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Home » Main Course » Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
August 30, 2021
4.87 from 67 votes


Last Updated August 30, 2021 | 4 Comments

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salisbury steak recipe

This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe is made with tender, juicy beef patties smothered in a homemade onion and mushroom gravy sauce. Classic comfort food loved by the whole family, have this mouthwatering dinner on the table in just 30-minutes!

Salisbury steak meat patties with mushroom and onions in a rich gravy in a cast iron skillet.

Delicious, comforting, and cozy, Salisbury steak is one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners. Made with golden brown meat patties smothered in an irresistible onion and mushroom gravy, this homemade version is quick, easy, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Serve this popular 1970’s TV dinner with a side of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and a side of buttered peas or green beans!

What is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is a dish consisting of ground beef and other ingredients typically served with some kind of gravy or brown sauce.

The term Salisbury Steak was created by the physician J.H. Salisbury and was introduced in 1888. J.H. Salisbury believed that certain foods, particularly starches, vegetables, and fruit, were the cause of many intestinal illnesses and diseases. As such, he created the Salisbury steak – ground beef flavored with onion and seasoning that’s either fried or boiled and served covered with gravy or brown sauce.

In this “Salisbury diet” he suggested that people should consume Salisbury steak three times a day with lots of hot water to flush the digestive system.

In other words, Mr. Salisbury was one of the very first advocates for a low-carb diet.

White plate filled with Salisbury steak beef patty on top of creamy mashed potatoes topped with onion and mushroom gravy served with a side of buttered peas.

Key Ingredients

  • You may use all ground beef or ground beef plus ground pork. If using only ground beef, I recommend using lean ground beef.
  • Breadcrumbs and eggs act as the binder to hold the meat patties together. Without a binder, your patties will fall apart during cooking.
  • Brown the patties first, then add them back to the simmering gravy later. This maximizes the flavor in the patties and in the gravy.
  • Flour is used to thicken the gravy. It is added to the beef patty drippings, softened veggies, and broth to create a delicious onion and mushroom sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce adds more flavor. A flavor must, this sauce adds a hint of umami flavor to the overall dish.

Find the full list and total amount of each ingredient used to make this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Can I Skip the Mushrooms?

Are the mushrooms a must-have ingredient in Salisbury steak? Well, yes and no. The mushrooms play a huge part in adding flavor to the gravy which will be missing if the mushrooms are left out. If you’re not a huge fan of mushrooms, cut the recommended amount in half.

Large mixing bowl filled with ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

  1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Use your hands to shape the beef mixture into oval(ish) shaped patties – they don’t need to look perfect. This will be enough to make 6 very large patties or 8 regular sized Salisbury steak patties.
  3. Working in batches, cook the patties in hot pan or skillet for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove to a clean plate and repeat with any remaining patties.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the onions until they have softened. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Melt in the remaining butter and sprinkle with flour. Stir until all flour has dissolved. Slowly add the broth, stirring continuously, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, to taste.
  7. Cover and simmer over low heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until the gravy starts to thicken.
  8. Return the Salisbury steak patties back into the gravy and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Season to taste.

Low on Time?

Skip making your own Salisbury steak patties and swap with pre-cooked beef meatballs or beef hamburger patties instead. A slightly less authentic version, but just as delicious.

Salisbury steak meat patties with mushroom and onions in a rich gravy in a cast iron skillet.

Difference Between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak?

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between Salisbury steak and Hamburger steak. I’ve tried all three of the below- have you?

– Hamburger– typically formed into a much more uniform rounded shape and served on a bun, the hamburger steak by USDA labeling standards must only contain beef and minimal spices. If the hamburger contains additional binders (breadcrumbs, etc), it will no longer be considered a “Hamburger” but instead must be labeled as a “beef patty”.

– Hamburg(er) Steak– much like the hamburger, this round and thick beef patty is made almost entirely from ground beef and simple seasoning. However, it is served with a thin gravy or sauce and is not served on or with any sort of bun.

– Salisbury steak– can contain as little as 65% meat and 25% of it can be pork. Usually, it will contain binders such as breadcrumbs or vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Unlike the Hamburger steak, a Salisbury steak is somewhat miss-shaped, more oval than round, and is served with sides such as mashed potatoes, pasta, and gravy.

