This classic Salisbury Steak recipe delivers tender, juicy seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich, savory homemade onion gravy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy one-skillet meal brings nostalgic diner-style comfort food straight to your kitchen table. Served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect budget-friendly recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)
For the Gravy
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional: add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Shape the Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined—don’t overwork the meat, or the patties will turn out tough. Shape into 4 to 6 oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick.
2. Sear the Meat
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until a nice, deep brown crust forms. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan drippings. Throw in the sliced onions (and mushrooms, if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes until they are soft and lightly caramelized, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Build the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat them. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
5. Simmer and Serve
Return the beef patties and any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the top of the patties. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything simmer for about 8–10 minutes until the gravy is thick and glossy and the patties are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Serving Suggestion: This is traditionally served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or white rice to soak up that extra gravy.