Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

Savory Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic salisbury steak recipe that promises hearty flavor in every bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this timeless dish, combining ground beef with savory seasonings.

Rich brown gravy cascades over tender meat patties, creating a meal that instantly warms the soul.

Each forkful brings memories of traditional family dinners and satisfying home-cooked goodness.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms basic ground beef into an extraordinary main course.

Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared, these steak patties offer a delicious twist on classic meat preparations.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this comforting classic that never goes out of style.

Salisbury Steak: Why This Comfort Dish Stands Out

  • Whip up a delicious, hearty meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Create a restaurant-quality Salisbury steak that transforms simple ground beef into a rich, flavorful dish that feels gourmet but is totally approachable.
  • Easily customize the recipe by switching up side dishes or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated techniques.
  • Minimize cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses the same pan for searing meat and creating a luxurious mushroom gravy, saving time and reducing dish washing.

Classic Salisbury Steak Ingredients Checklist

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the Salisbury steak with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Egg: These ingredients help hold the meat patties together and provide a smooth, cohesive texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: These condiments add depth and tanginess to the meat mixture, creating a complex and savory profile.
  • Minced Onion, Garlic: These aromatics provide a robust and aromatic base that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
Gravy Components:
  • Cremini Mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms contribute a rich, umami flavor and hearty texture to the gravy.
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create a smooth and savory gravy with depth of taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth, consistent sauce.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter: These fats help sear the meat and create a flavorful base for cooking the mushrooms and making the gravy.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance and balance the overall flavor of the Salisbury steak.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green touch to the finished dish.

Tools for Perfect Salisbury Steak

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ground beef and seasonings with gentle mixing.
  • Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Perfect for searing patties and creating rich mushroom gravy.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and mushrooms with ease.
  • Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling beef patties during cooking.

Salisbury Steak: Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix Flavorful Beef Patties

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly.

Shape the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, ensuring they’re compact and even.

Step 2: Sear Beef Patties To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the beef patties into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Once seared, transfer the patties to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Delicious Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt butter and add cremini mushrooms.

Cook until they turn a rich brown color and become tender.

Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flavors to develop and merge.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Mushroom Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to coat evenly.

Slowly pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Let the gravy simmer and thicken, seasoning with salt and pepper until it reaches a smooth, rich consistency.

Step 5: Finish And Serve Comforting Meal

Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy.

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meat to heat through and absorb the delicious sauce.

Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Juicy Salisbury Steak Every Time

  • Gently mix meat ingredients to prevent tough patties, ensuring a tender and juicy Salisbury steak.
  • Choose cremini or baby bella mushrooms for deeper, richer flavor in the gravy, creating a more complex sauce.
  • Whisk flour gradually into the mushroom mixture and pour broth slowly while stirring constantly to achieve smooth, silky consistency.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; aim for 160°F for perfectly cooked beef patties without drying out.
  • Add a splash of red wine or beef stock while simmering gravy to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the dish.

Variations for Salisbury Steak Recipes

  • Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour, using ground turkey or lean beef for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Patties: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentil and mushroom mixture, maintaining the same seasoning profile and gravy technique.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Companion: Skip breadcrumbs entirely, use ground beef with added cauliflower rice for binding, and serve over roasted cauliflower instead of traditional sides.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate feta cheese and oregano into the meat mixture, replace cremini mushrooms with kalamata olives, and use red wine instead of beef broth for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.

Presenting Salisbury Steak with Style

  • Homestyle Comfort Plate: Pair the Salisbury steak with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich mushroom gravy, creating a classic comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Veggie Companion Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to add color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the hearty meat.
  • Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to help diners mop up every delicious drop of the savory mushroom sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the robust beef flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which will enhance the dish's deep, umami-rich profile and elevate the dining experience.

How to Store Salisbury Steak and Gravy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual Salisbury steak portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place leftover Salisbury steak on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Bobby Flay's Salisbury Steak?

The key ingredients include ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, cremini mushrooms, beef broth, and butter. These components create a rich, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of meat and savory gravy.

  • Can I use a different type of mushroom for the gravy?

Yes, you can substitute cremini mushrooms with white button mushrooms, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the gravy, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, this Salisbury steak is relatively high in calories and fat due to the ground beef and butter.

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Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Salisbury steak delivers classic comfort from American home cooking traditions. Savory beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy promise a satisfying meal for hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cremini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Components:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, crushed garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  2. Gently form the meat mixture into four symmetrical oval-shaped patties, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
  3. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat (approximately 375°F) until shimmering.
  4. Carefully place patties into the hot skillet, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust develops.
  5. Transfer browned patties to a clean plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, introducing sliced cremini mushrooms.
  7. Sauté mushrooms until they caramelize and release their moisture, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  9. Dust the mushroom mixture with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux.
  10. Gradually pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  11. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
  12. Reintroduce seared patties into the mushroom gravy, allowing them to warm through for 3-4 minutes.
  13. Season gravy with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside preferred accompaniments.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground beef with 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for juicier, more flavorful patties that hold together perfectly.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense Salisbury steak; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
  • Sear patties at high heat to develop a rich, caramelized crust that locks in moisture and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Experiment with alternative mushroom varieties like shiitake or porcini to add depth and complexity to the traditional mushroom gravy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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