Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
This easy Salisbury steak recipe is one of those dinners that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Seasoned ground beef patties are cooked in a skillet and simmered in a rich brown gravy for an easy dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
Serve it with mashed potatoes and a vegetable and you have a simple, budget-friendly dinner that tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Those are my favorite kinds of meals!
Salisbury steak is also a great way to turn a pound of ground beef into something a little more exciting than burgers or tacos. Everything cooks in one skillet, the ingredients are simple, and that gravy makes the whole meal.
Ingredients
For this recipe you will need a bowl and a skillet. I prefer a cast iron skillet.
- Ground Beef
- Bread Crumbs (or substitute)
- Gravy Mix
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
A quick note on the ingredients: I typically use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef because a little fat keeps the Salisbury steak patties tender. The breadcrumbs help everything hold together, while the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic, and onion add flavor. Brown gravy mix is my shortcut here: it keeps this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing that classic Salisbury steak and gravy flavor.
Directions
This Salisbury steak comes together quickly in one skillet. Mix and shape the beef patties, brown them on both sides, then let them finish cooking in the brown gravy. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes, which makes it an easy ground beef dinner for busy nights.
Place all of the patty ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Divide the mix into 4 equal parts and form each part into a patty.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in your skillet (or give it a quick spritz with cooking spray) on medium heat. Cook patties until beef is no longer pink. Adjust temperature to low heat.
Pour gravy mixture, ketchup and worcestershire into hot water. Whisk to combine.
Pour gravy over patties in skillet and allow it to come to a simmer. Add ¼ cup of additional water to the gravy if it becomes too thick, and stir.
Serve and enjoy!
How to Keep Salisbury Steak From Falling Apart
The trick is to avoid overworking the ground beef when you mix everything together. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then gently shape the patties. When you cook them, give the first side time to get a good sear before flipping. Between the breadcrumbs and that nice sear, the Salisbury steak patties should hold together nicely while they finish cooking in the gravy.
Can I Add Mushrooms or Onions?
Absolutely! If you like mushrooms or onions with your Salisbury steak, sauté them in the skillet after browning the patties. Add the patties back to the pan, pour the gravy over everything, and let it finish cooking together. You can use mushrooms, onions, or both.
Allergen Friendly
This recipe is easy to adjust for different dietary needs, but always double-check the labels on your gravy mix, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce since ingredients can vary by brand.
Gluten Free
To make this yummy dinner gluten free simple substitute your favorite gluten free bread crumbs. In a pinch I use crushed up Rice Chex and toss in a little garlic salt for seasoning.
Also, check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it is gluten free.
Finally, use a gluten-free gravy. If you can’t find any at the store, feel free to try this recipe to make your own. It’s so good.
Dairy-Free
The only place dairy is hidden in this recipe is the gravy ….and possibly the mashed potatoes (but those are a side). Again, Try this homemade gravy mix or your favorite store-bought dairy-free gravy.
Egg Free
No eggs were harmed in the making of this Salisbury steak. Although please check your ingredients to make sure there is no hidden egg.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
Mashed potatoes are pretty much a given with Salisbury steak around here. You have all that brown gravy, so you might as well give it somewhere to go! Green beans, corn, peas, or roasted vegetables are all easy sides. You could also serve it with rice or egg noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Nothing fancy needed; this is comfort food.
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Disappearing Corn & Zucchini Side Dish
- Loaded Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Crockpot Green Beans
Storage
Store leftover Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It reheats really well in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. If the gravy gets a little thick in the fridge, add a splash of water or beef broth while reheating.
Can You Freeze Salisbury Steak?
Yes! Let the Salisbury steak and gravy cool completely, then store them together in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until heated through.
Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
Patty Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs or gluten free substitute
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Gravy Ingredients:
- 2 packets Brown Gravy Mix
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
Instructions
- Add all patty ingredients to a large bowl.
- Use clean hands to combine. Divide the mixture into four balls and flatten into patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil in a skillet on medium heat. Cook patties until beef is no longer pink. Adjust temperature to low heat.
- Pour gravy mixture, ketchup and worcestershire into hot water. Whisk to combine.
- Pour gravy over patties in skillet and allow it to come to a simmer. Add ¼ cup of additional water to the gravy if it becomes too thick, and stir.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes if desired.
