Salisbury Steak Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as Salisbury steak. This American classic, often mistaken for a fancy hamburger patty, combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with a delectable mushroom and onion gravy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a hearty meal, this Salisbury steak recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salisbury Steaks

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked Salisbury steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy.
2. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the steaks to heat through.
3. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, topped with the mushroom gravy. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

• Use Ground Beef with Adequate Fat Content: Ground beef that’s 80% lean works best for Salisbury steak. The fat helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the patties, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense steaks.
• Add Depth with Worcestershire and Mustard: These two ingredients add a subtle depth of flavor to both the patties and the gravy, making the dish more complex and satisfying.
• Adjust Consistency of the Gravy: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Final Thoughts

Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its savory mushroom gravy and tender beef patties, it’s a dish that pleases both the palate and the soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make. Enjoy your homemade Salisbury steak with your favorite side dishes and relish in the comforting flavors of this classic dish.