I made this Salisbury steak with gravy on a chilly night when I was craving something that felt like a diner-style comfort meal and I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen so I mixed up some seasoned beef patties whipped up a simple onion gravy and served it all over creamy mashed potatoes. The result was pure comfort in every bite and it quickly became a staple on our cold-weather dinner rotation.

What I love about this recipe is how satisfying and nostalgic it feels with the tender beef patties the rich homemade gravy and the deep savory flavor in every spoonful. It’s one of those dishes that makes you want to sit down take your time and enjoy a plate of hearty goodness.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Ground beef – The base of the patties, hearty and filling.
Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat and gives it texture.
Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds deep savory umami to the patties.
Onion – Used in both the steak mix and the gravy for flavor.
Garlic – Boosts the taste of both the steak and sauce.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat and gravy.
All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the gravy to a rich consistency.
Beef broth – Forms the base of the gravy with deep beefy flavor.
Butter – Adds richness to the gravy.
Olive oil – For searing the patties to a golden brown.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl – To combine and shape the Salisbury steak patties.
Skillet – Used for searing the patties and making the gravy.
Spatula – To flip and move the steaks in the skillet.
Whisk – For blending flour into the gravy smoothly.
Measuring spoons – For accurate seasoning and flour use.
Plate – To temporarily set the cooked patties aside.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Patties

I mix the ground beef breadcrumbs egg Worcestershire sauce finely diced onion garlic salt and pepper in a bowl and shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

In a large skillet I heat olive oil over medium-high and sear the patties on both sides until they’re browned and almost cooked through and then I remove them and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In the same skillet I add a little butter and sauté sliced onions until they’re soft and golden and then I stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

I sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute to make a roux then I slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking until smooth and then I bring it to a simmer until it thickens into a rich gravy.

Step 5: Simmer the Patties

I return the Salisbury steaks to the skillet and spoon the gravy over them and let them simmer gently for 10 minutes until fully cooked and juicy and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Serve Hot

I like to serve these over mashed potatoes rice or egg noodles with extra gravy spooned on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips

If you want extra tender patties don’t overmix the beef. You can swap in ground turkey or pork for a different twist. For deeper flavor in the gravy I sometimes add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of thyme. And if you love mushrooms they’re a great addition to the gravy for added texture and taste.

Ways to Serve

Salisbury steak pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes roasted vegetables or buttered noodles. I often serve it with green beans or peas for a classic homestyle plate. It also works well as leftovers – just reheat in the gravy and enjoy all over again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?

Yes, cook the patties and gravy in advance then reheat gently on the stove before serving.

What cut of beef should I use?

Ground chuck is ideal for juicy flavorful patties that hold together well.

Can I freeze Salisbury steak with gravy?

Definitely. Store cooked patties and gravy together in a freezer-safe container and thaw before reheating.

What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?

Salisbury steak usually includes seasonings breadcrumbs and gravy while hamburger steak is typically simpler with minimal seasoning.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Salisbury steak with gravy soon! It’s a warm satisfying and deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings. Let me know how you serve yours and don’t forget to save this for the next time you need something classic and cozy.

Happy Cooking!