This Easy Salisbury Steak is a comfort food favorite! Juicy patties are cooked to perfection and smothered in a delicious onion gravy that makes every bite tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken to make it leaner, but adjust the cooking time as those meats can dry out faster.
Bread Crumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are great, but you can use crushed crackers or even oatmeal if you’re in a pinch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work too if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe since they caramelize well. If you’re out of yellow onions, white or red onions can work too, though they might bring a different taste.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, use low-sodium beef broth. You can swap it with vegetable broth for a lighter version, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How Do I Get the Best Flavored Gravy?
Making a flavorful gravy is a key step for Salisbury steak. It’s all about developing the flavors from the meat and onions.
- After cooking the steaks, don’t clean the skillet! The browned bits stick to the bottom add tons of flavor.
- Cook the onions slowly until they’re soft and caramelized; this helps build the gravy’s sweetness.
- When adding the beef broth, make sure to scrape up those bits. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, add the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring. This thickens the gravy without lumps.
Letting the patties simmer in the gravy for a few minutes allows the flavors to mingle, making every bite taste amazing!
Easy Salisbury Steak With Savory Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Salisbury Steak with onion gravy will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Patties:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything gently until fully incorporated. This mixture is what will become your tasty patties!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. This is the delicious part! Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the butter and the sliced onions. Sauté them until they become soft and caramelized, which should take about 8-10 minutes. This process builds great flavor for your gravy!
5. Make the Gravy:
After the onions are caramelized, pour in the beef broth. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds incredible flavor to the gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Thicken It Up:
Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened; it should coat the back of a spoon nicely!
7. Combine and Heat:
Return the cooked patties to the skillet, making sure to spoon some gravy over each one. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Dish up the Salisbury steaks hot, topping each with plenty of savory onion gravy. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. These steaks are best enjoyed alongside mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a comforting meal!
Enjoy this comforting classic meal filled with hearty flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just be aware that turkey tends to be drier, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk or olive oil to keep the patties moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Salisbury steak gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs. Always check that your sauces, like Worcestershire, are gluten-free as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Salisbury Steak and Gravy?
Absolutely! You can freeze the patties separately or with the gravy for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.