Hey y’all! If you crave hearty comfort food that brings back memories of Sunday dinners, you’ll fall head over heels for this Homemade Salisbury Steak recipe. It’s packed with juicy, tender beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy — perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or whenever you need a classic pick-me-up. Ready for the ultimate comfort food experience? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a homey meal.
Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
Features juicy, flavorful beef patties drenched in rich, savory mushroom gravy.
Easy to prepare and customize with different flavors or sides.
Budget-friendly and a guaranteed family favorite!

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Gently mix until just combined—avoid overworking to keep the patties tender.
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions; shape into thick oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until well browned (they don’t need to cook through at this stage).
Transfer browned patties to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Gravy

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté sliced mushrooms and onions for 6-7 minutes until softened and golden.
Add beef broth and ketchup, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.
Uncover, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4

Notes

For extra moist patties, avoid pressing them too thin while shaping.
Let the beef rest at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even browning.
Don’t skip sautéing the mushrooms and onions — they add depth and richness to the gravy!

Variations

Turkey Salisbury Steak: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner meal.
Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar into the meat mixture before forming patties.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the broth and ketchup are gluten-free.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Large skillet with lid
Spatula
Knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions

Store cooled Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until completely warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice to soak up the savory gravy.
Pair with steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or roasted broccoli for a rounded meal.
A warm dinner roll on the side makes this comfort food meal even more satisfying!

Pro Tips

Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties and maximum flavor.
Don’t overmix your meat mixture—gentle handling keeps the texture tender.
Scrape up browned bits after browning the patties as they add delicious flavor to your gravy!

FAQ

Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them raw up to one day in advance, or cook the whole dish and reheat before serving.
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely—ground pork, turkey, or even a beef/pork blend works great in this recipe.
How do I know when the Salisbury steaks are done?
Ground beef should be cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The gravy should be bubbling and thick.