This recipe is super easy, totally fool-proof, and perfect for beginners. The homemade gravy is so delicious that you’ll want plenty of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread nearby to soak up every last drop. It’s truly plate-licking good!
For the Salisbury Steak Patties
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for cooking
For the Rich Homemade Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra black pepper
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything gently until combined. Try not to overmix the meat because this can make the patties tough.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions.
Shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty. Salisbury steak traditionally has an oval shape, but round patties work perfectly too!
Step 3: Brown the Patties
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the patties and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
The patties do not need to be completely cooked through at this stage because they will finish cooking in the gravy.
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Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
How to Make the Rich Homemade Gravy
Step 4: Cook the Onions and Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms.
Cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden and the mushrooms release their delicious flavor.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Make the Gravy Base
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms.
Stir continuously for about 1 minute. This helps cook away the raw flour taste and creates the base for a thick, silky gravy.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking or stirring constantly.
Add:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Continue stirring until the gravy becomes smooth.
Step 6: Smother the Patties
Return the browned Salisbury steak patties to the skillet.
Spoon the rich gravy over the top.
Cover the skillet and allow everything to simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
The longer the patties gently simmer, the more flavor they absorb from the gravy.
Cooking Methods
Method 1: Classic Skillet Method
This is the easiest and most traditional method.
- Brown the patties.
- Remove them from the skillet.
- Prepare the gravy in the same pan.
- Return the patties.
- Simmer until tender.
The best part about this method is that all the delicious browned bits from the meat remain in the skillet and add incredible flavor to the gravy.
Method 2: Oven Method
After browning the patties and preparing the gravy:
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- Place everything in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C).
- Cook for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
This method is great when preparing a larger family meal.
Method 3: Slow and Gentle Simmering
For extra tender Salisbury steak, keep the heat low and allow the patties to simmer gently in the gravy.
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Avoid boiling the gravy too aggressively. A gentle simmer helps keep the patties moist and tender.