White plate filled with Salisbury steak beef patty on top of creamy mashed potatoes topped with onion and mushroom gravy served with a side of buttered peas.

How to Serve

Growing up my family always served this easy Salisbury steak recipe with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and buttered peas, corn, or carrots. In my family, that was our go-to combination whenever we were eating something like beef or baked chicken for dinner.

Other yummy serving recommendations include rice and buttery egg noodles, and vegetables like,

  • Green Beans
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Cauliflower Rice

Storing and Freezing Salisbury Steak

This leftover Salisbury Steak recipe is good for up to 3 days when stored in an air-tight container and in the refrigerator. To freeze extra Salisbury steak patties (patties only), I recommend browning them in a pan first and baking to finishing cooking. Transfer the fully cooked parries to the freezer and once the patties are frozen transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 6 months.

Salisbury steak meat patties with mushroom and onions in a rich gravy in a cast iron skillet.

Looking for more delicious beef recipes? Try these reader favorites:

  • Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
  • How to Cook Steak (Butter Basted Pan-Seared Steak)
  • American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)
  • Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon (Beef Stew)
  • Albondigas Soup Recipe (Mexican Meatball Soup)
  • Roast Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Red Wine Sauce

Have you tried making this Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe? Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

White plate filled with Salisbury steak beef patty on top of creamy mashed potatoes topped with onion and mushroom gravy served with a side of buttered peas.

Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

4.87 from 67 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe is made with tender, juicy beef patties smothered in a homemade onion and mushroom gravy sauce. Have this easy recipe on the table in just 30-minutes and serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a scoop of green peas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Beef, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 466 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Salisbury Steaks

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil - for frying

For the Onion and Mushroom Gravy

  • 3 tablespoon butter - divided
  • 2 medium onions - sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic - minced
  • 16 ounces mushrooms - sliced
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth - or chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef stock, etc
  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper - to taste
  • Fresh parsley - to garnish
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Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and shape the meat mixture into 6-8 equal-sized oval patties. 
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the entire surface of the skillet. Add the patties (you may not be able to cook all the patties at one time- work in batches as needed) and cook until browned and sides are crispy. Flip the patties and cook on the other side (approximately 1-2 minutes each side).
  • Remove from the skillet and set aside to a clean plate. Repeat with any additional patties as needed.
  • As soon as the Salisbury steak patties have finished browning, return the skillet to medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the onions. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are soft and golden. 
  • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle the onions and mushrooms with the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to remove any lumps.
  • Slowly stir in the broth, whisking continuously to remove any lumps that may have formed.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the gravy starts to thicken (approximately 10 minutes). Stir often.
  • Tuck the Salisbury steak patties back into the gravy and cook until the patties are cooked to desired doneness (approximately 5-10 minutes), gently stirring the gravy around the patties every few minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve patties topped mushroom sauce. Enjoy!

Jessica’s Notes

  • Instead of flour, mix together 1 tablespoon of corn starch with one cup of stock or water, and then add it to the gravy.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free:
    • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
    • Use gluten-free flour or replace the flour with a cornstarch slurry
    • Look for a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • This recipe makes 8 Salisbury steak patties for a total of 8 generous servings. Should you decide to cut the recipe in half, you may cut the entire recipe in half or just the total amount of Salisbury steak (4 patties rather than 8) and keep the extra gravy (highly recommended).
  • I used this 13.25 inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.
Originally published January 28, 2019

Nutritional Information

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1011mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 4.9mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3.8mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak, Salisbury Steak, Salisbury Steak Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

1.4K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    August 21, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    5 stars
    Made the Salisbury steak with a few tweaks of my own. Delicious!

    Reply
  2. Gracie says

    August 19, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    5 stars
    I cook this on 8/19/20 it was Awesome
    Thank you so much

    Reply
  3. VICTOR MONETTE says

    July 9, 2019 at 7:48 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE YOUR TASTE GIRL.
    BRING IT ON. SO DO YOU DO VEGETABLE MIXES?

    Reply
  4. Vanessa says

    April 2, 2019 at 8:15 pm

    5 stars
    i already re cooked it..twice…so.yummy

    Reply

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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