Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

If ever there was a classic American comfort food worth revisiting, it’s Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy. Imagine juicy, tender beef patties, seared until golden then smothered with a silky, savory mushroom and onion gravy that begs to be soaked up with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. Whether you grew up loving TV dinner trays or enjoyed this homemade at grandma’s house, this recipe brings all the nostalgia with fresh, simple ingredients that make every bite exceptional.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is in how simple everyday ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying. Each item on this list has a job, whether it’s giving tenderness, seasoning, or that signature richness in the gravy.

• Ground Beef: Opt for leaner beef to keep patties tender without excess grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them soft, not dense.
• Egg: Acts as the glue, holding everything together.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy background sweetness to the patties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings an umami punch to both the patties and the gravy.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Both give deep flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: For browning the patties and keeping them juicy.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness to the mushroom gravy.
• Onion: Fresh, thin-sliced for subtle sweetness and texture.
• Mushrooms: Sliced, essential for a meaty, earthy depth in the gravy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
• Beef Broth: The foundation of a deeply flavorful gravy.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a hint sharpens the gravy and rounds out the flavors.

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Step 1: Shape the Patties

Start by gently combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to mix just until combined—overmixing can make the patties tough! Shape the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, pressing them together firmly enough to hold, but not so much that they become dense.

Step 2: Brown the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the formed patties and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a deep golden-brown crust for both flavor and to help keep the juices locked in. Once they’re cooked through, carefully remove them and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry about any caramelized bits left in the pan—they’ll make the gravy fantastic!

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Add butter to the same skillet, then tumble in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and get golden at the edges, stirring occasionally to soak up all that lovely flavor left from the steaks.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and mushrooms. Stir for about a minute to cook off the raw taste of the flour and form a silky roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (they’re pure umami!). Add the extra Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then bring to a gentle simmer until the gravy thickens—about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious mushroom gravy. Spoon the sauce generously over the tops, and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot for the coziest, most delicious experience.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Garnishes

Finish off your Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt doesn’t hurt either, and if you’re feeling fancy, a little extra cracked black pepper adds a visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This dish practically cries out to be enjoyed over a creamy pile of mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, both of which soak up every bit of the rich mushroom gravy. For a touch of color and freshness, add simple steamed green beans or roasted carrots on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Go off-script by serving the steaks in shallow bowls over a swirl of mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb twist, or on toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich. Have extra gravy? Drizzle it over roasted garlic potatoes or even serve separately as a dip for crusty bread. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy adapts beautifully to your mood and the moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is an excellent freezer meal. Let everything cool completely, then freeze the patties and gravy together or separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and enjoy when you need an easy comfort food fix.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the steaks and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave—just cover to avoid splatters and stir halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The result is just as hearty and satisfying.

What if I don’t have mushrooms?

You can still make a delicious gravy by doubling up on onions, or try adding some finely chopped bell pepper for a slightly different but tasty twist.

Is there a way to lighten this dish?

Sure thing! Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for low-sodium broth and lighter butter or olive oil for the gravy. The result will be a little leaner but still super flavorful.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Diced carrots, peas, or even spinach wilted into the gravy towards the end are great additions for a heartier, veggie-packed meal.

Can I prepare Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy ahead of time?

You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge up to a day ahead, or cook the whole dish and simply reheat before serving. This makes weeknight cooking a breeze!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that never goes out of style, give Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy a try. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for a nostalgic Sunday dinner—and once you savor those juicy patties with rich mushroom gravy, you’ll find yourself craving this classic again and again!

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