy

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Salisbury steak recipe makes excellent leftovers! Store cooled patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. For best results, reheat gently to prevent the patties from becoming tough.

Can You Freeze Salisbury Steak?

Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

Why This Salisbury Steak Recipe Works

The secret to this exceptionally delicious Salisbury steak lies in the perfect balance of seasonings in both the meat patties and the rich onion gravy. By searing the patties first, we develop a beautiful crust that seals in juices, while the slow simmer in savory gravy allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and caramelized onions creates a restaurant-quality sauce that elevates simple ground beef to an impressive dinner worthy of company, though it’s easy enough for any weeknight meal.

This classic Salisbury steak recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. With its rich flavors, tender beef patties, and luscious gravy, it’s a timeless favorite that deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation!