Salisbury Steak Recipe

Best Salisbury Steak Recipe with Mushroom Gravy (Easy Homemade Comfort Food Dinner)

ByAbhijit Dey
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For those who love steak recipes, today I have a great recipe that is perfect for your homemade comfort food dinner, budget-friendly, and it’s called Salisbury Steak Recipe with rich mushroom gravy. Made with juicy seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a savory, golden-brown onion–mushroom gravy, this classic American comfort food is the perfect high-protein weeknight dinner that tastes like pure nostalgia.

Salisbury Steak Recipe With Mushroom Sauce

This is my favorite one-pan beef dinner recipe that is also very famous as a high-protein meal prep recipe. It’s crafted for maximum juiciness, deeper flavor, richer gravy, quicker cooking, and health-conscious upgrades — all without losing that old-fashioned Salisbury steak taste people love. It’s a classic recipe, modernized for today’s home cooks who want easy, affordable, family-friendly meals that feel awesome but still fit a balanced lifestyle.

Suggested: Authentic Romanian Mici Recipe

Yield: 4 Patties

Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe With Mushroom Sauce

Salisbury Steak Recipe With Mushroom Sauce

This Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe is a classic American comfort food dinner made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich brown mushroom gravy. It’s easy, affordable, high-protein, and perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, meal prep, and freezer-friendly recipes.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak Patties

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp oil (for searing)

For the Mushroom Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 2 tbsp heavy cream (for creamy gravy)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Patties

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings.
  • Shape into 4 oval patties.

2. Sear the Patties

  • Heat oil in a skillet.
  • Brown the patties on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side).
  • Remove and set aside; they will finish cooking in the gravy.

3. Make the Mushroom Gravy

  • In the same skillet, melt butter.
  • Add onions and mushrooms; sauté until softened and golden.
  • Sprinkle flour and mix well.
  • Slowly pour beef broth while stirring.
  • Add Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer until the gravy thickens.

4. Simmer Everything Together

  • Add the browned patties back into the skillet.
  • Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

5. Serve

  • Spoon gravy generously over the Salisbury steaks.
  • Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Notes

  • Use high-quality lean ground beef for healthier results and increased search visibility for healthy beef recipes.
  • Brown the patties well—this adds restaurant-style flavor and enhances the umami depth.
  • Add cream for a richer, luxury-style gravy (great keyword for creamy dinner recipes).
  • Make it gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs & cornstarch instead of flour.
  • Perfect for meal prep — lasts 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
  • Double the gravy—most users search for extra gravy recipes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 618Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 15gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 605mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 42g

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© Abhijit Dey
Cuisine: American / Category: Dinner

Suggested: Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

What Is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury Steak is a classic American comfort food dish made from seasoned ground beef patties that are shaped like steak, pan-seared for maximum flavor, and simmered in a rich, savory brown mushroom gravy. Think of it as the perfect mix between a juicy hamburger steak and comforting meatloaf, but much easier, quicker, and far more flavorful—making it one of the best budget-friendly weeknight dinner recipes you can make.

The dish dates back to the late 1800s and was created by Dr. James Salisbury, who promoted a high-protein diet centered around minced beef patties. Over time, these patties became known as “Salisbury steak”, eventually evolving into the cozy, gravy-smothered comfort food we love today.

If you’ve never had Salisbury steak before, imagine taking all the best qualities of a juicy burger, adding the heartiness of meatloaf, and finishing it with a luxurious, homemade mushroom gravy that tastes like something you’d get in a cozy American diner. That’s Salisbury steak in a nutshell—simple, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying.

Related: Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Salisbury Steak Patties Makes 4 patties

  • 1 lbground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • ⅓ cupplain breadcrumbs
  • 1large egg
  • 1small onion, finely grated
  • 2 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbspketchup
  • 1 tspDijon mustard
  • 1 tsponion powder
  • 1 tspgarlic powder
  • ½ tspsmoked paprika
  • ½ tspsalt
  • ½ tspblack pepper
  • 1 tbspneutral oil (for searing)

Grating the onion releases juices that keep the patties tender — a simple trick professional chefs use for juicier, high-protein dinner recipes.

Mushroom Gravy

  • 2 tbspbutter
  • 1 tbspall-purpose flour
  • 1 cupsliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
  • 1medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cupsbeef broth
  • 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
  • ½ tspdried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tbsp heavy cream (for creamier gravy)

Pro tip: save the fond (those browned bits) after searing the patties — that’s pure flavor. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth to pull all the umami into your gravy.

