Name: Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup whole milk; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1½ teaspoons sea salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving; 1½ pounds 90/10 ground beef; ¾ cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; ¾ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef base, or 1 beef bouillon cube; Minced fresh parsley leaves (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely must try this Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe. It blends perfectly seasoned ground beef patties with a rich, savory mushroom gravy that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this timeless dish has a way of bringing people together and satisfying those home-cooked dinner cravings like nothing else.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with red raw ground meat sits on a white marbled surface. Another clear glass bowl, positioned at the bottom right and partially overlapping the first, contains a beige-colored sauce with black pepper and herbs visible in it, being poured gently into the bowl with the meat. The background has a smooth, mottled gray texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list—each ingredient in this Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe plays a vital role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and that classic charm we all love. From spices that bring depth to fresh mushrooms that add earthiness, every component is simple but essential.

2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder to keep the patties tender and together.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture for juicy steaks.
3 tablespoons ketchup: A touch of sweetness and tang that brightens the patties.
1½ teaspoons sea salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs for an aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity.
1 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds subtle tang and depth to both patties and gravy.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a slight kick of savory goodness.
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving: Freshly cracked pepper provides a nice warmth and character.
1½ pounds 90/10 ground beef: The star ingredient for juicy and flavorful patties.
¾ cup breadcrumbs: Helps keep the texture balanced and the patties tender.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For browning the patties to perfection.
Minced fresh parsley leaves, for serving (optional): A bright, fresh finish to the dish.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables for the gravy.
½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced: Earthy mushrooms give the gravy its rich character.
3 garlic cloves, minced: For a fresh, intense garlic punch in the gravy.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and smoothness to the gravy.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the delicious mushroom gravy.
1 teaspoon mustard powder: Gives the gravy a subtle tangy depth.
¾ teaspoon sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the gravy.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of mild garlic flavor.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Sweet and savory, rounds out the gravy’s flavor.
2 cups beef broth: The base that makes the gravy hearty and flavorful.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang to the gravy.
1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef base, or 1 beef bouillon cube: Boosts the meatiness of the sauce.

How to Make Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Spices

Kicking off with blending all your spices ensures that every bite of your Salisbury steak is bursting with well-rounded flavor. Get your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and ketchup ready. Mix these with your beaten eggs and milk to create a beautifully seasoned wet mixture that will marry perfectly with the beef.

Step 2: Make the Patties

Take your ground beef and breadcrumbs, and gently combine them in a large bowl using your hands—you want to mix everything just enough to bring it together without overworking the meat. Pour in your spiced egg mixture and mix thoroughly. Then, shape the mixture into six oval patties about an inch thick. This shaping is classic Salisbury steak form and helps them cook evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Patties

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your beef patties carefully without crowding the pan. Let them sizzle and brown undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side. This caramelized crust locks in juices and delivers that rich, savory flavor. Transfer to a plate once nicely browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Return to the skillet and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until soft and translucent—this step deepens the sweetness of the dish. Stir in sliced cremini mushrooms, allowing them to release their earthy goodness. Next, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Add unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in your flour and continue stirring to form a roux, then season with mustard powder, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and your beef bouillon or Better Than Bouillon base. This builds the body and bold umami flavor you expect in the perfect Salisbury steak gravy.

Step 6: Simmer the Patties

Bring your gravy mixture to a gentle boil, then carefully nestle in the browned patties. Cover and reduce heat to low, letting everything simmer until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (about 10 to 15 minutes). This slow cooking finishes the patties perfectly while allowing them to soak up every bit of the luscious gravy.

Step 7: Serve

Divide the patties onto plates, generously spoon over the mushroom gravy, and garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. This final flourish adds a pop of color and freshness to your hearty meal.

How to Serve Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe

In a black cast iron pan, there are five browned patties of meat, each with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. They are covered with a thick brown sauce mixed with slices of light brown mushrooms. The sauce is glossy and rich, pooling around the base of each patty and spreading across the pan. A silver spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the pan, touching one patty. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe shines on its own, a sprinkle of minced fresh parsley on top adds a lovely brightness and an inviting touch of green. If you like, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving will elevate the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that velvety mushroom gravy, or buttery egg noodles for a classic combination. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts bring a fresh crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender patties.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Salisbury steak on toasted sandwich buns with a dollop of gravy for a comforting Salisbury steak sandwich. Alternatively, serve it alongside roasted root vegetables for a rustic presentation or layer the patties over a bed of buttery polenta for an elegant entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the patties and gravy together to preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze both cooked patties and gravy separately or together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just cool them completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water before reheating will keep the gravy silky smooth and prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat for this Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for 90/10 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and fat, you can try ground turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may yield less juicy patties, so you might want to add a bit of extra moisture.

Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs in the patties?

Bread crumbs help bind the patties and keep them tender without becoming dense. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Skipping them entirely might cause the patties to be more fragile and crumbly.

Can I make the Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe vegetarian?

While this recipe is traditionally meat-based, you can experiment with plant-based ground meat substitutes and vegetable broth for the gravy. Adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve a similar texture and flavor experience.

What’s the best way to get the patties browned perfectly?

Pat your patties dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan—that allows the surface to sear beautifully instead of steaming. Use medium heat and avoid flipping too often to develop that rich, caramelized crust.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

If your gravy isn’t thick enough, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water and whisk it gently into the simmering gravy. Stir constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe is a timeless dish that never loses its charm. Its comforting combination of tender, flavorful patties with luscious mushroom gravy is guaranteed to win hearts at any table. I encourage you to don your apron and give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming one of your own cherished favorites.