When it comes to cozy, comforting weeknight dinners, homemade Salisbury steak is one of those timeless dishes that never disappoints. Tender beef patties seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy—it’s the kind of meal that instantly feels like home. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a hearty, nostalgic dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Homemade Salisbury steak is one recipe that instantly brings me back to my childhood. My mom would make it often for dinner and it was a favorite recipe then. When I make it now for my family, I stand over the stove top and just think of my mom. I would watch her make it and wonder what she added to make it so good! After making it for my own family for so many years, I have perfected her recipe!

Why you are going to love Salisbury steak

What makes Salisbury steak so special? It’s budget-friendly, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight from a classic diner menu. The best part—everything cooks in one skillet, so clean-up is a breeze. Everyone needs another ground beef recipe and this one is one of my all time favorites!

Homemade Salisbury Steak Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients for this quick and easy dinner recipe. I bet you already have most of them on hand!

• ground beef
• bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• milk
• onion
• garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• salt & pepper
• olive oil (for frying)
• butter
• flour
• beef broth

Salisbury Steak Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated. Try not to overwork the mixture—doing so can make the patties tough instead of tender.

2. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Use your hands to form each portion into an oval-shaped patty about 1/2 inch thick. This shape not only gives the dish its iconic look but also helps the patties cook evenly.

3. Cook the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned. Don’t worry if the patties aren’t fully cooked through at this stage—they will finish cooking in the gravy later. Transfer the browned patties to a plate and set aside.

4. Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they’re softened and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. This step creates the base of the rich, flavorful gravy, so take your time and let the onions develop a deep golden color.

5. Make the Roux

Once the onions are soft and fragrant, sprinkle the flour evenly over the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and cook the flour for 1–2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a smooth, velvety gravy.

6. Add the Liquids

Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to remove any lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Finish Cooking the Patties

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through. This simmering step infuses the beef with the deep flavors of the gravy.

8. Season and Serve

Give the gravy a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, generously topped with that delicious onion gravy. They pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

Mix Up the Meat Want even richer flavor? Try blending your ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey. A 50/50 mix gives the patties a soft, juicy texture.
Add Mushrooms If you love a more robust gravy, toss in some sliced mushrooms when you sauté the onions. They’ll add depth and an earthy richness to the dish.
Don’t Overmix When combining the meat mixture, stop as soon as everything is evenly blended. Too much handling can make the patties dense.
Make it Ahead This dish reheats wonderfully. Store leftover patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Salisbury steaks are ready, you have plenty of serving options:

• Mashed potatoes: a classic pairing that soaks up the gravy beautifully.
• Buttered noodles: simple egg noodles tossed with butter make a cozy side.
• Rice: perfect for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and freshness.

Other ground beef recipes to try

Ground beef is something we always have in the fridge or freezer. Here are some of our other favorite ways to use it up:

• Smash burger tacos – kids LOVE these!
• Beef and rice casserole – double it and freeze a batch!
• Korean lettuce wraps – take out flavor!
• Homemade sloppy Joes – another approved one!
• Ground beef enchiladas – perfect for taco Tuesday.
• Mom’s meat loaf – another recipe from my momma!
• Homemade hamburger helper – bye bye box!

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