Hearty Skillet Salisbury Steak Recipe

Soul-Warming Hearty Skillet Salisbury Steak Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible skillet Salisbury steak that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Juicy ground beef patties simmered in a rich, savory gravy create a mouthwatering main dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

The classic recipe brings together simple ingredients with maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

Perfectly seasoned meat mingles with caramelized onions and a silky sauce that clings to each tender bite.

Every forkful delivers a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness that feels like a warm embrace.

Bold and delicious, this Salisbury steak will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure culinary comfort.

Salisbury Steak Ingredient Snapshot

For Meat Mixture:
  • Ground Beef: The star of the dish, choose lean beef for a robust flavor and tender texture.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and creates a lighter, more delicate patty texture.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps hold the patties together during cooking.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami flavor to the meat mixture.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers a gentle, aromatic punch without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Onion Powder: Introduces subtle sweetness and depth to the meat blend.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the meat thoroughly.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and mild spiciness to the meat mixture.
For Gravy Base:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, silky foundation for the gravy and helps sauté vegetables.
  • Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones and textural complexity.
  • Mushrooms: Introduces earthy, meaty flavor and interesting texture to the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  • Beef Broth: Builds deep, intense flavor and liquid base for the gravy.
  • Additional Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts savory notes and enriches the gravy's depth.
For Serving:
  • Mashed Potatoes/Rice/Egg Noodles: Provides a comforting base to soak up the delicious gravy.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Adds nutritional balance and color to the plate.

Tools for a Flavorful Skillet Steak

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef and seasonings smoothly.
  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking patties and creating delicious gravy.
  • Whisk: Helps blend gravy ingredients without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Great for flipping patties and stirring ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Useful for preparing mushrooms and onions.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for slicing vegetables cleanly.

How to Make Gravy-Covered Salisbury Steaks

  • Craft Meaty Patties

Grab ground beef and gently mix with seasonings using your hands. Create four oval-shaped patties, keeping them slightly loose for tenderness.

  • Sear the Meat

Heat skillet with a touch of oil over medium flame. Cook patties until they develop a rich golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  • Build Flavor Foundation

Remove patties and in the same pan, melt butter. Toss in sliced onions and mushrooms, letting them caramelize and release their delicious essence.

  • Create Silky Gravy

Dust vegetables with flour, then slowly pour beef broth while whisking. Let the mixture bubble and thicken, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

  • Reunite Meat and Sauce

Nestle browned patties back into the gravy. Cover and let everything simmer, allowing flavors to dance and meld together for about 10 minutes.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Transfer steaks onto plates, generously spooning gravy on top. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Tips for That Classic Rich Sauce

  • Mix meat ingredients lightly with fingertips to prevent tough, dense patties that can become rubbery when overworked.
  • Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that won't dry out during cooking.
  • Swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Prepare patties in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeper complexity before cooking.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of this classic comfort dish.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes or Buttered Noodles

  • Comfort Food Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich gravy, creating a perfect hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Veggie Harmony: Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add color and nutrition, balancing the meaty richness of the Salisbury steak while providing a fresh contrast.
  • Rustic Pasta Pairing: Wide egg noodles or buttered rice make excellent bases that catch every delicious drop of the savory mushroom gravy, elevating the entire dining experience.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy the comforting, homemade meal together.

Store Steaks in Gravy for Meal Prep

  • Store leftover Salisbury steak in airtight containers, keeping meat and gravy together to maintain moisture and flavor integrity. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual patties separately in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These meals stay delicious for up to three months, perfect for quick future dinners.
  • Warm refrigerated steaks in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with a lid to retain steam and ensure even heating throughout the meat.
  • Create extra patties during initial cooking, separating layers with parchment paper for easy future meal assembly. Cool completely before storing, helping maintain texture and taste quality.

FAQs

  • What is a Salisbury Steak?

A classic American dish made with ground beef formed into patties, cooked in a savory mushroom and onion gravy. It’s a comforting meal that originated in the late 19th century as a more affordable alternative to traditional steak.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the patties moist and flavorful.

  • How do I prevent my patties from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, use an egg as a binder, and avoid overhandling the meat. Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold together better.

  • Is Worcestershire sauce necessary for this recipe?

While not absolutely mandatory, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor to both the patties and gravy. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with soy sauce or beef broth with a splash of vinegar.

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Hearty Skillet Salisbury Steak Recipe

Hearty Skillet Salisbury Steak Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Classic Salisbury Steak brings comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Ground beef patties nestled in mushroom gravy create a satisfying meal you’ll quickly add to your family’s recipe rotation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
  • 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup water
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until uniformly mixed, creating a cohesive meat base.
  2. Patty Formation: Shape the seasoned meat mixture into four oval patties, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking and optimal texture.
  3. Initial Searing: Heat skillet over medium flame, lightly oil surface, and sear patties until a rich golden-brown crust develops on both sides, locking in savory flavors.
  4. Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, melt butter and caramelize onions and mushrooms, coaxing out their deep, earthy essence and creating a flavor foundation.
  5. Gravy Development: Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables, creating a roux, then gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to eliminate lumps and build a smooth, rich gravy.
  6. Flavor Melding: Return patties to the skillet, submerge in velvety gravy, and simmer covered, allowing the meat to reheat and absorb the surrounding flavor profile.
  7. Serving: Plate Salisbury steaks generously draped in gravy, accompanied by complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles.

Notes

  • Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ground beef ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense patties. Overmixing compresses meat fibers, creating a less tender texture.
  • Even Cooking Technique: Create uniform patty thickness to guarantee consistent doneness. Thicker centers might remain undercooked while edges become overdone.
  • Caramelization Control: Achieve golden-brown sear by maintaining medium heat. High temperatures burn meat’s exterior while leaving interiors raw.
  • Gravy Smooth Strategy: Whisk broth gradually and consistently to prevent flour lumps. Slow incorporation ensures silky, lump-free sauce with rich, developed flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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