Salisbury steak is a timeless, hearty dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort food to the table. It consists of flavorful beef patties made with simple seasonings, seared until golden brown, and then smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy.
Despite its name, Salisbury steak isn’t an actual steak—it’s a seasoned ground beef patty, similar to a hamburger but infused with spices, breadcrumbs, and onions for extra flavor. What makes it special is the gravy—a deep, flavorful sauce that coats the patties, making them extra juicy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Simple & Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
✔️ Full of Flavor – The combination of seared beef and caramelized onions in gravy is unbeatable.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for make-ahead dinners and freezer meals.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the seasoning, thickness of the gravy, and even the meat choice to suit your taste.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering Salisbury steak with onion gravy!
Ingredients for Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
For the Beef Patties:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture)
- 2–4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (helps bind the patties)
- 3 red onions (1 diced, 2 sliced into rings)
- 2 eggs (acts as a binder)
- 1 pinch celery salt (adds subtle savory depth)
- 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1¼ teaspoons onion powder
- 1¼ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Onion Gravy:
- 4 cups beef broth (or use a roasted beef base for extra depth of flavor)
- 6 tablespoons flour (thickens the gravy)
- 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream (optional, for a creamy texture)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 pinches onion powder
- 1–2 pinches garlic powder
- 1 small pinch crushed red pepper (optional, for a little spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the Onions:
- Add diced onions to one side of the skillet and sliced onion rings to the other.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Set Aside: Remove the onions and place them in separate bowls.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patties
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Half of the diced sautéed onions
- Eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings
- Gently Mix: Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing, or the patties will turn out tough.
- Shape the Patties: Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
Step 3: Sear the Patties
- Melt Butter in Skillet: Add another 1–2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Patties:
- Place patties in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove & Drain Excess Fat: Set the patties aside and discard some of the fat from the pan.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Whisk the Flour & Broth: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth and flour until smooth.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the broth mixture into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits for flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, butter, and heavy cream (if using).
- Simmer Until Thickened: Let the gravy cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
- Return the Patties & Onion Rings: Add them back to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Season & Simmer: Sprinkle in the remaining onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Let everything cook for 5–15 minutes until flavors meld.
- Taste & Adjust: Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the rich onion gravy over the patties and serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Best Side Dishes for Salisbury Steak
🥔 1. Mashed Potatoes
A creamy, buttery side that soaks up the delicious gravy.
🍜 2. Buttered Egg Noodles
Simple yet perfect with garlic butter and fresh parsley.
🥦 3. Roasted Vegetables
Try green beans, carrots, or asparagus for freshness.
🥗 4. Side Salad
A light vinaigrette salad balances the rich flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
✅ 1. Choose the Right Ground Beef
- 80% lean / 20% fat is the ideal ratio for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Avoid extra-lean ground beef (90% lean or more), as it can make the patties dry.
- If using lean beef, add a bit of olive oil or extra butter to the mixture for moisture.
✅ 2. Don’t Overwork the Meat
- When mixing the ground beef with seasonings, use a light touch.
- Over-mixing compacts the meat, leading to tough, dense patties.
- Mix just until combined—it’s okay if there are small streaks of ingredients not fully blended.
✅ 3. Sear for Maximum Flavor
- A good sear on the patties locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
- Cook over medium-high heat and let the patties sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Avoid flipping too soon—wait until a golden-brown crust forms before turning them.
✅ 4. Use a Roasted Beef Base for the Gravy
- Instead of regular beef broth, try using a roasted beef base mixed with water.
- This enhances the gravy’s richness and gives it a homemade taste.
- If you only have standard beef broth, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
✅ 5. Adjust Gravy Thickness to Your Liking
- If the gravy is too thick, stir in extra beef broth a little at a time.
- If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a slurry (mix of flour & water).
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
✅ 6. Let the Patties Simmer in the Gravy
- After searing, let the patties finish cooking in the gravy for at least 5–15 minutes.
- This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors, making it even more tender and juicy.
✅ 7. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
- Salisbury steak tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ 1. Using Too Many Fillers
- While breadcrumbs and eggs help bind the patties, using too much can dilute the beefy flavor.
- Stick to ½ cup breadcrumbs and 2 eggs for 1½ pounds of beef.
❌ 2. Skipping the Sear
- Some people try to cook the patties only in the gravy, but this results in less flavor.
- Always sear them first for a deep, caramelized crust.
❌ 3. Overcooking the Patties
- Cooking too long or on high heat can dry out the beef.
- Keep heat at medium and let the patties gently simmer in the gravy.
❌ 4. Not Deglazing the Pan
- After cooking the patties, don’t discard the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet!
- When you add the broth, scrape up those bits—they add tons of flavor to the gravy.
❌ 5. Making the Gravy Too Salty
- If using a store-bought beef broth, remember it already contains salt.
- Always taste before adding more salt to the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I Freeze Salisbury Steak?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months.
3. Can I Use a Different Meat?
Yes! Try ground turkey, pork, or even bison.
4. How Do I Fix Thin or Thick Gravy?
- Too thick? Add more broth.
- Too thin? Simmer longer or mix flour with water and stir in.
5. Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace flour with cornstarch.
Final Thoughts
Salisbury steak with onion gravy is a classic homemade comfort food that is easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
With juicy, well-seasoned patties and a rich, flavorful gravy, this meal is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, reheats well, and is freezer-friendly!
Give this recipe a try today—you won’t regret it! 🍽️😊