An inexpensive, filling and comforting meal that is family friendly and full of flavor, this Salisbury Steak Recipe is a childhood throwback that you’ll want to make over and over again.
I am all about the comfort food! If you are looking for more comfort food ideas, try this Tuna Casserole, Slow Cooker Pot Roast, or Traditional Meatloaf with Glaze .
I think there are certain foods that remind people of their childhoods. Macaroni and cheese. Sunday roasts. Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. And salisbury steak. Well, I actually don’t ever remember my mom making salisbury steak growing up. But now as an adult, I find myself drawn towards salisbury steak recipes.
To me, salisbury steak equals comfort. There is something about the “steak”, covered in gravy, and most likely served with mashed potatoes, that I equate with one of those meals you need on a cold night. This is not pretentious food at all, but down home food. And that’s always what I am drawn to.
This recipe is as easy as it gets. I know that making gravy can sometimes feel intimidating, but it’s really one of those things that is super simple. So even if you are a gravy novice, you’ll be able to get this one down quickly!
Ingredients
Ground Beef: I like to choose a ground beef that is not too lean, but not too fatty.
Egg: The egg will help to keep everything together.
Crackers: You can really use any crackers that you like, but I like the buttery round crackers, like Ritz crackers. They give great flavor as well as texture.
Onion: You’ll need onion for both the salisbury steak and the gravy. For the steaks, you’ll want to grate the onion so that you get all of the flavor, but you don’t want chunks of onion. For the gravy, you’ll need sliced onion.
Salt, Pepper & Steak Seasoning: These are all for seasoning.
Butter: I like to use unsalted butter.
Mushrooms: If you hate mushrooms, feel free to leave these out, but they really do add great flavor.
Flour: This is to thicken the gravy.
Milk: I usually use 2% milk because that is what we keep on hand it it works well.
Beef Bouillon Powder: There is not really a good substitute for the beef bouillon powder. If you can’t find it, I would leave it out, but your gravy won’t have as much flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This gives the gravy a good, deep flavor.
How to Make Salisbury Steak
This Salisbury steak recipe takes very little hands on time and is easy enough for a beginner in the kitchen.
- Make the steaks by combining the ground beef, egg, cracker crumbs, grated onion, salt, pepper and steak seasoning in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 6 equal patties. I like to make them oval and flat.
- Heat a large skillet, then cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned. Remove them from the skillet to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt some butter and add the mushrooms and onions and cook until they are softened.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Combine the milk and the bouillon powder, then stir it into the mushroom mixture. Add the Worcestershire and continue to cook and stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the patties back to the pan and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
- Serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve ever had Salisbury steak, you know that it is not actually a “steak” at all. In fact, it’s more like a combination of a flattened meatball and a hamburger patty.
In the US – the Salisbury steak can be traced back to its first mentions in 1897. It was invented by Dr. James Salisbury. Typically made from ground beef, Salisbury steak differs from a hamburger patty because it often includes crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and more seasonings. It is also typically served with a brown gravy, usually containing mushrooms and onions.
Mashed potatoes are a must for me. Always.
Some other favorites are peas, Glazed Carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
You can use turkey if you want to cut down on calories and fat. Turkey tends to dry out faster, though, so just be aware of that going in so you don’t overcook the turkey.
More Comfort Food Recipes
- Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
- Beef Tips and Gravy
- Penne Pasta Bake
- Classic Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
- Braised Country Style Ribs Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef Noodle Soup
Tools Used in this Salisbury steak recipe
I use a 12″ cast iron skillet to make this recipe
I recently bought a potato ricer to try out at home, and I’m loving how silky smooth my mashed potatoes are now!
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Salisbury Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons crushed buttery round cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 medium onion sliced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, cracker crumbs, grated onion, salt, pepper and steak seasoning. Shape the mixture into 6 equal oval shaped patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the patties to a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Return the skillet to the heat and melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and onions and cook until they have softened. Sprinkle the flour over and stir until mixed in.
- Combine the milk and the bouillon. Stir the milk mixture into the mushrooms. Add the Worcestershire. Cook and stir until smooth and starting to thicken.
- Return the patties to the gravy and turn the heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.
Rachel C. says
This Salisbury steak turned out delicious and my husband loved the gravy!! Will definitely be making again!!
Jean Simmons says
Can’t wait to make this recipe. It looks so good.
Ali says
The steak made me salivate!! What a way to make it. I’d love to taste your version before preparing mine cause I know mine won’t taste as good as yours 🙂
Mrs. L says
I admit to liking Salisbury Steak but have never thought to actually make it. Cool!
Kalyn says
Now I’m wondering why I’ve never made Salisbury Steak!
Judy says
This is definitely a guy’s meal — my hubby would love it and I should make it for him soon while I eat a salad with fish.
foodie @ Tasting Spot says
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Julia at Cafe Lula says
Looks delicious! I absolutely love mushrooms and I don’t do steak nearly enough. Definitely need to try this!
Nutmeg Nanny says
This looks amazing! I’m a sucker for salisbury steak…yum! Thank you for including a link to my page. I’m reminded I should make that again, very soon! 🙂
Lauren B. says
This sounds delicious! I’ve never made salisbury steak before, but really want to try it! Seriously, I’m craving this. Adding it to my dinner list!
Joanne says
My mom 100% never made salisbury steak…which is kind of weird now that I think about it because it’s totally a meal that my dad and brother would have LOVED! I think I might have to make it for them…
Nettie Moore says
Perfect comfort food. I want to make this for our next Sunday Supper!! MMMMM!
Nettie
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme says
I have not made Salisbury Steak in forever and my husband loves it! Thank you for the inspiration, I’ll have to try this soon! (And I love Kat’s comment above about the TV Dinner with the brownie, that brings back the memories)!
Helene Dsouza says
I was looking for a new patty recipe., this looks amazing. my tommy is grumbling.
kat says
Funny, my mom never made it growing up but it was my favorite tv dinner (I think because it came with a brownie). I’m sure homemade has to be better!
Rosa says
A delicious way of preparing steak!
Cheers,
Rosa