Description
Craving a classic, savory meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare? Salisbury Steak features juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, oniony gravy, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Rated highly for its ease and flavor, this easy recipe yields 6 servings, ideal for family meals or leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Forms the hearty, juicy patties.
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds texture and binds the patties.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard: Adds a subtle, sharp flavor.
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce: Enhances savory, umami depth.
- 1 cube beef bouillon, crumbled (or powdered beef base): Boosts beefy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For frying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For frying.
Gravy
- 1 whole onion, halved and thinly sliced (or diced): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- 2 cups beef broth, more if needed for thinning: Forms the rich gravy base.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Enhances tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon seasoning sauce (e.g., Kitchen Bouquet), optional: Adds color and depth.
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional: Thickens the gravy.
- Salt and pepper: Seasons to taste.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef ensures juicy, flavorful patties without excess grease.
- Breadcrumbs and Seasonings: Bind and flavor the patties for a steak-like texture.
- Onion Gravy: Sweet, caramelized onions and beefy broth create a rich, comforting sauce.
- Worcestershire and Ketchup: Add tangy, savory notes to both patties and gravy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for vegetarian.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or crushed crackers.
- Ketchup: Replace with tomato paste or barbecue sauce.
- Dry Mustard: Swap with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or omit.
- Worcestershire: Use soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free).
- Beef Bouillon: Substitute with 1 teaspoon beef base powder or omit and add extra salt.
- Butter: Swap with additional olive oil or vegan butter.
- Olive Oil: Use vegetable or avocado oil.
- Onion: Replace with 1 teaspoon onion powder or 2 shallots.
- Beef Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth for milder flavor.
- Seasoning Sauce: Omit if unavailable; gravy will still be flavorful.
- Cornstarch: Use 1 teaspoon flour or arrowroot for thickening.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari; confirm broth is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Mushroom Salisbury Steak: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- Spicy Salisbury Steak: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Top patties with ½ cup shredded cheddar before simmering.
- Vegetarian Salisbury Steak: Use plant-based meat and vegetable broth.
- Herb-Infused Salisbury Steak: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons ketchup (1 for patties, 1 for gravy), 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 8 dashes Worcestershire (4 for patties, 4 for gravy), 1 bouillon cube, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion, 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon seasoning sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional).
- Halve and thinly slice (or dice) onion; crumble bouillon cube.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly; slice onions thinly for faster cooking.
Step 2: Make Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds ground beef, ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce, crumbled bouillon cube, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Knead gently until fully combined.
- Form into 4 to 6 oval patties (about 4-6 ounces each); press lines across patties with a fork or knife for a “steak” appearance.
Tip: Don’t overmix to avoid tough patties; make patties uniform for even cooking.
Step 3: Cook Patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add patties (in batches if needed); fry until browned and no longer pink in the center (160°F/71°C), about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove patties to a plate; pour off excess grease from skillet.
Tip: Cook until just done to keep patties juicy; tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Make Gravy
- Reduce heat to medium; add sliced onion to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring, until golden brown and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon seasoning sauce (if using), and 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce.
- If using, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon beef broth; add to skillet.
- Stir and cook until gravy reduces and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add more broth if needed for a thinner consistency; season with salt and pepper.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; adjust thickness with broth or cornstarch as desired.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return patties to the skillet with the gravy; spoon gravy over patties.
- Simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, 1 patty with gravy per serving (4-6 servings), alongside mashed potatoes or a side.
Tip: Spoon extra gravy over patties for maximum flavor; serve immediately for warmth.