Description
Craving a comforting, diner-style meal that’s rich with flavor? Chef John’s Salisbury Steak is a timeless dish featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or a nostalgic meal, this recipe elevates the classic Salisbury steak with a flavorful blend of seasonings and a robust gravy
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef: Provides a juicy, flavorful base.
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs: Adds texture and binds the patties.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps hold the patties together.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Contributes a subtle, tangy heat.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Enhances savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste: Provides a slight spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: For cooking the patties.
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Forms the base for the gravy.
- 12 large white button mushrooms, sliced: Add earthy, umami flavor.
- 1 cup diced onion: Contributes sweetness and depth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances flavors.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 3 cups high-quality, low-sodium beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and depth.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- 85% Lean Ground Beef: Balances flavor and juiciness without being too greasy.
- Mushrooms and Onions: Create a hearty, flavorful gravy with earthy and sweet notes.
- Seasonings: Ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and mustard add a complex, savory profile.
- Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory foundation for the gravy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or a beef-pork blend for a different flavor.
- Mushrooms: Swap with cremini or shiitake for richer flavor, or omit for a simpler gravy.
- Beef Broth: Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, vegan Worcestershire, and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs, flour, and ensure Worcestershire and soy sauce are gluten-free.
- Spicy Salisbury Steak: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Top patties with a slice of cheddar or provolone during the last minute of cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 pound 85% lean ground beef, ½ cup plain bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons salted butter (for steaks), 2 tablespoons salted butter (for gravy), 12 large white button mushrooms, 1 cup diced onion, salt, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons ketchup (for gravy), and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy).
Tip: Prep ingredients ahead to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, ½ cup bread crumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Mix with a fork or your hands until well combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up and meld flavors.
Tip: Chilling helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
- Add 12 sliced white button mushrooms, 1 cup diced onion, and a pinch of salt; sauté until nicely browned, 5-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly and reduces, about 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Transfer the gravy to a liquid measure and scrape the skillet clean with a spatula.
Tip: Brown the mushrooms well for maximum flavor in the gravy.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Steaks
- Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator and divide into four equal portions.
- Moisten hands and form each portion into a ½-inch-thick oval patty.
- Lightly season both sides of the patties with salt.
- Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in the clean skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add patties and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour the reserved gravy over the patties and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook until the gravy is piping hot and the steaks are no longer pink in the center, about 5 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F (70°C).
Tip: Avoid overcooking to keep the patties juicy; use a thermometer for accuracy.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, topped with the mushroom gravy, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or green beans.
Tip: Spoon extra gravy over the sides for a comforting, diner-style presentation.