Thereās nothing quite like the comforting classic of Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy a hearty, savory dish that delivers nostalgic, diner-style flavor right in your home kitchen. With juicy beef patties, rich umami-packed mushroom gravy, and classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a crave-worthy meal prep idea, this recipe will hit the spot every time. And the best part? It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but impressive enough to serve guests.
Why Youāll Love salisbury steak Recipe
This recipe combines the deep, beefy flavor of seared patties with a velvety mushroom gravy that soaks beautifully into every bite. Hereās why itās a must-make:
- Classic comfort food: Just like your favorite diner-style meals, but homemade.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Ground beef, onions, mushrooms, and a few seasonings are all you need.
- Meal-prep friendly: Easily doubles for freezing or leftovers.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love this warm, hearty dish.
If youāre a fan of down-home classics like meatloaf with brown gravy or easy meatloaf with the best glaze, this Salisbury steak will be right up your alley.
Ingredient Notes
To get the best flavor and texture from your Salisbury steak, choose fresh ingredients and quality ground beef. Hereās what youāll need:
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Breadcrumbs & egg: Help bind the meat and create a tender texture.
- Onion & garlic: For depth and savory balance.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, meaty tang.
- Mushrooms: Baby bellas or white mushrooms work perfectly.
- Beef broth: The base for the gravy choose low-sodium if possible.
- Cornstarch or flour: To thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
- Salt, pepper, mustard powder: Simple seasoning goes a long way.
This combination gives you a rich, satisfying dish without the need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
How to Make salisbury steak

- Make the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onions. Form into oval patties.
- Sear the steaks: Heat oil in a skillet and brown the patties on both sides. Donāt cook them all the way through just get a good crust. Remove and set aside.
- SautƩ mushrooms & onions: In the same pan, cook sliced mushrooms and onions until soft and golden.
- Build the gravy: Stir in flour or cornstarch, then gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish cooking: Return the steaks to the pan and simmer, covered, for 15ā20 minutes until cooked through and infused with gravy.
- Serve: Spoon over mashed potatoes or rice and garnish with parsley.
Itās a lot like building flavors in dishes such as cube steak crockpot recipes start with searing, layer flavor, and let the magic happen.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Donāt overmix the beef: Light mixing keeps the patties tender.
- Deglaze the pan: Use a splash of broth or wine to lift flavorful bits off the skillet after searing.
- Use cast iron: It gives the best sear and evenly retains heat.
- Go low and slow: Simmering the patties in gravy ensures juiciness and rich flavor throughout.
- Add a touch of cream or sour cream to the gravy for extra richness if desired.
If you enjoy the process of building deep flavor like this, youāll also appreciate the techniques we use in our beef country ribs in Crockpot slow cooking with layers of seasoning makes all the difference.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze patties and gravy separately in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
This dish is perfect for making in batches. Like our ground beef slow cooker recipes, itās ideal for freezer meals or next-day lunches.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to sneak in veggies.
- Make it keto: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Spice it up: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or chipotle powder to the beef.
Want more beefy inspiration? Our ultimate guide to beef top round steak recipes is full of delicious, hearty ideas.
What to Serve With salisbury steak
This dish pairs beautifully with many sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Or serve it next to a veggie-loaded dish like the cabbage and eggs stir-fry for a balanced, satisfying plate.

FAQ for salisbury steak
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the patties first, then layer everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 4ā6 hours.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are best for flavor, but canned will work in a pinch just drain them well.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and whisk it in at the end.
Whatās the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury steak usually includes breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, while hamburger steak is simply seasoned beef.
Conclusion
Thereās a reason Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy has stood the test of time itās hearty, deeply flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dinner thatās both nostalgic and restaurant-worthy, all without complicated steps or expensive ingredients.
If you loved this, be sure to check out similar comfort classics like our meatloaf with brown gravy, beef top round steak recipes, and ground beef Crockpot meals theyāre all designed for maximum flavor with minimal stress.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ā¤ļø!