Introduction
Best Salisbury Steak is a comforting and hearty meal that combines juicy, flavorful beef patties with a rich, savory gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a satisfying combination of tender beef, deliciously seasoned gravy, and classic sides. With the simplicity of everyday ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade version of this classic dish that’s free from pork, bacon, or alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or serving guests for a special occasion, Best Salisbury Steak will quickly become a new favorite.
I remember the first time I made this dish for a family dinner. The savory aroma filled the house, and everyone was eagerly waiting to dig in. The rich gravy paired perfectly with the tender beef patties, making each bite melt in your mouth. What I love about this dish is how easy it is to make, yet it feels like such a comforting, special meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and one I’ll definitely keep making for years to come!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Weeknight meals
- Serving guests
- Hearty meal lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Best Salisbury Steak will become your go-to comfort food:
- Juicy, Tender Patties: The beef patties are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender, providing a satisfying bite in every piece.
- Rich, Savory Gravy: The flavorful gravy is made with simple ingredients, giving the dish an irresistible taste without being overly complicated.
- Comforting & Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with its tender beef patties and flavorful gravy, perfect for filling appetites and warming hearts.
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust the seasoning, add extra vegetables, or tweak the gravy to your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The simple, savory flavors make it a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please picky eaters.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Best Salisbury Steak:
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for no alcohol)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish, providing a juicy, tender texture for the patties.
- Breadcrumbs & Milk: Help to keep the beef patties moist and tender, offering a soft texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the patties without the need for alcohol or pork-based ingredients.
- Beef Broth: The base for the flavorful gravy, bringing richness without being overpowering.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor in both the patties and the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Best Salisbury Steak:
Prepare the Patties:
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add the Beef Broth & Soy Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the Gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach the right consistency.
Combine the Patties and Gravy:
- Return the Patties to the Skillet: Place the cooked patties back into the skillet with the gravy, spooning some gravy over the top. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are fully heated through and coated in the flavorful sauce.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning extra gravy over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve
Best Salisbury Steak pairs wonderfully with various sides for a well-rounded meal:
- With Mashed Potatoes: The rich, savory gravy is perfect for pouring over creamy mashed potatoes, making each bite even more satisfying.
- With Rice: Serve alongside fluffy white rice, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans, peas, or carrots for a healthy, colorful addition to the plate.
- With Dinner Rolls: A side of warm dinner rolls will allow you to scoop up the gravy and complete the meal.
- With Salad: For a lighter side, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the Salisbury steak.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Best Salisbury Steak turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Overmix the Patties: Be gentle when mixing the beef and other ingredients to avoid tough patties. Just mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Customize the Gravy: If you like a thicker gravy, add a little more flour; for a thinner one, use less or add more broth.
- Rest the Patties: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them retain their juices.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy as you go and feel free to add extra spices or herbs, such as paprika, parsley, or garlic powder, to suit your preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated.
Recipe Variations
Here are 5 variations you can try for Best Salisbury Steak:
- Mushroom Salisbury Steak: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the beef.
- Cheese-Topped Salisbury Steak: Add a slice of your favorite cheese, like Swiss or cheddar, to the top of each patty during the last few minutes of simmering for a cheesy twist.
- Onion Soup Mix Salisbury Steak: Use a packet of onion soup mix to flavor the gravy, offering a shortcut to extra seasoning and flavor.
- Low-Sodium Salisbury Steak: Use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce to make this dish heart-healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Salisbury steak patties and gravy separately for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Storage: Store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Special Equipment
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Best Salisbury Steak easier:
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A large skillet is perfect for browning the patties and making the gravy in one pan.
- Whisk: A whisk is helpful for incorporating the flour into the gravy without creating lumps.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensure your patties are fully cooked by checking the internal temperature (160°F).
FAQ Section
- Can I use lean ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef, but keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner and may require extra seasoning to maintain flavor. - Can I make the patties smaller?
Yes, you can make the patties smaller, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through. - Can I make the gravy without flour?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free gravy by using cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener instead of flour. - Can I freeze the patties before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties and cook them later. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped before freezing. - How can I thicken the gravy?
If the gravy is too thin, add a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, and stir it into the gravy to thicken.
Best Salisbury Steak
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for no alcohol)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Patties:
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add the Beef Broth & Soy Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the Gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach the right consistency.
Combine the Patties and Gravy:
- Return the Patties to the Skillet: Place the cooked patties back into the skillet with the gravy, spooning some gravy over the top. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are fully heated through and coated in the flavorful sauce.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning extra gravy over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
Conclusion
Best Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food, offering juicy beef patties paired with a savory gravy that’s sure to satisfy any craving. This hearty, flavorful dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this Salisbury steak recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for any meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite!
This recipe is as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat, making it the ideal choice for a cozy, filling dinner. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables, Best Salisbury Steak will be the highlight of any meal.
I’d love to see how your Best Salisbury Steak turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!