Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a timeless comfort dish that never goes out of style. It is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or when you crave something familiar and filling. What makes this recipe special is its balance of simplicity and flavor. The beef patties are tender and well-seasoned, while the onion gravy is savory, smooth, and packed with depth. I tested this recipe several times, and one small adjustment that made a big difference was letting the onions caramelize slowly. That extra patience results in a gravy that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. This dish also pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or rice, soaking up every bit of the flavorful gravy. Once you make it from scratch, you will understand why this is a recipe worth saving and returning to again and again.
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Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy – Don’t LOSE This Classic Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Classic Salisbury Steak with rich onion gravy made from seasoned beef patties simmered until tender in a savory sauce—an old-fashioned comfort food dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Form the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown patties on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Cook until onions are soft and caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add beef broth while stirring to create a smooth gravy.
- Return patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through and gravy thickens.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Gravy thickens more as it cools.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of the patties and delivers rich, meaty flavor. An 80/20 blend works best for juiciness.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and keep them tender rather than dense.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, holding the patties together while adding moisture.
Milk
Milk softens the breadcrumbs and ensures a tender texture.
Worcestershire sauce
This ingredient adds savory depth and a subtle tang that enhances the beef.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder provides gentle flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder
Onion powder reinforces the savory profile of the patties.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef and gravy.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and balance.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the onions for the gravy.
Yellow onions
Thinly sliced onions form the backbone of the gravy, adding sweetness and depth.
Beef broth
Beef broth creates a flavorful base for the gravy.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the gravy to a smooth, spoon-coating consistency.
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer the gravy until thickened, then return the patties to the skillet. Spoon the onion gravy over the steaks and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Total time required is roughly 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Variations and Customizations
This Salisbury Steak recipe is very flexible and easy to adapt. For a lighter option, ground turkey can replace ground beef, though the flavor will be milder. I tested this version and found that adding a little extra Worcestershire sauce helped maintain depth.
You can enhance the gravy by adding sliced mushrooms along with the onions. They release moisture and add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef. If you prefer a richer gravy, stir in a small splash of cream near the end of cooking.
Seasonings can also be adjusted. A pinch of thyme or paprika adds subtle warmth, while Dijon mustard mixed into the gravy introduces a gentle tang. These small changes allow you to customize the dish while preserving its comforting, classic character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein (g) | 27 |
| Carbs (g) | 16 |
| Fat (g) | 24 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 10 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 |
| Sodium (mg) | 620 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overmix the beef
Overmixing can make the patties tough.
Caramelize onions slowly
Low heat brings out natural sweetness.
Use quality broth
Good broth greatly improves the gravy.
Rest before serving
Letting the dish sit briefly enhances flavor.
Adjust gravy thickness
Add broth gradually to control consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Salisbury Steak ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared and reheated gently before serving.
What is the best beef for this recipe?
An 80/20 ground beef blend offers the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?
Yes, freeze with the gravy for up to 2 months.
How do I keep patties tender?
Avoid overmixing and use breadcrumbs with milk.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes, mushrooms are a popular and delicious addition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles work perfectly.
Can I bake the patties instead?
Yes, bake at 190°C and finish in the gravy.
How do I thicken thin gravy?
Simmer longer or add a small slurry of flour and broth.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for larger servings.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a comforting, reliable recipe that delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. From the tender beef patties to the deeply savory onion gravy, every element works together to create a dish worth remembering. This is truly a recipe you will not want to lose.
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