The Best Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe for Cozy Comfort Meals

Comfort food meets hearty satisfaction in this classic salisbury steak dish that brings nostalgic flavors to your dinner table.

Packed with savory beef and rich gravy, every bite promises a delightful culinary experience.

Home cooks adore this simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal ingredients and preparation time.

Juicy ground beef patties seasoned with herbs create a mouthwatering centerpiece for any weeknight dinner.

Creamy mushroom sauce adds depth and warmth to the perfectly cooked meat.

Straightforward techniques ensure anyone can master this beloved recipe with confidence.

Prepare to savor a timeless favorite that connects generations through its irresistible taste.

Storage Advice For Classic Salisbury Steak

• Store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Salisbury steak can maintain quality for up to 3 months when stored correctly.
• Place steaks on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Warm steaks in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning and maintain moisture.

FAQs About Classic Salisbury Steak

• What are the key ingredients for a classic Salisbury steak?

The key ingredients are ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. These components help create the signature flavor and texture of the dish.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for beef, but the flavor profile will change. Ground beef provides the most traditional and rich taste for Salisbury steak.

• How do I know when the Salisbury steaks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, cut into the center of a patty to ensure there’s no pink meat remaining.

Why Classic Salisbury Steak Is A Comfort Food Favorite

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Packed with rich, homestyle flavors that remind you of grandma's classic cooking.
• Create Quickly: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Creatively: Adaptable recipe allows substituting meat, adjusting seasonings, or pairing with various side dishes to match personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Delivers satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Classic Salisbury Steak

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the Salisbury steak with rich flavor and tender texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help bind the meat mixture and provide structure to the patties.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and seasoning to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Minced Garlic: Create a aromatic base for the gravy with sweet and savory notes.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, meaty liquid for the gravy.
• Flour: Helps thicken and create a smooth gravy texture.
• Cornstarch: Acts as an additional thickening agent if needed.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the steaks and sautéing vegetables.

How To Make Classic Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Crafting Savory Beef Patties

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely diced onions, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently combine ingredients without overmixing. Shape the mixture into 4 rustic oval patties, ensuring they’re evenly formed.

Step 2: Searing Perfect Patties

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place patties into the hot pan. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops and the meat is thoroughly cooked. Transfer patties to a clean plate.

Step 3: Building Flavorful Caramelized Base

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions turn soft and slightly golden. Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, creating a rich roux. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 4: Creating Luxurious Gravy

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Bring liquid to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing gravy to thicken naturally. If needed, whisk in cornstarch mixture to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Final Warming and Serving

Return beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious gravy. Simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring patties are heated through and absorbing gravy flavors. Plate alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, accompanied by your favorite steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips For Classic Salisbury Steak

• Blend Gently: Mix the ground beef mixture lightly to avoid tough, dense patties that can become rubbery when overworked.
• Rest Meat Wisely: Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before serving to help retain their juicy interior and prevent falling apart.
• Control Gravy Consistency: Adjust the gravy thickness by adding more broth if too thick or cornstarch slurry if too thin for the perfect silky texture.
• Choose Quality Beef: Select ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness in your Salisbury steaks.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or a dash of mushroom powder to the gravy for a more complex, rich taste profile.

Flavorful Variations Of Classic Salisbury Steak

• Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, using crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish protein-rich.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Steak Alternative: Create plant-based patties using finely chopped portobello mushrooms, black beans, and quinoa as the base, seasoned with similar herbs and spices for a hearty meat-free version.

Pairing Suggestions For Classic Salisbury Steak

• Savor Hearty Red Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, meaty flavors of Salisbury steak with its bold tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Craft Creamy Potato Side Dish: Whip up garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes to create a luxurious accompaniment that absorbs the savory gravy and adds comforting texture to the meal.
• Elevate with Crisp Green Vegetables: Roast green beans with garlic and almonds or steam bright broccoli florets to provide a fresh, light contrast against the hearty meat and provide balanced nutrition to the plate.

Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Salisbury steak brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America, blending ground beef with savory seasonings. Tender meat patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy promise a satisfying meal that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the meat mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties, ensuring uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F), carefully placing patties and cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Transfer cooked patties to a clean plate, maintaining their warmth while preparing the gravy.
5. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Dust the onion-garlic mixture with flour, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent burning.
7. Slowly pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth consistency.
8. Simmer the gravy for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken naturally, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Gently return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy and simmering for an additional 5 minutes to merge flavors and reheat thoroughly.
10. Plate the Salisbury steaks, generously coating with rich gravy, and serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice with a fresh vegetable medley.

Notes

• Mixing the meat gently prevents tough, dense patties and keeps them tender and juicy.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture and binding compared to store-bought dry versions.
• Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and moisture in the steaks.
• Letting the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain their internal juices and prevents crumbling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 332 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg