Welcome to a classic comfort food recipe that will whisk you back to grandma's kitchen: Salisbury Steak. This dish, a timeless favorite, is essentially a humble, yet savory hamburger steak drenched in a rich, velvety gravy. The name may sound fancy, but don't be intimidated. It's deceptively simple to prepare and will quickly become a beloved recipe in your regular dinner rotation.
With a combination of ground beef, seasonings, and a mushroom and onion gravy, this Salisbury steak recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetable side.
Why This Recipe Works
The first reason this recipe shines is its simplicity. Despite its gourmet-sounding name, Salisbury steak is straightforward to make and doesn't require any specialized culinary skills. This accessibility makes it a perfect choice for beginner cooks, or for those busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal but are short on time. You'll use common ingredients likely already in your pantry, keeping the shopping list short and sweet. Plus, with a total prep and cook time of under an hour, you'll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in no time.
Secondly, this recipe delivers on flavor in a big way. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings create a tender, juicy steak that is satisfying on its own. But the real magic happens when it's smothered in the homemade mushroom and onion gravy. This gravy, rich with the umami flavors of mushrooms and onions, is the perfect complement to the hearty steak. The result is a dish that is a symphony of textures and flavors, guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Salisbury steak recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Ground Beef- A key component for Salisbury steak, ground beef makes up the bulk of the 'steak'. You can use any lean-to-fat ratio you prefer, but 80/20 is a good balance of flavor and leanness. If you're looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken can be used.
Breadcrumbs- These help bind the Salisbury steak mixture together. You can use any type you have on hand, like Italian or Panko. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or even ground oats.
Onion-This adds a layer of flavor to the steak. You can use a white or yellow onion, finely chopped. If onions are not your thing, you could use onion powder or a small amount of finely chopped shallots.
Egg- The egg acts as a binding agent for the steak mixture, helping everything stick together. If you have an egg allergy or are vegan, you can use a flax egg (a mixture of flaxseed meal and water) as a substitute.
Gravy Mix - Salisbury steak is typically served with a rich brown gravy. A pre-packaged mix makes this easy, but you can make your own with beef broth, flour, and seasonings. If you're looking for a vegetarian substitute, mushroom gravy would work well here.
Tips
- Don't over-mix your Salisbury steak mixture. This can lead to tough steaks. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Make sure to fully cook your Salisbury steaks. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat.
- To ensure even cooking, try to shape your steaks so they are the same thickness.
- For a smoother gravy, you can strain it after cooking to remove any bits of onion or seasonings.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the steak and gravy to suit your personal taste.
How to Serve
Salisbury steak is a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It's traditionally served as a main dish with sides, but there's plenty of room for creativity.
- Classic Comfort: Serve your Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal. The rich gravy pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Low Carb: If you're watching your carbs, you can serve Salisbury steak with a side of cauliflower mash and roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Sandwich Style: For a fun twist, serve the Salisbury steak on a hoagie roll with the gravy for dipping, turning it into a delicious sandwich.
Similar Recipes
Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 packet gravy mix
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and egg. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties on both sides until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
- Prepare the gravy according to the packet instructions. Pour over the cooked patties and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve the Salisbury steak with your chosen sides and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Don't over-mix your Salisbury steak mixture. This can lead to tough steaks. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Make sure to fully cook your Salisbury steaks. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat.
- To ensure even cooking, try to shape your steaks so they are the same thickness.
- For a smoother gravy, you can strain it after cooking to remove any bits of onion or seasonings.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the steak and gravy to suit your personal taste.
in chicago a salsbury steak is not ground beef but is a tough cut that is tenderized and requires long cooking