Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy: A Classic Comfort Food Favorite

Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food—a savory, flavorful dish that combines tender beef patties with a rich, homemade mushroom gravy. Perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable sides, this dish is a nostalgic classic that brings hearty satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or looking to impress guests, Salisbury steak is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating juicy beef patties and a luscious gravy that’s loaded with mushrooms and onions. Along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make this dish perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The homemade mushroom gravy is the star of this dish, with a depth of flavor that’s better than anything store-bought.
2. Tender, Juicy Patties: Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients, these beef patties are full of flavor and hold their shape perfectly.
3. Classic Comfort Food: Hearty, satisfying, and bursting with nostalgia, Salisbury steak is a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
4. Versatile and Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
5. Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort, this dish is perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

For the Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a lighter texture)
• 1 egg (acts as a binder)
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Mushroom Gravy

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini, white button, or baby bella)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred for better control of seasoning)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds richness to the gravy)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (enhances the savory flavor)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
• 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing the mushrooms and onions)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Pairings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
• Green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty, flavorful Salisbury steak meal that everyone will love.

Step 1: Make the Beef Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties dense.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil or a small pat of butter.
2. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
3. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions. Stir well to coat and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
4. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Simmer the Patties in Gravy

1. Return the browned beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F for beef, 165°F for turkey).
3. Spoon the gravy over the patties occasionally as they cook to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer the Salisbury steak patties to plates or a serving dish.
2. Spoon the mushroom gravy generously over the top.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced onion and high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of the patties.
2. Don’t Overmix the Beef: Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
3. Brown for Flavor: Browning the patties before simmering them in the gravy adds depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Taste the Gravy: Adjust the seasoning of the gravy after it’s simmered for a few minutes to ensure it’s perfectly balanced.
5. Thicker Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

Variations to Try

1. Turkey or Chicken Salisbury Steak: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Use chicken broth for the gravy.
2. Herb-Infused Patties: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the beef mixture for an aromatic touch.
3. Cheesy Twist: Stuff each patty with a small cube of cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) for a gooey surprise.
4. Vegetarian Salisbury Steak: Replace the beef patties with portobello mushrooms or plant-based patties, and use vegetable broth for the gravy.
5. Bacon-Infused Flavor: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture or the gravy for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Salisbury steak with these delicious sides to create a complete meal:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory mushroom gravy.
2. Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles create a hearty, pasta-based accompaniment.
3. Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a simple and satisfying pairing.
4. Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, green beans, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for a nutritious side.
5. Dinner Rolls: Warm, buttery rolls are perfect for mopping up the extra gravy.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

• Prepare the patties and gravy up to 1 day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop and add the patties to warm through before serving.

Storage:

• Store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of beef. Adjust the cooking time slightly for leaner meats to avoid overcooking.

2. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure the beef mixture includes enough breadcrumbs and egg, as these act as binders. Avoid overmixing, and shape the patties firmly.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patties and substitute the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.

4. How can I add more flavor to the gravy?

Try adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar, a pinch of dried thyme, or a small dollop of Dijon mustard for extra depth.

Conclusion

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a comforting classic that brings together tender beef patties and a rich, savory gravy in a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with a side of green beans or roasted veggies for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal. Once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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