Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy

There’s nothing quite like a classic plate of Salisbury steak. Tender beef patties are simmered in a savory mushroom onion gravy that feels both nostalgic and comforting. This dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and comes together with pantry staples — making it a weeknight winner and a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic – Familiar, hearty, and satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients – No fancy shopping trips needed.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prep in advance.
• Endlessly Customizable – Adaptable to your taste and pantry.

Ingredients

Steak Mixture

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ beef bouillon cube, crushed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder

Mushroom Onion Gravy

• 2 cups hot water (if you dont use the bouillon cube then use broth)
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 4 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Gravy Base

Whisk together hot water, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, cornstarch, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Mix the Steaks

In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, then shape into four oval patties.

3. Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear patties until golden on both sides, then set aside. Leave about a tablespoon of drippings in the pan.

4. Cook the Vegetables

Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and butter. Cook another 2 minutes.

5. Make the Gravy

Deglaze the pan with ½ cup of the gravy base, scraping up the browned bits. Add mushrooms, cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in remaining gravy mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

6. Simmer Together

Return patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over the top, and simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

Delicious Variations

1. Turkey Salisbury Steak – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
2. Chicken Version – Use ground chicken with chicken bouillon in the gravy.
3. Pork Patties – Ground pork adds richness and sweetness.
4. Vegan Twist – Substitute with plant-based ground “meat” and veggie bouillon.
5. Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
6. Cheesy Salisbury Steak – Mix shredded cheddar into the beef mixture.
7. Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the steak mixture.
8. Wine Gravy – Deglaze with red wine instead of broth for deeper flavor.
9. Herbed Version – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy.
10. Onion Lovers’ Style – Double the onions for a sweeter, more robust sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Chill the Patties before searing to help them hold shape.
2. Don’t Overmix the Beef — overworked meat = dense patties.
3. Use Fresh Garlic for maximum flavor.
4. Brown Well — searing adds depth to the gravy.
5. Deglaze Properly — scrape every bit off the pan for rich flavor.
6. Simmer Low & Slow — this helps the patties absorb the gravy.
7. Adjust Thickness — add more cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.
8. Use a Cast Iron Pan for even browning.
9. Rest Before Serving — let the dish sit for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
10. Double the Gravy if serving with potatoes or rice — it disappears quickly.

10 Serving Suggestions

1. Classic mashed potatoes
2. Buttered egg noodles
3. Steamed white rice
4. Brown rice pilaf
5. Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower
6. Crispy roasted potatoes
7. Creamy polenta
8. Steamed broccoli or green beans
9. Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
10. Homemade biscuits for sopping up gravy

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Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy

5 from 5 votes

This Salisbury steak with mushroom onion gravy is a hearty, comforting classic that comes together in under an hour. Juicy beef patties are simmered in a savory homemade gravy, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

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Ingredients  

• ▢ Steak Mixture
• ▢ 1½ lbs ground beef
• ▢ ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ▢ 2 tsp dry mustard
• ▢ 1 tbsp ketchup
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ ½ beef bouillon cube crushed
• ▢ ½ tsp salt
• ▢ ½ tsp black pepper
• ▢ ½ tsp onion powder
• ▢ Gravy
• ▢ 2 cups hot water
• ▢ 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion sliced
• ▢ 1 tbsp butter
• ▢ 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 beef bouillon cube
• ▢ 4 tsp cornstarch
• ▢ 2 tsp minced garlic
• ▢ 1 tbsp ketchup
• ▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
• ▢ ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions 

• In a bowl, whisk hot water, bouillon, Worcestershire, ketchup, garlic powder, cornstarch, and pepper. Set aside.
• In another bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, bouillon, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet; brown patties on both sides. Remove and reserve 1 tbsp drippings.
• Sauté onions 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and butter. Cook 2 minutes.
• Deglaze with ½ cup gravy mixture, scraping browned bits. Add mushrooms; cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in remaining gravy base. Simmer 5 minutes.
• Return patties to pan, coat with gravy, and simmer 3–5 minutes until heated through. Serve hot.

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