Smart Substitutions (Gluten-free, Keto, Lower-Fat, Vegan Options)

Gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free oats. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire if it contains gluten.

Keto / Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or almond flour, use heavy cream in gravy and skip the flour by making a cornstarch slurry (or xanthan gum for a zero-carb thickener).

Lower-Fat / Healthier: Use lean ground beef (90/10) or a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground turkey. Reduce butter and finish gravy with a splash of low-fat milk or Greek yogurt (off-heat) for creaminess.

Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream or unsweetened oat milk (thickened with a cornstarch slurry) instead of heavy cream.

Turkey / Chicken Backup: Ground turkey or chicken can be used — add an extra egg or 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs to help bind and keep patties from drying out.

Vegan/Plant-Based: Use a firm plant-based mince or mashed cooked lentils with 2 tbsp flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water), cooked mushrooms for body, and vegetable broth for gravy. Thicken with cornstarch or flour alternative.

Mushroom-Free: Skip mushrooms and boost umami with caramelized onions + a splash of soy sauce (or tamari) and a teaspoon of tomato paste.

Suggested: Thanksgiving Cocktails

Step-by-Step Instructions — Make Salisbury Steak (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Mix seasoned ground beef and form 4 patties → sear until brown → sauté onions & mushrooms → make a brown mushroom gravy → nest patties in gravy and simmer 8–12 minutes. Ready in ~35 minutes — perfect for a family weeknight dinner or meal prep.
  1. Mixing seasoned ground beef for Salisbury steak
    Step 1 • Prep (5–7 min)

    Mix the Beef & Seasonings

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, grated onion, minced garlic, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tbsp ketchup, and seasoning (onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt & pepper). Mix gently — don’t overwork the meat. This keeps the patties tender and juicy for a restaurant-style, high-protein dinner.

  2. Shaping and forming Salisbury steak patties
    Step 2 • Shape (2–3 min)

    Form 3–4 Oval Patties

    Divide the mixture into 3–4 equal portions and form oval patties slightly larger than the final size (they’ll shrink while cooking). Press a shallow indent in the center of each patty to prevent doming.

  3. Searing Salisbury steak patties in a skillet
    Step 3 • Sear (6–8 min)

    Sear Patties for a Deep Brown Crust

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Work in batches if needed. Remove patties and set aside — the browned bits (fond) left in the pan are flavor gold for the mushroom gravy.

  4. Sautéing mushrooms and onions for gravy
    Step 4 • Build Flavor (5–7 min)

    Sauté Onions & Mushrooms — Make the Gravy Base

    In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter. Sauté 1 sliced onion until soft, then add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook until golden. Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute to remove raw flavor. This creates a luscious base for the brown mushroom gravy.

  5. Adding beef broth and Worcestershire to make mushroom gravy
    Step 5 • Make Gravy (3–5 min)

    Whisk in Beef Broth & Season to Taste

    Slowly whisk in 1½ cups beef broth until smooth, then add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer until the gravy thickens. For a richer result, stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.

    Alternative: For gluten-free, replace flour with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
  6. Simmering Salisbury steaks in mushroom gravy
    Step 6 • Simmer (8–12 min)

    Return Patties to Skillet & Simmer

    Nest the seared patties back into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–12 minutes until patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This step finishes cooking gently and infuses the beef with savory mushroom gravy flavor — perfect for family dinners or meal prep containers.

    Serving idea: Spoon extra gravy over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for maximum comfort-food appeal.
  7. Plated Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes
    Step 7 • Finish & Serve

    Rest, Plate, and Garnish

    Turn off heat and let patties rest in the gravy 2 minutes. Plate Salisbury steak over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for color.

Related: Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Variations — Make Salisbury Steak Your Way (Healthy, Keto, Slow-Cooker & More)

Try these tested Salisbury Steak variations to match any diet, time, or social share format.

A. Healthy Salisbury Steak (Low-Cal, High-Protein)

This Healthy Salisbury Steak uses lean ground beef or ground turkey, almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, low-sodium beef broth, and optional Greek yogurt in the gravy. It keeps protein high while cutting calories.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Use 93/7 lean ground beef or ground turkey to lower fat.
  • Replace 1/3 cup breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup almond flour + 1 tbsp grated zucchini for moisture.
  • Use Greek yogurt (1–2 tbsp) to add creaminess without extra calories.

