How to Make Classic Salisbury Steak at Home

Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food tender, seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich onion gravy. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak:

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 2 teaspoons dry mustard

• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cube beef bouillon, crumbled (or 1 teaspoon powdered beef base)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Onion Gravy:

• 1 whole onion, halved and thinly sliced

• 2 cups beef broth (more if needed for thinning)

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon seasoning sauce (such as Kitchen Bouquet, optional)

• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape into 4 to 6 oval patties. Lightly score the tops with a knife to create a "steak" appearance.

2. Sear the Patties

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the patties from the skillet and drain any excess grease.

3. Make the Onion Gravy

Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and optional seasoning sauce.

If a thicker gravy is desired, mix the cornstarch with a little beef broth to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the gravy. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Finish Cooking the Patties

Return the beef patties to the skillet, spooning the onion gravy over the top. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, spooning plenty of gravy over the top.

This hearty, flavorful dish is a true classic simple to make and endlessly satisfying.

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