Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a timeless American comfort food dinner that delivers big flavor using simple, affordable ingredients. Made with seasoned ground beef patties and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Despite the name, Salisbury steak is not actually steak—it’s a flavorful blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings shaped into patties and pan-seared or baked until juicy. What truly elevates this dish is the deep, umami-packed brown gravy, enhanced with onions, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.

This homemade Salisbury steak recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or craving nostalgic comfort food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak Patties

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 large egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Onion Mushroom Gravy

2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the patties dense.

Divide the mixture into 4–6 oval-shaped patties, about ¾-inch thick. Lightly press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Salisbury Steak

Return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the tops.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Salisbury steak is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white or brown rice
Roasted vegetables
Low-carb cauliflower mash

Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicier patties
Don’t overmix the meat mixture
Let the gravy simmer slowly for maximum flavor
Add a splash of cream for a richer gravy
For extra depth, sauté onions until golden brown

Recipe Variations

Easy Crockpot Salisbury Steak: Brown patties first, then slow cook in gravy for 4–6 hours
Keto Salisbury Steak: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute cornstarch for flour
Creamy Salisbury Steak: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream
Baked Salisbury Steak: Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, adding gravy halfway through

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 3 months
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth

Nutrition Highlights (Approximate)

High in protein
Budget-friendly dinner
Family-friendly comfort food
Customizable for low-carb or gluten-free diets

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy