Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a comforting homemade dinner featuring tender ground beef patties simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Made with grated onion, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, these flavorful steaks are especially delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes.

Unlike traditional hamburgers, Salisbury steak patties include ingredients that help keep the meat tender and moist. Browning the patties before finishing them in mushroom gravy creates a flavorful combination of juicy beef and rich sauce.

For another variation, try making Salisbury Steak meatballs next time. They offer a different way to enjoy the familiar flavors of seasoned beef and gravy.

What Is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is made from seasoned ground beef shaped into oval patties, browned in a skillet, and finished in a savory gravy. Mushroom gravy is one of the most popular accompaniments.

The mixture differs from a traditional hamburger because it contains breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, and additional seasonings. These ingredients help create a softer texture that works well with the sauce.

Other comforting favorites include rich duck confit and homemade meat dishes served with gravy.

That positive feedback led to recreating the meal, which eventually became a published recipe shared online in 2015.

One memorable reaction described the burgers with mushroom gravy as spectacular. For safe handling of ground beef, follow appropriate cooking and food-safety practices.

This was back in 2015, and that’s how this Salisbury Steak recipe came to be.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

While standard burger patties typically rely on just beef, salt, and pepper, these patties incorporate breadcrumbs, onion, and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce for a more tender, meatball-like texture.

Grate the Onion into the Breadcrumbs

Grate the onion directly over the breadcrumbs so they absorb the onion juices. Let the mixture rest briefly before combining it with the remaining ingredients.

This method helps distribute onion flavor throughout the beef mixture without leaving large pieces of raw onion inside the patties.

Mix and Shape the Patties

Combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, ketchup, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

Mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together. Divide into five portions and shape each portion firmly into an oval patty.

Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Brown the patties briefly on both sides, then transfer them to a plate.

The patties will finish cooking in the mushroom gravy, so they do not need to be completely cooked during the first sear.

Prepare the Mushroom Gravy

Cook the chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms in the same skillet. Add butter and flour to create a roux, then gradually stir in the beef broth.

Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Stir until the gravy becomes smooth.

Finish Cooking in the Gravy

Return the patties and their accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer until the gravy thickens and the beef is cooked through.

The original recipe suggests approximately 5 to 7 minutes in the gravy. Check the center of the patties with a food thermometer; ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).

Great hamburger patties are often made with little more than ground beef, salt, and pepper, whereas Salisbury steak includes breadcrumbs, onion, and savory seasonings.

A visual guide can be helpful when following the cooking process.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

The combination of seasoned ground beef patties and mushroom gravy makes this Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak Patties

• 1/2 onion, white, brown, or yellow
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, or 1/3 cup ordinary breadcrumbs
• 1 lb / 500 g ground beef
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder

For the Mushroom Gravy

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 5 oz / 150 g mushrooms, sliced
• 30 g / 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Instructions

Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties

1. Place the breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Grate the onion directly over the breadcrumbs using a box grater.
2. Mix the grated onion and breadcrumbs with your fingers, then leave them to soak for a few minutes.
3. Add the remaining Salisbury steak ingredients to the bowl.
4. Mix until the ingredients are combined and the mixture becomes cohesive enough to hold its shape. Avoid excessive mixing that can make the patties too firm.
5. Divide the mixture into five portions and shape into oval patties approximately 3/4 inch thick.

Cook the Patties and Mushroom Gravy

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
2. Add the Salisbury steaks and brown the first side for approximately 1 minute.
3. Gently flip and brown the other side. The patties will still be raw in the center. Transfer them to a plate.
4. If the skillet looks dry, add a little more oil.
5. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
8. Once the butter melts, stir in the flour and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
9. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
10. Add the water, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
11. Return the Salisbury steak patties and their juices to the skillet.
12. Simmer for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens and the patties are cooked through to 160°F (71°C). Stir the gravy gently around the steaks.
13. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more water or beef broth.
14. Transfer the patties to serving plates. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper.
15. Serve the Salisbury steaks topped with mushroom gravy. Mashed potatoes are an excellent accompaniment. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Salisbury Steak Recipe Success Tips

Choose the Ground Beef You Prefer

You can use different types of ground beef for this recipe. Ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 20%, generally produces juicier, richer patties.

Leaner beef, such as 7% fat, creates a firmer result, but the egg, breadcrumbs, and grated onion help retain moisture.

Use Affordable Mushrooms

White button mushrooms are an affordable and convenient choice for Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy.

Baby Bella mushrooms are another option. They provide a deeper color and a slightly earthier flavor.

Avoid Overmixing the Beef

Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings until everything is evenly combined and the patties can hold together.

The original method calls for a cohesive mixture, but excessive mixing can make the finished steaks compact and firm.

Using clean hands or a fork makes it easier to judge when the mixture has come together.

Brown the Patties Before Adding the Gravy

The patties do not need to cook completely during the initial sear, but they should develop a browned surface on both sides.

That browning adds savory flavor to the beef and leaves flavorful bits in the skillet that enrich the mushroom gravy.

Let the Gravy Simmer Until Glossy

Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens, becomes glossy, and coats the back of a spoon.

Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as the gravy cooks.

If the sauce thickens too much, gradually stir in a splash of water or beef broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a hearty main dish that pairs especially well with potatoes, vegetables, and other simple comfort-food sides.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The mushroom gravy can be spooned over both the beef patties and potatoes for a comforting dinner.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Tender egg noodles provide a simple base for the rich mushroom gravy. Serve the patties over the noodles with plenty of sauce.

Steamed Green Beans

Green beans add color and freshness to the plate. Their light texture contrasts with the rich beef and mushroom gravy.

Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots provide gentle sweetness that complements the savory flavor of the mushroom gravy.

Rice

White rice or brown rice works well for soaking up the gravy and makes the meal more filling.

Crusty Bread

Serve warm bread alongside the steaks to enjoy any extra mushroom gravy.

How to Store and Reheat Salisbury Steak

Refrigerating Leftovers

Allow the cooked Salisbury steaks and gravy to cool briefly, then refrigerate promptly in shallow, airtight containers.

Cooked ground beef dishes can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when handled and refrigerated properly.

Reheating Salisbury Steak

Place the steaks and gravy in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy is too thick.

Warm gently, stirring the gravy occasionally, until the leftovers are thoroughly heated.

Freezing Salisbury Steak

Cooked Salisbury steak and mushroom gravy can be frozen in airtight freezer-safe containers.

For best quality, portion the steaks with enough gravy to keep them covered, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Salisbury Steak Made Of?

Salisbury steak is made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. The patties are browned and finished in mushroom gravy.

What Is the Difference Between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak?

Hamburger steak is often made with a simpler ground beef mixture. Salisbury steak generally contains breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and additional seasonings, giving it a texture closer to a meatball.

What Mushrooms Are Best for Salisbury Steak Gravy?

White button mushrooms and Baby Bella mushrooms both work well. Button mushrooms are affordable and mild, while Baby Bellas provide a slightly earthier flavor.

Can I Use Lean Ground Beef?

Yes. Lean ground beef can be used, although the patties may be slightly firmer. Breadcrumbs, egg, and grated onion help retain moisture.

Why Do You Add Breadcrumbs to Salisbury Steak?

Breadcrumbs absorb moisture from the grated onion and help bind the patties. They also contribute to a softer finished texture.

How Do I Keep Salisbury Steak Patties from Falling Apart?

Use the recommended egg and breadcrumb quantities, grate the onion finely, mix until the ingredients bind together, and form firm oval patties. Flip carefully while browning.

Should Salisbury Steak Be Fully Cooked Before Adding the Gravy?

No. The original recipe briefly browns the patties on both sides before finishing them in the mushroom gravy. Make sure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

How Can I Thicken Mushroom Gravy?

The recipe uses butter and flour to create a roux before adding the beef broth. Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens and coats a spoon.

What Should I Do if the Mushroom Gravy Gets Too Thick?

Add a little water or beef broth and stir until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.

What Is the Best Side Dish for Salisbury Steak?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they pair beautifully with the rich mushroom gravy. Egg noodles, rice, roasted carrots, and green beans are other excellent options.

Life of Dozer

Every morning over the summer break. PS He’s leaping to catch sand. No interest in the usual toys!

Dozer was my beautiful dog and faithful companion for 14 years. He was also official taste-tester of RecipeTin Eats, and filled every day with joy, mischief and laughs. He passed away in February 2026. I miss him every day. The Life Of Dozer section shares the happiest moments of his life and keeps his memory alive. Read more about him here.

In loving memory of Dozer

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