Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

A classic comfort food with rich onion gravy.

Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort dish that brings together tender beef patties and savory onion gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard

  • 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

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

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Gravy:

  • 1 whole onion, halved and thinly sliced (or diced, if preferred)

  • 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, for thickening)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare the Patties

    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, salt, and pepper.

    • Mix well until evenly blended. Shape into 4 to 6 oval patties. For a traditional look, score lines across each patty.

  2. Cook the Patties

    • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Fry the patties on both sides until fully cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pour off excess grease.

  3. Make the Gravy

    • Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add onions and cook until golden brown and softened.

    • Stir in beef broth, ketchup, seasoning sauce (if using), and Worcestershire.

    • For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with a small amount of broth and stir into the skillet. Cook until slightly reduced.

  4. Finish the Dish

    • Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Add more broth if too thick.

    • Return patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over the top, and let simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables to soak up the rich onion gravy. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

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