There is something irresistibly comforting about the classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite for family dinners and cozy nights at home. This dish features juicy, tender beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s both hearty and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, Salisbury steak offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warms the soul with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the ground beef’s richness to the sweet, caramelized onions and the luscious gravy, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create something unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that forms the patties, providing juicy, savory bites.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties while keeping them tender and moist.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together perfectly.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild, aromatic sweetness inside the patties.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Offers a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the patties with a tangy, umami kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizes beautifully to form the base of the rich onion gravy.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds buttery richness for cooking the onions and gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates the savory sauce that ties the whole dish together.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to luscious perfection.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the gravy’s savory depth and complexity.
How to Make Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, the egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the ingredients are well incorporated without compacting the meat too much. Then shape the mixture into 4 to 5 evenly sized patties, about the size of your palm. This step sets the foundation for those tender, flavorful steaks you’ll soon savor.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This browning step locks in the juiciness while adding that deep, savory flavor that’s so important to the dish. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside to rest briefly.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, add butter and the thinly sliced large onion. Cook the onions slowly until they soften and turn a gorgeous golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat, letting it cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens and becomes velvety smooth. This savory onion gravy is the heart of the Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer Patties in Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the rich onion gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top of each patty, then cover and simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the patties finish cooking through. The result is juicy, tender beef in a luscious gravy that’s full of comforting goodness.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the hearty dish. You could also add a few caramelized onion rings on top for added richness and visual appeal. These easy garnishes give your presentation a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up every drop of gravy. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and green beans, provide a fresh, crisp balance to the rich, meaty flavors. These sides make the meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style dinner, serve the steak and gravy family-style on a large platter with sides on the side, inviting everyone to dive in. Or try plating each steak individually atop a bed of mashed potatoes with gravy generously spooned over the top for a restaurant-quality feel at home. Adding a sprinkle of crispy fried onions can give a delightful textural contrast that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Store the steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats or packed lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately or together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to keep the patties tender and prevent the gravy from breaking. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating helps maintain the luscious sauce consistency. Microwave reheating is fine too, but be sure to cover the dish and stir occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative, though the patties may be less juicy. Adding a bit of olive oil or an extra egg can help maintain moisture.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before adding the gravy?
Yes, browning the patties adds incredible flavor and texture. It creates a savory crust that enhances the overall taste and helps the beef patties stay intact as they simmer in the gravy.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce if I don’t have any?
Soy sauce mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic Worcestershire sauce’s tang and umami. Alternatively, you can omit it, but the gravy might be less complex in flavor.
Can this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Make sure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
How thick should the onion gravy be?
A good onion gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It should cling nicely to the patties and sides, creating a rich, velvety sauce experience.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, comforting charm of this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that balances simple ingredients with hearty, delicious flavors. I encourage you to try making this dish—it’s perfect for a satisfying family meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you taste that rich gravy and tender steak combo, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-tos for dinner.
Print
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy recipe features juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy made from caramelized onions and beef broth. A comforting classic that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Onion Gravy
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 4 to 5 evenly sized oval patties.
- Brown the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Onion Gravy: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they are softened and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Simmer Patties in Gravy: Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them in the onion gravy. Spoon some gravy over the patties to coat them well. Cover and let simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the patties are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, generously topped with the rich onion gravy. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy for an extra flavor boost.
- Ensure not to overcook the patties to keep them juicy and tender.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and used as a flavorful sauce for other dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
