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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of Salisbury steak smothered in rich, flavorful onion gravy. This classic dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. Tender, juicy beef patties paired with caramelized onion gravy make for a delicious, soul-soothing experience.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Salisbury Steak
This classic Salisbury steak recipe is a go-to for those who crave a comforting, homemade meal without a lot of fuss. Made with simple ingredients and packed with rich, savory flavors, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes:
- Rich, flavorful onion gravy: Caramelized onions and a savory roux create a luscious gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
- Tender, juicy steaks: Ground beef patties are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
This Salisbury steak recipe combines the best of both worlds: the heartiness of steak and the ease of a ground beef dish. It’s a comforting, home-style meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Classic Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
These basic ingredients come together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort.
Tools You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the Salisbury steak mixture.
- Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet for cooking both the steaks and the gravy.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Spatula: For flipping the steaks and stirring the gravy.
How to Make Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
1. Prepare the Salisbury Steaks
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
2. Cook the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook the onions for 7-10 minutes until they soften and caramelize. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve
Return the Salisbury steaks to the skillet, spooning the onion gravy over the top. Let the steaks simmer in the gravy for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve the Salisbury steak with a generous helping of gravy.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Caramelize the onions: Take your time with the onions; slow cooking them brings out their natural sweetness, which adds depth to the gravy.
- Don’t overmix the beef: Overmixing can lead to tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak pairs beautifully with many comforting sides. Try serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up that rich onion gravy.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great healthy side.
- Buttered noodles: Another classic option that goes well with the rich gravy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store any leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
You can freeze cooked Salisbury steaks and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen up the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey can be used as a leaner option, though the flavor will be slightly different. Be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the roux, and swap out the breadcrumbs in the patties for a gluten-free variety.
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best
This classic Salisbury steak with rich onion gravy is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, filled with flavor, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Serve it with your favorite side dish, and you’ve got yourself a timeless dinner that everyone will love!
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out some other delicious meals:
Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations and hear what you think.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Enjoy your meal!
PrintClassic Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Salisbury steak with rich onion gravy is a comforting, hearty meal made with tender beef patties and a flavorful caramelized onion gravy. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special family meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes or your favorite side!
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salisbury Steaks: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Onion Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook for 7-10 minutes until softened and caramelized. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Simmer the gravy for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked Salisbury steaks to the skillet, spooning the onion gravy over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the steaks are heated through. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with gluten-free flour.
- For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the gravy while it’s simmering.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Salisbury steak with gravy
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg