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A serving of Salisbury steak and gravy with mashed potatoes.

Classic Salisbury Steak and Gravy

This recipe guides you through making classic Salisbury steaks with a savory gravy, perfect for a comforting meal. The steaks are seared and then simmered in a rich mushroom gravy until tender.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 patties
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet (preferably oven-safe)
  • Plate
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Salisbury Steaks

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Gravy

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed after browning steaks)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button; optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Steaks

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent tough steaks.

Form the Patties

  • Divide the mixture into 6-8 oval patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty for even cooking.

Sear the Steaks

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Mushrooms (Optional)

  • If using, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sauté sliced mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, scraping up any browned bits. Remove and set aside with patties.

Make the Roux

  • Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle flour into the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light brown roux, which will help thicken the gravy.

Whisk in Liquid

  • Gradually whisk in the beef broth until all is incorporated and no lumps remain. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme.

Simmer the Gravy

  • Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Add more broth or water if it gets too thick.

Return Steaks to Gravy

  • Return the seared Salisbury steak patties and cooked mushrooms (if using) to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy.

Finish Cooking

  • Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and tender. Alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes if your skillet is not oven-safe.

Serve

  • Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, spooning plenty of gravy over each Salisbury steak.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the gravy while it simmers. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.