Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
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!
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
To make the beef patties
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2-4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 red onions 1 onion diced the other two sliced into rings
- 2 eggs
- 1 Pinch of celery salt
- 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt for taste I used 1 1/4 tsp
- pepper for taste I used 1 tsp
Beef Gravy
- 4 cups beef broth I use Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
- 6 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp heavy whipping cream optional
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt for taste
- Pepper for taste
- pinch onion powder 1-2 small pinches
- pinch garlic powder 1-2 small pinches
- pinch crushed red pepper 1 small pinch of crushed red peppers
Instructions
Sauté the onions
- Melt 1–2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the diced onions to one side and the sliced onions to the other.Sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.Transfer them to two separate bowls — you’ll use the diced onions for the patties and the sliced ones for the gravy later
Make the breadcrumbs
- In a food processor, pulse two slices of bread until fine crumbs form.(Or use store-bought breadcrumbs if you prefer.)
Prepare the patties
- In a large bowl, combine:Ground beef, half of the sautéed diced onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until combined, don’t overwork it. Form into oval-shaped patties, about ¾ inch thick.
Brown the patties
- Add another 1–2 tbsp butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat.Sear the patties for 1–2 minutes per side until nicely browned.Remove them from the skillet and drain off any excess grease.
Make the gravy
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth and flour until smooth. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the remaining diced onions and cook for about one minute to release their flavor. Slowly pour in the broth-and-flour mixture while whisking constantly. Stir in the heavy cream, if using, along with the Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, to remove the raw flour taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer until thickened.
Combine everything
- Return the browned patties and the sliced onion rings to the skillet with the gravy. Add a pinch of onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper if desired. Simmer for 5–15 minutes, spooning the gravy over the patties as they cook, until the meat is cooked through and tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak
Ground Beef Matters:
- Use 80% lean ground beef (20% fat) for flavorful, juicy Salisbury steak. The fat content helps keep the patties moist and adds flavor.
- Best Broth Substitute:
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base is a standout ingredient in this recipe. It’s rich, full of flavor, and tastes homemade. It’s an excellent substitute for regular broth.
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Don’t Over-Mix:
- Mix the beef mixture just until combined. Overworking the meat will make the patties tough instead of tender.
Get the Perfect Sear:
- To develop a flavorful brown crust, let the patties cook undisturbed during searing. Avoid moving or flipping them until the bottom is browned. A great sear adds depth to the flavor.
Gravy Galore:
- This recipe makes a generous amount of gravy. If you prefer less, you can halve the gravy recipe or store leftovers for later.