Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. With simple ingredients and a homemade touch, this dish delivers deep, satisfying flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Savory Flavors – Juicy beef patties paired with a flavorful onion gravy make this a comforting dish.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this an accessible meal.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples for a homemade classic.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day and stores well.
- Versatile Sides – Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, vegetables, or pasta.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salisbury steak:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
For the onion gravy:
- Butter
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Flour (for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into oval-shaped patties.
- Sear the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the onion gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until soft and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Thicken the gravy: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Simmer the patties: Return the Salisbury steaks to the skillet, spooning some gravy over them. Cover and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve: Plate the Salisbury steaks with a generous helping of onion gravy. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Turkey or Chicken Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheese to the beef mixture for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury steak includes seasonings, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce, while hamburger steak is usually just ground beef and seasoning.
Can I use store-bought gravy?
Yes, but homemade gravy enhances the flavor and is easy to make.
What can I serve with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice all pair well.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to use an egg and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. Chilling the patties before cooking can also help.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the patties first, then place them in the slow cooker with the onion gravy and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy.
Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots make great additions.
What type of beef is best for Salisbury steak?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 ratio for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a classic, comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to make. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients, customizable options, and make-ahead convenience, this hearty dish is perfect for any night of the week
Print
A comforting classic featuring juicy beef patties smothered in a rich onion gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: V
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Shape into patties.
- Cook patties in a pan until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan.
- Sauté onions in butter, then stir in flour.
- Add beef broth, whisking until thickened. Return patties to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.