If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how this meal comes together with simple ingredients but delivers big, rich flavors that make every bite so satisfying. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for a busy weeknight, this recipe will become a go-to that you keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, making it a breeze to whip up anytime.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it comes together in about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Comfort Food: The rich mushroom gravy pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, so you can customize it your way.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe wins hearts across all ages — my family goes crazy for it every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how these ingredients work together to create juicy patties and a luscious mushroom gravy that’s not overpowering but super flavorful. When shopping, look for fresh cremini mushrooms for that earthy touch and lean ground beef to keep things balanced.
- Ground beef: Using extra lean keeps the patties juicy but not greasy.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the patties and keep them tender.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the patties.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle depth and umami boost both in the patties and gravy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Olive oil and butter: A combo that provides great searing heat and rich flavor.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for sweet, caramelized goodness in the gravy.
- Cremini mushrooms (optional): Adds earthiness and heartiness to the gravy. Totally worth including.
- Beef broth (low sodium): The liquid base for the gravy that makes it cozy and savory.
- Tomato paste: Gives a slight tang and thickens the gravy beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Fun twist for umami richness and a touch of saltiness in the gravy.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, so here are some twists I like to try depending on the season or what’s in my fridge — give them a shot and see what you prefer!
- Mushroom-Free: Sometimes my family prefers it without mushrooms; just skip them and add an extra onion for sweetness.
- Garlic Lover’s Twist: I add a couple of minced garlic cloves when cooking onions for an extra flavor punch.
- Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled in the gravy adds a fragrant touch that’s gorgeous for a dinner party.
- Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce in the gravy woke up my taste buds on a chilly night — highly recommend!
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to get my hands in here — it’s the best way to evenly incorporate everything without overworking the meat. Once mixed, divide the mixture into 6 equal parts. Form each piece gently into oval-shaped patties, about the size of your palm. Don’t press too hard; you want them to stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle. Carefully add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice brown crust and no pink in the center. I’ve found that flipping them just once gives the best crust and keeps them juicy. Once done, transfer the patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Mushrooms
Lower the heat to medium, then add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook until they soften and start to get a hint of golden color — about 3 to 5 minutes. If you’re using mushrooms, add those now and cook another 3 minutes until everything is beautifully caramelized. The aroma at this point is absolutely wonderful — it’s one of my favorite parts of the process.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a bit of cold water or broth until smooth, then add that mixture to the skillet. Keep whisking the gravy for about 2 minutes until it thickens into a silky sauce. It’s the perfect coating for the patties.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the patties to the skillet and spoon the mushroom gravy generously over them. Let everything warm together for another minute or so. Once done, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Serve these beauties over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for an ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Gentle Mixing: Handle the meat gently when mixing and forming patties to avoid dense, tough steaks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear patties in batches if needed; crowding lowers the temperature and prevents browning.
- Cornstarch Slurry Trick: Always whisk the cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot broth to avoid lumps.
- Keep Patties Warm: Tent cooked patties with foil while making gravy to keep them juicy and warm.
How to Serve Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of fresh parsley for this dish — it brightens the plate and cuts through the rich mushroom gravy beautifully. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a small pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra oomph.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are the classic and my personal favorite side, soaking up every bit of that luscious gravy. But I’ve also served this alongside buttered egg noodles, roasted carrots, or even creamy polenta. Simple steamed green beans or a crisp side salad help balance the meal nicely too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating each patty over a swirl of mashed potatoes topped with a generous ladle of mushroom gravy, garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a dusting of freshly cracked pepper. It elevates this comfort food into something a bit more celebratory without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the patties and gravy if I can. This helps the patties keep their texture without getting soggy. They usually stay good for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
Freezing works really well for this recipe. I freeze the patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming the gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, then adding the patties back just to heat through, so they don’t dry out. You can also use the microwave but do it in short bursts and cover the dish to keep moisture in.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Also, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the gravy safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
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Can I use a different type of meat for the patties?
Yes! While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be milder. You might want to add extra seasoning or a bit of fat (like olive oil) for moisture.
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How do I prevent patties from falling apart?
Using a binding mix of egg and breadcrumbs, and handling the meat gently without over-mixing, helps the patties hold together. Also, make sure the pan is hot enough to sear them quickly and form a crust.
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Is it okay to skip mushrooms in the gravy?
Definitely! The mushrooms add great flavor and texture, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have them on hand, the gravy will still be delicious and comforting.
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Can I freeze the Salisbury steak after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Salisbury steak along with the gravy. Just cool everything completely before storing, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an old favorite, even if you’ve never made it before. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and made with lots of love — which I think you’ll taste in every bite. Give it a try for your next weeknight meal or when you want something that’s both cozy and impressive. Trust me, your family and guests will be asking for seconds, and you’ll feel like the kitchen hero you are!
Print
Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and classic Salisbury Steak recipe featuring lean ground beef patties cooked to perfection and topped with a savory mushroom and onion gravy. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (optional)
For the Gravy
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands until fully combined. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each one into an oval patty.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the middle. Remove the patties and place them on a plate while you prepare the gravy.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Lower heat to medium, add the sliced onions to the skillet, and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. If using, add the mushrooms and continue cooking until the onions turn golden brown and mushrooms are tender, about 3 more minutes.
- Make the Gravy: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a bit of water or beef broth until smooth, then add it to the skillet. Whisk continuously and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked patties to the skillet, spoon the gravy over them, and heat through for another minute. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot over mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Notes
- This Salisbury Steak recipe is a great addition to your weekly dinner rotation, offering a comforting and homemade alternative to takeout.
- To make it freezer-friendly, cook the patties and gravy, then cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 382 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 743 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 134 mg