Name: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 onion (white, brown or yellow); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or 1/3 cup ordinary breadcrumbs); 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince); 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 egg; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled; 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 tsp dijon mustard (OR 2 tsp dry mustard powder); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 5 oz / 150g mushrooms, sliced; 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all purpose / plain flour; 2 cups beef broth / stock, low sodium; 1/2 cup water; 2 tsp dijon mustard; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you have been craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings a touch of classic Americana to your dining table, you will love this Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of juicy, flavorful beef patties smothered in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This dish has all the warmth you want from a home-cooked meal, with the kind of mushroom sauce that feels simply irresistible spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left side is a thick layer of mashed potatoes with a smooth, creamy texture, topped with brown gravy spreading to the center; the center shows a browned meat patty covered in a glossy mushroom and onion sauce with slices of light brown mushrooms and translucent onions, garnished with small green herbs; on the right side, a small pile of bright green beans with a slight shine and some garlic bits. A woman's hand with a fork is lifting a piece of the meat patty. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for a purpose to build layers of flavor and texture that feel both familiar and special. These pantry staples come together quickly, delivering a result that tastes much more elevated than the sum of its parts.

Onion: Using either white, brown, or yellow onion, grated into the breadcrumbs, adds moisture and subtle sweetness to keep the patties tender.
Panko breadcrumbs: These ensure your patties hold together nicely while keeping a light texture—if unavailable, regular breadcrumbs work well too.
Ground beef: The star of the dish, choose a quality mince for juicy, flavorful patties.
Garlic: Minced garlic lends aromatic depth both in the meat mixture and the mushroom gravy.
Egg: Acts as a binder, so the patties don’t fall apart during cooking.
Ketchup: A subtle tang that enhances the savoriness of the beef.
Beef bouillon cube: Crumbled to enrich the gravy with deep meaty notes.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and an umami punch in both the patties and gravy.
Dijon mustard: Used twice in the recipe, it creates a bright and slightly spicy layer in the meat and the gravy.
Olive oil: For browning the patties beautifully and sautéing the veggies.
Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms are the soul of the mushroom gravy, offering earthiness and texture.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the gravy’s roux base.
Flour: Used to make the roux that thickens the gravy perfectly.
Beef broth: The liquid foundation of the mushroom gravy, bringing hearty flavor and moisture.
Water: Helps adjust the gravy thickness as needed.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together harmoniously.

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

Start by grating half the onion directly over the breadcrumbs, letting the onion’s moisture soak into them for a few minutes—this keeps the patties tender and juicy. Next, combine this breadcrumb mixture with the ground beef, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, crumbled beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until the mixture turns slightly pasty, which helps the patties hold their shape.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Patties

Divide the mixture into five equal portions and form into oval patties about three-quarters of an inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat and brown the patties on the first side for about one minute. Flip carefully to brown the other side, but they’ll still be raw inside at this point. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if it looks dry. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the sliced mushrooms, sautéing until golden and fragrant, which will build the hearty base for your mushroom gravy.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Roux

Lower the heat to medium and drop in the butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. This creates the roux that thickens your mushroom gravy while smoothing out the texture.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Next, stir in the remaining Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce along with any juices from the plate. Simmer on medium-low for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens and the patties are cooked through.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove the patties onto a plate and taste the gravy, adjusting salt and pepper to your preference. Pour the glorious mushroom gravy over the steaks and prepare to indulge in some serious comfort food magic!

How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

A close-up view of a browned meat patty in the center, covered with light brown mushroom sauce that has a smooth texture and visible mushroom slices. The sauce surrounds the patty and fills the black pan, with scattered small green herb bits on the sauce and mushrooms. A silver spoon is shown scooping up sauce and mushrooms from the right side of the pan. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the Salisbury steak just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts beautifully through the rich mushroom gravy.

Side Dishes

This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe pairs best with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. Alternatively, buttered egg noodles or steamed green beans provide a nice balance, adding freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve smaller patties slider-style on toasted buns with a dollop of gravy and a leaf of crisp lettuce. Or try plating it with roasted root vegetables and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for an extra dimension of flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Salisbury steak and mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent candidate for weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Place the patties and gravy in separate freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain quality. Frozen, they last up to 2 months—perfect for a comforting meal on demand.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the patties in the gravy on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! While traditional Salisbury steak is made with beef for richness, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just be mindful that poultry cooks faster and may need less time in the gravy to avoid drying out.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You can also crush saltine crackers or use crushed cornflakes for a different texture. The key is to have a binder that absorbs moisture and holds the patties together.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour to make the roux. Also, check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free for a safe swap.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

The patties are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). After browning, simmering them in the gravy finishes the cooking gently, locking in juiciness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the patties a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also prepare the gravy separately and combine everything just before serving for an easy dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort, flavor, and a bit of old-fashioned charm to your dinner table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for when you want to treat yourself or loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal for cozy nights in.