Introduction
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a classic American comfort dish that transforms simple ground beef into a hearty, flavorful meal. The patties are seasoned and pan-seared before being simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, it’s the kind of meal that warms both the stomach and the soul.
This dish became popular in the early 20th century as a more elegant take on ground beef, and to this day, it’s loved for its rich flavors and homestyle charm.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels like a hug on a plate. The juicy beef patties soak up the mushroom gravy, creating a perfect bite every time. The onions and mushrooms add depth, while the gravy ties everything together with its silky, comforting richness.
It’s also a versatile recipe that looks elegant enough for a dinner party yet is simple enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it makes delicious leftovers!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- A budget-friendly way to enjoy steak-like flavors.
- Combines juicy beef patties with a luxurious mushroom gravy.
- Comfort food at its best—warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Easy to prepare but tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (with gravy, without sides)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Patties
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the Patties
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
- Remove patties and set aside.
- Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add sliced mushrooms and onions; sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until gravy thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Simmer the Patties in Gravy
- Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until patties are fully cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
How to Serve
- Best served with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the gravy.
- Add a green side like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a comforting dinner.
Recipe Tips
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Grating the onion into the meat mixture adds moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the beef mixture—this keeps the patties tender.
- If gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer; if too thick, add more beef broth.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of the gravy.
Variations
- Turkey Salisbury Steak: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
- Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the patties.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the beef for more depth.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties with gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if gravy has thickened.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a timeless classic that brings together juicy beef patties and a rich, flavorful mushroom-onion gravy. It’s hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly while still feeling indulgent. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food experience.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Description
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a classic American comfort dish that transforms simple ground beef into a hearty, flavorful meal. The patties are seasoned and pan-seared before being simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks:
For the Mushroom Gravy:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.Form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
-
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage). Remove patties and set aside.
-
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and onions; sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and softened. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until gravy thickens (about 5 minutes).
-
Simmer the Patties in Gravy: Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until patties are fully cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
-
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.