B. Keto & Low-Carb Salisbury Steak

No breadcrumbs here—this Keto Salisbury Steak swaps almond flour or crushed pork rinds for binder and thickens the gravy with xanthan gum or heavy cream. Serve with cauliflower mash for a complete low-carb, high-fat dinner option.

Quick swaps & notes
  • 1/3 cup pork rinds (crushed) or 1/4 cup almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Thicken gravy with 1/4 tsp xanthan gum or finish with 2 tbsp heavy cream.

C. Turkey Salisbury Steak (Lean & Lighter)

Ground turkey makes a superb lighter alternative that keeps the texture tender. Add extra grated onion or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep patties moist. This variation targets searches like turkey Salisbury steak and low-fat beef alternatives.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Use 1 lb ground turkey + 2 tbsp olive oil for moisture.
  • Cook slightly shorter and check for doneness to avoid dryness.

D. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak (Set & Forget)

Perfect for busy schedules—brown patties briefly, then finish in the slow cooker with mushrooms, onions, and a savory beef gravy.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Sear patties 1–2 minutes per side to hold shape, then layer in slow cooker.
  • Use 2 cups beef broth + 1 tbsp Worcestershire and 1 tsp soy sauce for depth.

E. Sheet Pan / Oven-Baked Salisbury Steak (Hands-Off)

Bake the patties on a sheet pan and roast mushrooms and onions alongside for minimal fuss and maximal yield.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Shape patties and bake 18–22 minutes depending on thickness.
  • Roast mushrooms for 12–15 minutes then combine with quick gravy made on stovetop.

F. Mushroom-Free Salisbury Steak (Picky Eaters)

Not a mushroom fan? Swap in caramelized onions and roasted bell peppers, or a simple onion and pan gravy.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Caramelize 2 large onions slowly for a sweet, umami-forward gravy base.
  • Roasted peppers add color and a mild sweetness kids often love.

G. Vegetarian Salisbury-Style Patties (Plant-Based)

Use smashed chickpeas, lentils, or a mushroom-walnut mix to mimic the meaty texture. Bind with oats or chickpea flour and finish with a rich mushroom (or vegan onion) gravy for a satisfying plant-based twist.

Quick swaps & notes
  • Base: 1 can chickpeas mashed + 1/2 cup cooked lentils, or 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms + 3/4 cup walnuts.
  • Binder: 1/2 cup oats ground to flour or 1/3 cup chickpea flour.

Related: Shrimp & Grits Recipes

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak — Best Sides & Pairings

Creamy Mashed Potatoes — Classic Comfort

Creamy Mashed Potatoes — Classic Comfort

Buttery, ultra-smooth mashed potatoes are the canonical side for Salisbury steak. They soak up that rich mushroom gravy and instantly turn the dish into a hearty family dinner.

Butter Garlic Egg Noodles — Quick & Kid-Friendly

Butter Garlic Egg Noodles — Quick & Kid-Friendly

Simple egg noodles tossed with butter and garlic make an easy, saucy base for the steak. Great for busy weeknights and meal prep containers.

Roasted Garlic Baby Potatoes — Crispy, Oven-Roasted

Roasted Garlic Baby Potatoes — Crispy, Oven-Roasted

Roast small potatoes with garlic and thyme until crispy. The contrast of a crunchy side with juicy patties is irresistible.

Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds — Light & Fresh

Bright, slightly crunchy green beans with toasted almonds keep the plate balanced and add a nice textural contrast to the gravy-heavy steak.

Cauliflower Mash — Low-Carb & Keto Friendly

Cauliflower Mash — Low-Carb & Keto Friendly

A creamy cauliflower mash is the perfect low-carb swap for mashed potatoes. It soaks up gravy and suits keto, low-carb, and weight-conscious people.

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon — Brightens the Plate

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon — Brightens the Plate

Roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness and adds vibrant color.

