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Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

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Tender, seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy make this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy the ultimate comfort-food dinner. The patties are browned until flavorful, then finished in a delicious homemade gravy filled with caramelized onions.

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and you’ll have a hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day—even though it comes together in about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and juicy beef patties
  • Rich homemade onion gravy
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • One-skillet comfort food
  • Perfect for family dinners
  • Delicious over mashed potatoes
  • Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef, preferably 80–90% lean
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Onion Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms, optional

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Fresh thyme
  • A little cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

A large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan works especially well.

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Add the ground beef to a large mixing bowl.

Add:

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Diced onion
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Italian seasoning
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix gently with your hands or a fork until everything is just combined.

Don’t Overmix

Overworking the ground beef can make the patties tough.

Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the beef mixture into approximately 4–6 equal portions.

Shape each portion into an oval patty about ¾-inch thick.

Press the center of each patty slightly with your thumb.

This helps the patties cook more evenly and reduces excessive puffing in the center.

Step 3: Brown the Salisbury Steaks

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, carefully add the beef patties.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.

They don’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage because they will finish cooking in the gravy.

Transfer the patties to a plate.

Leave the flavorful browned bits in the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the sliced onions.

Cook for approximately 6–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The onions should become soft, golden, and fragrant.

If using mushrooms, add them during the final few minutes of onion cooking.

Step 5: Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions.

Stir continuously for approximately 1–2 minutes.

This cooks the raw flour flavor and creates the base for a smooth gravy.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking.

Add:

  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Onion powder
  • Thyme
  • Black pepper

Continue stirring until the gravy begins to thicken.

Step 7: Return the Steaks

Place the browned Salisbury steak patties back into the skillet.

Spoon some of the onion gravy over the top.

Reduce the heat to low.

Cover the skillet and simmer for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.

The ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C.

Step 8: Adjust the Gravy

Taste the gravy.

Add salt and pepper as needed.

If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.

If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.

The finished gravy should be thick, silky, and rich enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Sprinkle the Salisbury steaks with fresh chopped parsley or thyme.

Spoon plenty of onion gravy over each patty.

Serve immediately.

What to Serve With Salisbury Steak

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the classic choice because they soak up all that delicious onion gravy.

Egg Noodles

Serve the steaks and gravy over buttered egg noodles for an easy family dinner.

White Rice

Steamed white rice is another excellent option.

Roasted Vegetables

Try:

  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus

Dinner Rolls

Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra gravy.

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

Use Ground Beef With Some Fat

Very lean ground beef can produce dry patties.

An 80–90% lean mixture usually gives a good balance between flavor and tenderness.

Don’t Overmix the Meat

Gentle mixing produces softer patties.

Brown Before Simmering

Browning creates a deeper flavor and leaves flavorful browned bits in the skillet that make the gravy taste much richer.

Cook the Onions Slowly

Don’t rush the onions. Allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly creates a much more flavorful gravy.

Add Broth Gradually

Slowly whisking in the broth helps prevent lumps.

Let the Patties Finish in the Gravy

Simmering the patties in the gravy allows them to absorb flavor while keeping them moist.

Easy Variations

Mushroom Salisbury Steak

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions.

Cook until browned and tender before making the gravy.

Creamy Salisbury Steak

For a creamier gravy, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream near the end of cooking.

Do not boil vigorously after adding dairy.

Bacon Salisbury Steak

Cook 3–4 slices of bacon until crisp.

Crumble the bacon and add it to the finished dish.

You can also use a little of the bacon fat to cook the onions.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Brown the patties first.

Place them into a slow cooker with the onions and prepared gravy.

Cook on:

LOW: approximately 4–5 hours

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