If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, look no further than the best Salisbury steak recipe! This easy Salisbury steak recipe is packed with juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. It’s a homemade Salisbury steak that’s simple to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Whether you’re searching for Salisbury steak recipes that are family-friendly, quick to prepare, or just delicious, this dish has it all. Let’s dive into how to make the best Salisbury steak from scratch!
What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a classic American dish made with seasoned ground beef patties, pan-fried to perfection, and served with a thick, flavorful brown gravy. It’s often paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, making it a comfort food favorite.
Named after Dr. James Salisbury, who promoted a meat-based diet in the 19th century, this dish has been a staple in American households for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
✔️ Comfort Food Classic – A rich, hearty meal for any night of the week.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – A hit with the whole family.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust seasonings or add extra vegetables for more variety.
If you love homemade Salisbury steak, you’re going to love this best Salisbury steak recipe!
Ingredients for the Best Salisbury Steak

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons milk (for moisture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Rich Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
How to Make the Best Salisbury Steak
Follow these simple steps to make the best Salisbury steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and covered in the most delicious homemade gravy.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk.
- Mix well with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or the patties will be tough.
- Shape into 4-6 oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
Step 2: Cook the Salisbury Steak Patties
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Rich Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add olive oil.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the gravy simmer until it starts to thicken (about 5 minutes).
- If you prefer an even thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
- Return the Salisbury steak patties to the skillet.
- Spoon some gravy over the top and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
- This allows the flavors to meld together and the patties to become extra juicy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the homemade Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Pour extra rich mushroom and onion gravy over the top and enjoy every bite!
Best Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak
Wondering what to serve with this easy Salisbury steak recipe? Here are some delicious pairings:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food combo!
🍚 Steamed Rice – Soaks up the flavorful gravy perfectly.
🍞 Buttered Noodles – A simple and classic choice.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add freshness.
🥗 Side Salad – A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Pairing this best Salisbury steak recipe with any of these sides makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
🔹 Use the Right Ground Beef – An 85/15 blend works best for juicy, flavorful patties.
🔹 Don’t Overmix the Meat – Overworking makes the patties dense instead of tender.
🔹 Sear for Flavor – Browning the patties before simmering adds deep flavor.
🔹 Adjust Gravy Thickness – If the gravy is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry; if too thick, add more broth.
🔹 Customize It – Add chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, or fresh herbs for extra depth.

Storing & Reheating Salisbury Steak
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your homemade Salisbury steak.
Refrigerating:
Store the steak and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked Salisbury steak patties (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with fresh gravy.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Simmer in a pan with a little broth or water until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I Make Salisbury Steak Without Mushrooms?
Yes! Simply omit the mushrooms and increase the onions for a rich, delicious gravy.
2. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
3. How Do I Make Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.
4. Can I Add Cheese?
For a twist, mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the patties for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This best Salisbury steak recipe is an easy Salisbury steak dish that’s packed with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re making homemade Salisbury steak for a comforting dinner or meal prep, it’s a classic recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Try this Salisbury steak recipe tonight and let me know how it turns out! 🍽️