Classic Salisbury steak always reminds me of the comforting family dinners my grandmother used to make when I was a kid because she loved serving something hearty and rich that brought everyone to the table so she would shape savory beef patties and smother them in a rich onion gravy and every bite felt like pure warmth and love and it’s one of those meals that always takes me straight back to cozy evenings at home.

Now I love making classic Salisbury steak whenever I crave that nostalgic, old-fashioned comfort and the tender beef patties paired with the savory, onion-packed gravy make it such a satisfying dinner and I love serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles so the gravy has something delicious to soak into and it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate every single time.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Ground beef – The base of the patties, juicy and flavorful.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the patties and keep them tender.
Egg – Holds everything together perfectly.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds deep savory flavor to the meat.
Yellow onion – Sweetens and enriches the gravy.
Beef broth – Creates a rich, deeply savory sauce.
All-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy beautifully.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sear the patties nicely.
Garlic powder – Adds extra depth and warmth to the beef mixture.
Salt – Essential for seasoning throughout.
Black pepper – Gives a subtle, comforting heat.
Fresh parsley – For a fresh, bright finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – To sear the patties and make the gravy all in one pan.
Mixing bowl – For combining the beef mixture.
Spatula – For flipping and moving the patties without breaking them.
Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Knife – For slicing the onions and parsley.
Cutting board – Keeps all your prep clean and easy.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until everything is well combined.

Step 2

Then I shape the mixture into oval patties about 1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly.

Step 3

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the patties on both sides until browned but not fully cooked through then I remove them and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet I add butter and sliced onions cooking until the onions are soft and golden.

Step 5

I sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the butter and onions to create a roux cooking for about a minute.

Step 6

Then I gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to create a smooth, thick gravy.

Step 7

I return the patties to the skillet and simmer them in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Finally I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a bright finish.

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Tips

If you want even deeper flavor I recommend adding a splash of red wine or more Worcestershire sauce to the gravy. I also sometimes add mushrooms along with the onions for extra richness. And if you want to make it ahead, the patties and gravy reheat beautifully the next day!

Ways to Serve

I love serving classic Salisbury steak over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles so they soak up all that delicious gravy. It also pairs perfectly with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a comforting, balanced dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make classic Salisbury steak ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

Can I freeze classic Salisbury steak?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in an airtight container and thaw before reheating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for classic Salisbury steak?

Yes! Just be sure to adjust seasoning since turkey is milder.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this classic Salisbury steak a try! It’s one of my favorite cozy meals and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Share your photos and let me know what sides you paired it with!

Happy Cooking!