Homemade Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food, offering juicy, tender patties in a rich, savory gravy. This dish is simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a quick weekday meal. With everyday ingredients like ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, you can bring a restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen in no time. Let’s get started and create a dish that’s sure to satisfy every craving.
Key Benefits of Homemade Salisbury Steak
Homemade Salisbury steak is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Comforting and Satisfying: The tender, juicy patties combined with the rich, savory gravy make every bite a comforting treat, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require hours of prep. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, you can prepare a satisfying meal in less than an hour.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer it with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies on the side, Salisbury steak can be paired with a variety of side dishes to suit any taste or dietary preference.
- Affordable: Made with pantry staples and ground beef, this dish is budget-friendly yet delivers incredible flavor, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or swap in different meats for a personal twist. Ground turkey, for example, can make a lighter version without compromising on flavor.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with heartwarming comfort—a perfect meal for any day of the week. Ready to get cooking? Let’s move on to the ingredients!
Ingredients for Homemade Salisbury Steak
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions for Homemade Salisbury Steak
With your ingredients prepared, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering homemade Salisbury steak:
Prepare the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything with your hands until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat—this keeps the patties tender.
Form the Patties
Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each one into a round, slightly flattened patty. Set the patties aside on a plate while you heat up the skillet.
Cook the Patties
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. After browning, take the patties out of the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Combine and Simmer
Place the patties back into the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in the gravy. Cover and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the patties to cook through and absorb the savory flavors of the gravy.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the butter to give the gravy a rich, silky finish. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning the luscious gravy over the top.
Pro Tips and Variations for Homemade Salisbury Steak
Want to take your homemade Salisbury steak to the next level or tweak the recipe to fit your taste? Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this dish to perfection:
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken
If you’re looking for a lighter version, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options still make delicious patties, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavors rich.
Add Mushrooms for Extra Flavor
For a savory twist, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions in the skillet before making the gravy. They’ll soak up the gravy and add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
Make Ahead for Meal Prep
You can prepare the patties in advance, freeze them, and cook them later. Just freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them in the fridge and follow the recipe as usual.
Creamy Gravy Option
For a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when making the gravy. This will give it a richer texture and a velvety finish.
Spicy Kick
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy twist. This pairs perfectly with the savory gravy.
Vegetarian Version
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian meal by using plant-based ground beef or making patties with lentils, black beans, or mushrooms. Just follow the same process, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian Salisbury steak!
By adjusting the recipe to suit your preferences, you’ll have endless ways to enjoy this classic comfort food. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own variations!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Salisbury Steak
Now that you’ve created a delicious, savory homemade Salisbury steak, it’s time to think about the perfect side dishes to elevate the meal. Here are some tasty options that pair wonderfully with this comforting dish:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The rich, velvety texture complements the tender patties and gravy perfectly. For an extra touch, try adding roasted garlic or cheese to your mashed potatoes.
Steamed Vegetables
Keep things light and balanced by serving the Salisbury steak with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the gravy and adds color to your plate.
Rice or Mashed Cauliflower
If you’re looking for something low-carb, mashed cauliflower is a great substitute for mashed potatoes. For a more traditional option, white or brown rice will soak up the delicious gravy, making every bite irresistible.
Buttered Corn
A side of sweet, buttery corn adds a pop of sweetness and texture to the meal. It’s simple, yet adds a lot of flavor and color.
Garlic Bread
If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent, serve your Salisbury steak with crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra gravy and adds a satisfying crunch.
These side dishes will complement the flavors of the Salisbury steak, making it a well-rounded, hearty meal. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy or what you have on hand!
FAQs about Homemade Salisbury Steak
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making homemade Salisbury steak. Whether you’re new to the recipe or looking for a few helpful tips, this section has you covered.
What is the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
While both dishes are made with ground beef and shaped into patties, the main difference lies in the gravy. Salisbury steak is typically served with a rich, flavorful gravy made from beef broth and seasonings, while hamburger steak often has a simpler sauce or just a garnish. Salisbury steak is also usually a bit more seasoned and often includes onions mixed into the patty itself.
What makes Salisbury steak different from meatloaf?
The biggest distinction is in the preparation and texture. Salisbury steak is formed into individual patties and pan-fried, while meatloaf is typically a loaf-shaped dish that’s baked. The seasoning and gravy in Salisbury steak also set it apart from meatloaf, which often uses a tomato-based glaze or no gravy at all.
What is a substitute for beef broth in Salisbury steak?
If you’re out of beef broth or prefer a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. For a deeper flavor, try combining… beef broth and a bit of soy sauce to mimic the savory depth of the original broth.