My easy Salisbury steak is made with ground beef and simmered in a rich and so flavorful homemade brown onion gravy. This recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
3red onions1 onion diced the other two sliced into rings
2eggs
1 1/4tspgarlic powder
1 1/4tsponion powder
salt for tasteI used 1 1/4 tsp
pepper for tasteI used 1 tsp
1Pinchof celery salt
Beef Gravy
4cupsbeef brothI use Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
6tbspflour
2tspheavy whipping creamoptional
1/4cupunsalted butter
2tbspWorcestershire sauce
Salt for taste
Pepper for taste
pinch onion powder1-2 small pinches
pinch garlic powder 1-2 small pinches
pinch crushed red pepper1 small pinch of crushed red peppers
Instructions
Dice the onions. FYI, you should have one diced onion and the other two onions should be sliced into rings. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp of butter or vegetable oil, once sizzling add the onions. Add more butter if needed. Add the diced onions to one side of the pan and the onions cut into rings on the other side. Saute until softened about 3 minutes. If your pan is not big enough then saute the onions separately. Remove half of the diced onion and put to the side to cool off. Do the same with the onions cut into rings. Make sure to keep the diced and the rings separate. You should have two separated onions, the diced ones and the rings. FYI, in a moment you will be adding the diced onions to the beef mixture and use the rings for the onion gravy.
Next, add two slices of white bread to a food processor and process until you get bread crumbs.
To a large bowl add the ground beef, onions, eggs, seasonings, onions, breadcrumbs and combine gently. Do not overwork the beef, it will become tough. Shape the beef mixture into a round or oval shaped patty.
Add another tbsp of butter or vegetable oil(add more if needed). Once the skillet is nice and hot add the beef patties. Sear each side until browned about a minute or two. Remove and drain the fat. *See notes in the recipe.
To make the slurry which thickens the gravy, Whisk the beef broth and flour in a bowl until lump free. Over medium- high heat add the slurry to the skillet. Add the heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, and the rest of the butter. Mix well. Lastly, add the beef patties and the remaining diced/sliced onions into the skillet with the gravy. Let it come to a boil and cook for 5-15 minutesor until cooked through. Add two small pinches of onion powder, garlic powder and crushed red peppers to the gravy. Mix well. Add salt and pepper for taste and use a small spoon to stir between the gravy and patties. Serve with smashed potatoes.
Notes
QUICK TIPS:
Ground beef.....to make flavorful salisbury steak use 80% ground beef which equates to ground beef with 20% fat.
Better than Bouillon base is my favorite ingredient in this Salisbury steak recipe. It's full of flavor and it tastes homemade It's a great broth substitute.
Don't over-mixthe beef mixture or it will become tough
Sear: To achieve a great flavorful brown crust, you need to let the steaks cook (sear) until the meat is no longer grey. This means no touching or moving the steaks around.
This recipe makes a good amount of gravy. You can half the recipe or make it as is then store leftovers. The Kitchn has a great detailed post on the best way to store it.
People love this recipe but a couple readers said they had to cook the patties for a while, so I updated the recipe to make it quicker and more efficient.