Ingredients:
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) ground beef (80% lean works best for juicy patties)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salisbury Steaks:
Make the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the patties tough.
Shape the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on the size of the patties you want to make. Shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make sure the patties are even in thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Cook the Salisbury Steaks:
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the patties to the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is too small to fit them all at once.
Brown the Patties: Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C). Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Do not discard the drippings in the skillet, as they will add flavor to the gravy.
3. Make the Mushroom Gravy:
Cook the Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits left from the patties. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and become lightly golden.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Finish the Gravy: For a creamier gravy, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
4. Combine the Salisbury Steaks and Gravy:
Return the Patties to the Gravy: Once the gravy is thickened and flavorful, return the cooked Salisbury steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty.
Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the gravy and become extra tender. The gravy should be nice and thick, coating the patties with rich, savory goodness.
5. Serve the Dish:
Plate the Salisbury Steaks: Once the Salisbury steaks have simmered in the gravy, serve them immediately with a generous spoonful of the mushroom gravy. The steaks can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and the creamy mushroom gravy makes a delicious topping for whatever you choose.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve with your favorite side vegetables like green beans or roasted carrots.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy is often served with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy pairs perfectly with the fluffy potatoes, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Rice or Noodles: If you prefer, you can serve the Salisbury steak with steamed white rice or buttered egg noodles. The gravy will soak into the rice or noodles, adding even more flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, serve the Salisbury steak with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas. Their sweetness balances the savory richness of the steak and gravy.
Tips for the Perfect Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy:
- Use Ground Beef with Fat: For juicy and flavorful patties, use ground beef that’s about 80% lean. The fat content adds moisture and flavor to the steaks.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When making the patties, be sure not to overmix the ground beef mixture. Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough.
- Customize the Gravy: You can customize the gravy by adding other ingredients, such as a splash of red wine for depth of flavor or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess. Play around with the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Simmer the Patties in the Gravy: Letting the Salisbury steaks simmer in the mushroom gravy helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the patties stay moist and tender.
- Make Ahead: Salisbury steak can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to keep the gravy creamy.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Salisbury steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the steaks are covered with gravy to keep them moist.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Salisbury steaks and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Heat gently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts:
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The tender, juicy patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy create a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. Enjoy this warm, savory meal with loved ones, and you’ll be left with a full stomach and a satisfied heart!