These easy homemade Salisbury steaks are like cozy comfort food on a plate! Made with ground beef, yummy seasonings, and topped with a simple onion gravy, they are sure to please.
When I make this dish, it feels like a warm hug! I like to serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and tasty enough for special occasions!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but the texture will differ slightly.
Breadcrumbs: Bread crumbs help bind the patties. If you’re gluten-free, consider using almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. I sometimes use crushed crackers for a fun twist!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a good substitute, though it will change the taste a bit.
Beef Broth: I prefer low-sodium beef broth for more control over salt levels. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works but the flavor will differ. You can also use chicken broth.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Salisbury Steaks?
Getting a nice brown color on your Salisbury steaks is key to flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil. A hot skillet helps sear the meat.
- Shape the patties and gently place them in the skillet without crowding. This allows even browning.
- Don’t flip the patties too early! Cook for about 4-5 minutes until you see a nice brown crust before turning.
Following these steps ensures a delicious crust that locks in flavors and juices!
Easy Homemade Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner on a weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the steaks tender!
2. Shape the Patties:
With your hands, shape the mixture into 4 oval patties, each about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Onion Gravy:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth while scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Finish the Gravy:
Add the Worcestershire sauce to the gravy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine the Steaks and Gravy:
Return the cooked Salisbury steaks to the skillet and spoon some gravy over them. Cover the skillet and let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the steaks are heated and the gravy is nice and thick, serve them hot. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, pouring some extra gravy on top. Enjoy your comforting homemade Salisbury steaks!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Salisbury Steaks
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey for a lighter alternative! Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be different. Adding a bit of extra seasoning may help enhance the taste as turkey is milder than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Salisbury steak recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the gravy as well!
Can I Prepare the Salisbury Steaks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the patties in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking if frozen.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy nice and moist.