When I think of a dish that instantly transports me to my childhood, this old fashioned Salisbury steak recipe with gravy tops the list. There’s something nostalgic and downright comforting about a plate of juicy beef patties smothered in rich onion mushroom gravy. It’s like meatloaf’s fancier cousin, still humble, but just a little more indulgent.
This recipe is one of my favorite cozy, home-cooked meals for chilly evenings or when I need a break from overly complex dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving old-school diner vibes or looking for a filling dinner to serve the family, this recipe has your back.
The beauty of an old fashioned Salisbury steak recipe with gravy is its versatility. You can pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, since the steaks and gravy reheat beautifully.
Table of contents
Why This Old-fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe Works
First of all, this old fashioned Salisbury steak recipe with gravy gets its signature flavor from a combination of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that, when cooked slowly and with care, create something truly rich and memorable. The beef patties are seasoned just right, not too much filler, just enough to bind and flavor. Browning the patties before simmering them in the gravy creates a caramelized crust that adds incredible depth.
The gravy itself deserves a moment in the spotlight. It’s a blend of caramelized onions, tender mushrooms, beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, thickened until silky. It clings beautifully to the steak, so every bite is packed with flavor.
What makes this recipe stand out from others is that it doesn’t rely on shortcuts. It’s made from scratch, but it doesn’t take hours. You get all the soul of a slow-cooked meal in under an hour.
And the customization? Endless. You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping breadcrumbs and flour with GF alternatives. Want to lighten it up? Use lean ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian? Try lentil-based patties and swap the beef broth for mushroom stock.
Now that we’ve covered what makes this dish a standout, let’s move on to how you can make it a success in your kitchen every single time.
Recipe Card
Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes400
kcalThis old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe with rich gravy brings a hearty, nostalgic flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for a comforting, home-cooked meal.
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Ingredients
- For the Salisbury Steaks
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Gravy
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Return the patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice, and drizzle generously with the rich gravy.
Notes
- Use fresh ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
- To prevent the patties from falling apart, don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- For a deeper flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy.
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My Top Pro Tips for a Perfect Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe with Gravy
- Choose the Right Beef: Opt for an 80/20 ground beef blend for juicy patties with the right amount of fat.
- Cook Gently: Avoid overcooking the patties to keep them moist.
- Smooth Gravy: Stir constantly while making the roux to prevent lumps in your gravy.
- Enhance with Herbs: Add a pinch of thyme or parsley to the gravy for extra depth.
- Let It Simmer: Once your steaks are in the gravy, give them time to soak in all those savory juices. A 15 to 20 minute simmer is just right to finish cooking the patties and thicken the gravy.
Delicious Variants of the Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe with Gravy
1. Mushroom Lover’s Salisbury Steak
Adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy or directly mixing them into the meat is a game changer. Mushrooms add earthiness and umami that deepens the flavor profile. Use cremini, portobello, or button mushrooms—just chop and sauté with your onions before making the gravy. It creates a silky, rich sauce that pairs perfectly with tender steaks.
2. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Version
Swap out traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep the patties light on carbs. For thickening the gravy, replace flour with xanthan gum or a small amount of cream cheese stirred in at the end. This keeps the comforting taste intact while aligning with low-carb lifestyles.
3. Turkey or Chicken Salisbury Steak
For a lighter twist, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These leaner meats need extra moisture, so I recommend adding finely grated zucchini or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix. The gravy remains the same, delivering that classic rich flavor without the heaviness.
4. Spicy Kick Salisbury Steak
If you like a bit of heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the meat mixture or sprinkle some chili flakes into the gravy. This variant adds a warming spice that balances beautifully with the creamy gravy base.
FAQs
Yes! Prepare the patties and gravy separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or buttered noodles are classic pairings that soak up the delicious gravy.
Dryness usually happens if the meat mixture is too lean or overcooked. I recommend using ground beef with at least 15-20% fat content for juiciness. Also, avoid over-mixing your meat; gently combine ingredients to keep the texture tender. Cooking over medium heat and not overcooking the patties (about 4-5 minutes per side) helps retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury steak recipe with gravy is a heartwarming classic that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for cozy dinners or satisfying meal prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Love hearty dinners? Check out our authentic Mexican chicken drumsticks recipe for another flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick to make and sure to please.
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