The Best Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe

Crafting a classic salisbury steak with onion gravy brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Home cooks have cherished this hearty dish for generations.

Its rich, savory flavors transport you back to cozy family meals.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef patties nestle beneath a blanket of caramelized onion gravy.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of robust meat and silky sauce.

Tender and juicy, this salisbury steak delivers nostalgia on a plate.

Let’s uncover the secret to creating this timeless comfort food that will make everyone at the table smile.

Salisbury Steak That’s Smothered in Rich Onion Gravy

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic Salisbury steak delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals with its rich, savory gravy and tender beef patties.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise to create a delicious dinner.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners a breeze with minimal kitchen mess.
• Family Dinner Delight: This crowd-pleasing dish appeals to both kids and adults, offering a nostalgic meal that brings everyone together around the table with its classic, comforting flavors.

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Classic protein base for Salisbury steak.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture.
• Egg: Natural binder for the patties.
• Chopped Onion: Adds flavor and moisture to the meat.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth and classic seasoning to the meat patties.

• Butter: Creates rich base for the gravy.
• Sliced Onions: Provides caramelized sweetness.
• Beef Broth: Builds savory liquid foundation.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy.
• Dried Thyme: Adds herbal undertone.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the meat patties.

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the Meat Patties

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently blend all ingredients and shape into 4 equal oval-shaped patties.

Step 2: Searing the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place patties into the hot pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and meat is fully cooked through. Transfer patties to a clean plate.

Step 3: Creating Caramelized Onion Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions turn soft and develop a deep golden color, about 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to create a smooth roux.

Step 4: Building the Gravy

Slowly pour in beef broth, additional Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Let the gravy simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Final Simmering

Return meat patties to the skillet, nestling them into the rich onion gravy. Allow everything to heat together for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with creamy mashed potatoes or your preferred side dishes.

Steak Tips for Classic Salisbury with Onion Gravy

• Perfectly Blend Ingredients: Mix ground beef ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense patties and maintain a tender texture.
• Maximize Flavor Development: Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to unlock deep, sweet flavor profiles in the gravy.
• Control Meat Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure Salisbury steaks reach 160°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Prevent Gravy Lumps: Whisk beef broth gradually into the roux, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce without clumps.
• Enhance Meal Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

Save Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Easily

• Store leftover Salisbury steaks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the steaks and gravy are completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual steaks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place steaks on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature and rotating midway.
• Warm steaks in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes, turning once to ensure even warming and prevent overcooking.

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Companions

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complement the rich, meaty flavors of Salisbury steak perfectly, cutting through the savory onion gravy with their intense fruit and tannic structure.
• Comfort Side Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles absorb the delicious gravy, creating a harmonious blend of textures and enhancing the hearty protein.
• Brighten with Fresh Vegetables: Roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots add a light, sweet counterpoint to the deep umami of the Salisbury steak, balancing the plate's rich profile.
• Match with Craft Beer: Amber ale or dark porter work wonderfully, their malty undertones echoing the caramelized onions and providing a satisfying, full-bodied drinking experience alongside the meal.

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Variants

• Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak: Replace breadcrumbs with ground almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the gravy.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version. Maintain the same seasoning for rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Create plant-based patties using lentils, black beans, or mushroom-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the gravy.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use finely chopped mushrooms or crushed pork rinds as a binder. Serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional potatoes.

FAQs

• What is the key to achieving flavorful Salisbury steak patties?

The secret is mixing ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder, which adds depth and enhances the meat’s natural flavors.

• Why should I caramelize the onions for the gravy?

Caramelizing onions develops a rich, sweet flavor that creates a more complex and delicious gravy, transforming a simple sauce into something truly special.

• How do I ensure the Salisbury steak patties are juicy and not dry?

Mix in egg and breadcrumbs to help retain moisture, and avoid overcooking by using medium-high heat and cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until just browned.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them, then cook and make the gravy when ready to serve for a convenient meal preparation.

Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting classic Salisbury steak with rich onion gravy celebrates hearty midwestern home cooking. Juicy beef patties nestled in silky sauce promise a nostalgic meal that satisfies deep hunger for traditional American flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Aid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently blend ingredients without overworking the meat, then shape into four uniform oval-shaped patties.
2. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully place meat patties into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure internal doneness while maintaining a juicy texture. Transfer cooked patties to a separate plate.
3. Within the same skillet, melt butter and introduce thinly sliced onions. Allow onions to slowly caramelize, stirring occasionally until they transform into a deep golden color and become exceptionally tender, roughly 7-10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Toast the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually incorporate beef broth, additional Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Whisk consistently to prevent lumps and promote a silky consistency. Simmer the gravy until it reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened state.
6. Reintroduce the cooked meat patties into the fragrant onion gravy. Gently warm the steaks, allowing them to absorb the rich sauce’s flavors for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Plate the Salisbury steaks generously covered in the robust onion gravy, accompanying with creamy mashed potatoes or your preferred side dishes.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef with 85% lean, 15% fat for juicier, more flavorful patties without excessive greasiness.
• Avoid overmixing meat mixture to prevent tough, dense Salisbury steaks; gently combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• Add extra depth by including a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when making the gravy for richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening gravy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg