Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
An Easy and Hearty One-Skillet Dinner
Juicy, tender beef patties simmered in a rich, flavorful mushroom gravy—this homemade Salisbury Steak is the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe transforms humble ground beef into something truly special. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or rice for a classic meal your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
- Better than boxed: Homemade sauce beats frozen any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steaks:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or 2 tbsp regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (or use Dijon mustard)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 large Vidalia onion, diced
- 4 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 3 cups beef stock (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
How to Make Salisbury Steak
1. Make the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into oval patties, about ½ inch thick.
2. Sear the Patties
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender. Stir in thyme, garlic powder, and flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the beef stock while scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Once the gravy thickens slightly, lower the heat and stir in butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Finish Cooking
Return the beef patties to the pan, coating them with the gravy. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy hot with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or steamed rice.
Make Ahead Tips
Want to prepare in advance? You can shape the patties and make the gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat everything together in a skillet or bake in a covered dish at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Salisbury Steak vs. Hamburger Steak
While both are made from ground beef, Salisbury steak includes additional ingredients like mustard, tomato paste, and breadcrumbs, giving it a more complex flavor and a softer texture than traditional hamburger steak, which is typically seasoned only with salt and pepper.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Salisbury Steak
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles or white rice
- Roasted potatoes with herbs
- Steamed or sautéed green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls