I created this Salisbury steak recipe because I needed a dinner that was easy to make but full of flavor—something that everyone in my family would enjoy. I used simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions so I couldn’t mess it up. This is the kind of recipe I keep coming back to because it’s hearty, quick, and always satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how comforting this dish is. The tender beef patties are smothered in rich brown gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s made with everyday ingredients, comes together in under 30 minutes, and cooks all in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. The flavor is classic, savory, and deeply satisfying—an old-fashioned favorite that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Patties:
1 pound lean ground beef
⅓ cup bread crumbs (or substitute oats or gluten-free crumbs)
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Gravy:
2 packets brown gravy mix
2 cups hot water
1 teaspoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use clean hands to mix everything together until well blended.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shape them into balls, and flatten them into oval patties.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and no longer pink in the center. Reduce the heat to low.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gravy mix, hot water, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Pour the gravy over the patties in the skillet. Simmer gently until the gravy thickens and coats the meat, about 5–7 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in ¼ cup of additional water.
Serve warm, preferably over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Use ground turkey: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
Add mushrooms or onions: Stir sliced mushrooms or onions into the gravy while simmering for extra flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and a gluten-free gravy mix.
Add richness: Replace part of the water in the gravy with beef broth for a deeper flavor.
Try different sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even roasted vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
To store, allow the cooked Salisbury steak to cool completely. Place the patties and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze, store cooked patties with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the gravy has thickened too much.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and meatloaf?
Salisbury steak is made with ground beef formed into patties and cooked in a skillet with gravy, while meatloaf is shaped into a loaf and baked in the oven, often topped with a tomato-based sauce.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes. I often prepare the patties and refrigerate them for several hours before cooking. You can also cook the patties in advance and warm them later in the gravy when ready to serve.
How can I keep the patties from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients well so the bread crumbs bind everything together, but don’t overwork the meat. If the mixture feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before shaping the patties.
Can I use homemade gravy instead of a mix?
Absolutely. You can make a simple gravy with butter, flour, and beef broth if you prefer. Just whisk it until thick and pour it over the cooked patties.
What sides go best with Salisbury steak?
My favorite sides are creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Green beans, broccoli, or carrots also make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
This easy Salisbury steak recipe is the perfect mix of hearty and comforting. I love how quickly it comes together and how it turns simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like something special. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s a recipe that always makes everyone happy at the table.
Classic Salisbury steak made with tender beef patties and smothered in rich brown gravy. A comforting, quick, and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
For the Patties:
1 pound lean ground beef
⅓ cup bread crumbs (or oats/gluten-free crumbs)
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Gravy:
2 packets brown gravy mix
2 cups hot water
1 teaspoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
Form into 4 oval patties.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Reduce heat to low.
In a separate bowl, whisk together gravy mix, hot water, ketchup, and Worcestershire until smooth.
Pour gravy over patties in skillet. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened, adding water if needed.
Serve warm over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
Swap water for beef broth for richer gravy.
Try different sides like mashed potatoes, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