Chef’s Pairing Tips:

  • Balance richness: Pair heavy gravies with bright, acidic sides (lemon broccoli or quick pickled cucumbers).
  • Texture contrast: Add a crunchy element (toasted nuts, crispy shallots, or oven-roasted potatoes).
  • Meal prep hack: Make gravy separately and reheat; pair with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for easy assembly.
  • Kid-friendly swap: Use buttered noodles or mashed potatoes — both are crowd-pleasers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (so your Salisbury Steak stays juicy & restaurant-quality)

Cooking Salisbury steak is forgiving—until it isn’t. Here are the top mistakes home cooks make (and quick fixes you can use right away). With these tips, you can create juicy patties, rich mushroom gravy, and the best weekend comfort dinners this month.

Overworking the meat

Squeezing or mixing ground beef too much makes the patties dense and dry—no tender crumb, no juicy bite.

Quick fix: Mix gently until combined. Use a fork or light hands—stop as soon as ingredients are evenly distributed.

Skipping grated onion (or using big chunks)

Large onion pieces create uneven texture and make patties fall apart; dry, powdered onion can lack moisture and flavor.

Quick fix: grate the onion and squeeze just a little juice out (or use a fine dice). Grated onion keeps burgers moist and bonds the patty.

Not searing the patties properly

Skipping a strong sear robs the dish of the savory browned crust (the fond), which is the backbone of any rich beef gravy.

Quick fix: get your pan hot, pat the patties dry, and sear undisturbed 3–4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms—this creates restaurant-style flavor and improves your gravy base.

Adding too much liquid at once

Pouring all the broth in at once can make the gravy thin and pale—no body, no glossy finish.

Quick fix: add broth gradually while stirring and let it reduce to concentrate flavor. If needed, finish with a small splash of heavy cream for a silky gravy.

Using too much filler or the wrong binder

Too many breadcrumbs or dense binders make patties heavy; no binder means patties fall apart when simmered.

Quick fix: use the right ratio—about 1/3 cup breadcrumbs per pound of beef plus 1 egg OR use soaked breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko.

Overcooking the patties

Overcooked patties are dry and lose flavor.

Quick fix: simmer gently and check internal temp—160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Remove from heat a couple minutes early; carryover cooking will finish them perfectly.

Thickening the gravy incorrectly

Adding raw flour on top or too much cornstarch can cause lumps or a gummy texture.

Quick fix: make a roux (butter + flour) and cook it briefly before adding liquid, or use a cornstarch slurry mixed with cold water and whisk in slowly for a glossy finish.

Neglecting seasoning layers

Underseasoned patties or gravy taste flat. Layered seasoning (in meat, in sear, and in sauce) builds depth.

Quick fix: season the meat, season the pan after searing with a splash of Worcestershire, and taste & adjust the gravy at the end. Salt in stages for balanced flavor.

Skipping a rest period before plating

Plating immediately means patties lose juices on the plate and gravy thins; resting lets everything settle and the juices redistribute.

Quick fix: rest patties 3–5 minutes under a loose tent of foil. Reheat the gravy if needed and spoon back over patties for a glossy finish.

Using low-quality broth or cheap mushrooms

Thin broth and rubbery mushrooms mute flavor; the gravy won’t taste rich or savory.

Quick fix: use good-quality beef broth (or concentrated stock) and fresh cremini or baby bella mushrooms. Sauté mushrooms until golden for maximum umami.

Frequently Asked Questions (Salisbury Steak Recipe)

Salisbury Steak is a classic American comfort food made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy. It’s popular because it’s a high-protein, budget-friendly, family-approved dinner that tastes like a restaurant-style steak but can be made at home in under 30 minutes.
While they may look similar, Salisbury Steak includes seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs, and is always served with a savory brown gravy. Hamburger steak is simpler and served like a pan-fried burger, while meatloaf is baked as a loaf.
This usually happens when the mixture doesn’t have enough binders like egg or breadcrumbs, or if the patties were overworked. Simply mix until combined, form gently, and chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking.
Yes! Replace mushrooms with caramelized onions or skip them entirely. The gravy will still be rich, silky, and delicious.
Absolutely — when made with lean ground beef and low-sodium broth, it becomes a high-protein, nutritious dinner. It fits into many diets, including high-protein meal plans, low-carb diets, and affordable healthy dinners.
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken creates a lighter, low-fat version while keeping the same comfort food flavor.
Salisbury steak freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Let it simmer longer, add a slurry (cornstarch + cold water), or use a little heavy cream for a luxury-style finish.
The best sides include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, garlic butter rice, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower mash.
Yes — both methods work beautifully! Slow cooker Salisbury steak is extremely popular for meal prep lovers and busy families.

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