Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy

Few dishes feel as homely and comforting as Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy. This timeless classic features juicy, tender beef patties seasoned to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly cozy — a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully nostalgic. Whether you’re craving something warm on a cold evening or need a reliable dinner that pleases everyone, this Salisbury Steak delivers.

This dish originated in the United States in the late 19th century, inspired by German Hamburg steak. Over time, it became a staple of American comfort cuisine — beloved for its meaty flavor and silky gravy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that bridges simplicity and sophistication. The savory beef patties have that perfect sear on the outside and remain tender and juicy inside. The mushroom onion gravy brings everything together, soaking into mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles like a dream.

It reminds me of diner-style meals — hearty, warm, and made with love. It’s also an affordable recipe that transforms basic ground beef into something luxurious and satisfying.

Every bite delivers a burst of umami from the mushrooms, caramelized onions, and that glossy brown gravy. It’s wholesome, filling, and endlessly comforting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned.
• Budget-friendly comfort food that tastes restaurant-quality.
• Family favorite — loved by adults and kids alike.
• One-pan meal — easy cleanup and perfect for weeknights.
• Customizable with different gravy bases or vegetables.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Cuisine

American Comfort Food

Course

Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 small onion, finely minced or grated
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the Mushroom Onion Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix and shape beef patties.
2. Sear them until browned.
3. Prepare mushroom onion gravy in the same skillet.
4. Simmer patties in gravy until cooked through.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Salisbury Steak Patties

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
• Shape into 4 oval patties about ¾ inch thick.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

• Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the patties and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
• Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base

• In the same skillet, add butter.
• Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add mushrooms.
• Cook for another 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are browned and fragrant.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

• Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
• Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

• Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
• Spoon some gravy over the top.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until patties are cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

• Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Spoon the rich mushroom onion gravy over the patties before serving.

How to Serve

Serve your Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes (the classic pairing)
• Steamed rice or buttered egg noodles
• Roasted or steamed vegetables (like green beans, peas, or carrots)
• Buttery dinner rolls to mop up that delicious gravy

Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties — leaner beef tends to dry out.
• Don’t overmix the beef mixture to keep it tender.
• Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or wine after searing — it adds depth to the gravy.
• If gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or butter at the end.

Recipe Variations

1. Turkey Salisbury Steak: Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
2. Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the patties.
3. Red Wine Gravy: Add ¼ cup red wine to the gravy for a deeper flavor.
4. Vegetarian Version: Use mushroom-based veggie patties and vegetable broth.
5. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked patties with gravy for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Mixing bowl for forming patties
• Spatula or tongs
• Whisk for smooth gravy
• Meat thermometer (optional, but ensures perfect doneness)

Conclusion

This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy is pure comfort in a skillet — hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying. The tender beef patties soak up the rich, velvety gravy, creating a meal that’s both humble and indulgent.

It’s the perfect dish for when you want something homemade and comforting, yet elegant enough for guests. Each bite feels like a warm hug — meaty, flavorful, and perfectly sauced.

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Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Description

Few dishes feel as homely and comforting as Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy. This timeless classic features juicy, tender beef patties seasoned to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 small onion, finely minced or grated
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the Mushroom Onion Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225 g)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the Salisbury Steak Patties : In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix). Shape into 4 oval patties about ¾ inch thick.
2. Step 2: Sear the Patties : Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).
3. Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base : In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add mushrooms. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are browned and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Thicken the Gravy : Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Combine and Simmer : Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until patties are cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
6. Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve : Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Spoon the rich mushroom onion gravy over the patties before serving.

Keywords: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy