Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe

This is classic Salisbury steak: juicy, comforting beef patties smothered in a gravy that makes people forget whatever dry casserole you served last month. It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t need to be. It’s cozy, forgiving, and does a convincing impersonation of “I put effort into dinner” while mostly requiring you to stand over a pan and look responsible.

One time my husband attempted to help and, bless him, thought “searing” meant “aggressively massage the meatballs with a spatula.” The result: patties that looked like modern art and an apology dinner of cereal. My toddler decided the meat patty was a frisbee and performed an interpretive toss onto the dog’s head. I laugh about it now, mostly because I ordered takeout that night and scrubbed the pan tomorrow. Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. Kids happy, dog stylish, me—surprisingly calm.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-chopped onions from the store. It’s chef-adjacent, and nobody needs to know.
– Brown the patties in one pan and make the gravy in the same pan—less washing, more glory.
– Swap fresh herbs for dried ones when you’re rushed. Yes, it’s a compromise. No, I don’t feel bad.
– Buy ground beef labeled 80/20 so you don’t have to chase flavor with butter and tears.
– Make the patties ahead, freeze them flat on a tray, and toss them in the skillet from frozen. Miracle-level efficiency.

Serving Ideas

– Serve over mashed potatoes because gravy + potatoes = life goals.
– Spoon it over egg noodles for the “my dad did this, and now I am a functioning adult” vibe.
– Add a side of roasted green beans or a bagged salad if you want to pretend this is health-forward.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts. Serve with iced tea if you’re trying to actively parent.
– Keep it simple: meat, gravy, starch. If your relatives request kale, smile and hand them a fortune cookie.

What to Serve It With

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, or a crusty roll to sop up the gravy. Vegetables like roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad keep the plate from looking like the aftermath of a studio apartment dinner party.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overwork the meat. Mix until just combined. Your patties aren’t trying out for the Olympics.
– Don’t crowd the pan—give each patty room to brown. Browning = flavor.
– If your gravy is too thin, simmer longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).
– Too salty? Add a splash of water and a teaspoon of sugar or a squeeze of lemon to balance it.
– If patties fall apart, your binder was underwhelming—add an extra egg or more breadcrumbs next time.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
– Freezer: Patties with gravy freeze well for up to 3 months—freeze flat, then stack with parchment. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re pretending to be virtuous.
– Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal and tamari for Worcestershire.
– For a mushroom overload, double the mushrooms and let them reduce until jammy. Bliss.
– Skip the pan-sear for a baked version—less browning, fewer dishes, still edible. Call it “deconstructed Salisbury.”
– Want sweetness? A teaspoon of brown sugar in the gravy adds a cozy depth. Hate sweet? Leave it out. The universe will not collapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe

A quick and delicious Salisbury steak recipe, perfect for a hearty meal any night.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.25 lb ground beef Choose lean ground beef for better texture.
• ▢ 0.5 cup bread crumbs Use plain or seasoned bread crumbs.
• ▢ 1 large egg This helps bind the ingredients.
• ▢ 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce For added flavor depth.
• ▢ 1 medium onion, diced Sautéed for better sweetness.
• ▢ 2 cups beef broth Low sodium if desired.
• ▢ 2 tbsp flour For thickening the gravy.
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil To sauté the onions.
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances the flavor.
• ▢ 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground for best results.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onions until translucent.
• In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Form the meat mixture into patties, about ¾ inch thick.
• In the same skillet, brown the patties on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
• Remove patties and set aside. To the skillet, add flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
• Return the patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Serve patties with gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, add some mushrooms to the gravy. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal.