Introduction

Salisbury steak and gravy is a comforting classic that combines seasoned ground beef patties with a rich, savory gravy. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner any night of the week.

A close-up of a white plate with a serving of mashed potatoes at the back, creamy and light yellow in color, with a smooth and slightly lumpy texture. In front of the potatoes is a thick, round, juicy meat patty, dark brown with a grilled texture. The patty is topped and surrounded by a thick, glossy brown gravy that has small chunks, covering part of the plate’s surface. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface, and in the blurred background, there is a woman’s hand holding a white bowl with green beans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups hot water
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon ketchup, dry mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into evenly sized oval patties, about 1 inch thick.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on both sides until nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove patties and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter, sliced onions, garlic, and mushrooms if using. Cook until onions are soft and mushrooms are browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in 2 cups hot water, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering gravy to thicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
Step 7: Return the browned Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Use a spoon to coat the patties with the gravy. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb the gravy.
Step 8: Ensure the patties are cooked through by checking that they have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 9: Once the Salisbury steaks are done, serve them hot with generous spoonfuls of the onion and mushroom gravy on top.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water when making the gravy.
Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for depth and richness.
Substitute cremini mushrooms with white button mushrooms if preferred.
Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the gravy.
Make patties smaller for quicker cooking time and kid-friendly portions.

Storage

Store leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and warm.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a dish with two main layers. The bottom layer is a thick, dark brown, slightly chunky gravy spread across the plate, pooling around the edges. On top of the gravy is a thick, crispy-edged ground beef patty, dark brown and textured. The patty is generously covered with more gravy, which is glossy and smooth with visible black pepper specks. Behind the patty, there is a large serving of creamy mashed potatoes that are soft and light beige, topped with small green herb bits. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor and texture will be milder. Consider adding extra seasonings to boost taste.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Using Italian breadcrumbs and not overmixing the meat helps bind the patties. Chilling the formed patties in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help maintain their shape.