Beef Salisbury Steak Recipe

This beef Salisbury steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, well-seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy that tastes like pure nostalgia. This homemade classic comes together easily and delivers that cozy, old-fashioned dinner everyone secretly craves. Serve over mashed potatoes and parmesan roasted rainbow carrots.

While brainstorming dinner ideas recently, beef Salisbury steak popped into my head. It's not something I normally make, so I casually asked my husband, Scott, if he even liked it. Turns out he LOVES it. We've been married for over 35 years, and I'm just now finding this out?!

The only Salisbury steak he'd ever had came from a TV dinner back in the day, cue the violins. I headed straight into the kitchen and set out to make it properly. The result? The best Salisbury steak he's ever had-his words, not mine.

Jump to:

• What You Need (Ingredients)
• How to Make Beef Salisbury Steak
• Make-Ahead & Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Why Is It Called Salisbury Steak?
• More Beef Recipes
• Recipe
• Comments

What You Need (Ingredients)

Not pictured above, but shown in Step 5: Kitchen Bouquet Browning & Seasoning Sauce. This little bottle packs a big punch-adding rich color and deep, savory flavor to the gravy. I highly recommend using it.

If I were making this Salisbury steak just for myself, I would've added mushrooms (most likely morels) to the gravy. Sadly, Scott is not a mushroom fan, so they didn't make the cut. That said, don't let that stop you! If you love mushrooms, toss them in with the onions and carry on.

How to Make Beef Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Add ground beef, Panko crumbs, eggs, crushed garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, balsamic vinegar, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) to a medium bowl. Mix just until ingredients are blended.

Step 2: Divide ground beef mixture into six equal portions, then form into oval-shaped ¾" thick patties.

Step 3: Add beef tallow to a large skillet, then sear patties for 90 seconds per side using medium-high heat. Work in batches; add sliced onions to the last batch to soften.

Step 4: Remove patties and continue to sauté onions for a few more minutes. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the onions begin caramelizing, add the remaining butter and flour. Mix to form a roux and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Add wine and broth to the pan and deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and browning & seasoning sauce. Simmer until thickened, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add patties back to the pan and spoon some sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve beef Salisbury steak over a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped Italian parsley (optional).

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare beef Salisbury steak ahead of time and reheat it gently in the gravy. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze surprisingly well!

Serving Suggestions

I think everyone can agree that the best way to serve Salisbury steak is over mashed potatoes, smothered in that rich gravy. It's also delicious with air-fried potato wedges, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, buttered egg noodles, or roasted sugar snap peas.

Why Is It Called Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is named after Dr. James Salisbury, a 19th-century American physician who believed that eating minced beef improved digestion.

In the late 1800s, he promoted a diet centered around seasoned ground beef patties, long before gravy turned it into comfort food. Over time, cooks added onions and mushrooms and a rich gravy, transforming Dr. Salisbury's health food into the hearty, homestyle classic we know and love today!

More Beef Recipes

If you enjoy this beef Salisbury steak recipe, check out these other delicious ground beef recipes!

Recipe