Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe: Easy, Juicy, and Delicious

Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Souhail

There’s something undeniably comforting about an old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where the rich aroma of seared beef patties smothered in a savory brown gravy filled the kitchen. This dish is a true American classic, hearty, satisfying, and packed with rich, meaty flavors.

The old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe has been a staple on dinner tables for over a century. Originally created as a way to enjoy ground beef in a more refined form, it quickly became a beloved comfort food. Whether you grew up eating it from a TV dinner tray or homemade from scratch, this dish is a nostalgic favorite for many.

What makes Salisbury steak so irresistible is its tender, flavorful beef patties, which are seasoned to perfection and browned before being simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. The result? A mouthwatering dish that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even a simple slice of toasted bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

If you’re looking for a satisfying, home-cooked meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is just what you need. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Why This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe Works

One of the reasons this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is so popular is that it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Here’s why this version stands out:

1. Perfectly Seasoned Beef Patties

The key to a great Salisbury steak is well-seasoned meat. This recipe uses a blend of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powder to enhance the natural beefy flavor. A bit of breadcrumbs and egg help bind the patties, keeping them juicy and tender.

2. Rich, Savory Gravy

The homemade onion and mushroom gravy is what takes this dish to the next level. Made with beef broth, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a splash of soy sauce, this gravy is deep, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. It’s thickened with a bit of flour for that perfect consistency.

3. Easy to Make

While this dish may seem fancy, it’s actually quite simple. With just a few steps, mix, shape, sear, and simmer, you can have a comforting homemade meal on the table in under an hour.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

This old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is highly adaptable. Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour and use cornstarch instead of flour in the gravy. Prefer a lighter version? Use ground turkey instead of beef.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Salisbury steak stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal-prep option. Make a batch ahead of time, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal whenever you need it.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s everything you need, along with a few notes on key components:

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef – Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef can be used but may result in drier patties.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the patties and keep them tender. Use panko for a lighter texture or traditional breadcrumbs for a denser bite.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder to keep the patties from falling apart.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Provides a slight tang and enhances the overall taste.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a mild garlicky kick.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds extra depth of flavor to the beef.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the meat.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a subtle hint of spice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for searing the patties before simmering them in the gravy.

For the Rich Mushroom Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon butter – Helps sauté the onions and mushrooms for a richer flavor.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced – Adds natural sweetness to the gravy.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – Cremini or white button mushrooms work well. If you prefer a deeper umami flavor, use baby bellas.
• 2 cups beef broth – Forms the base of the gravy. Use low-sodium broth if needed.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the savoriness of the gravy.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds a subtle depth and saltiness.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Balances the richness with a little tang.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste, depending on your broth.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds warmth and balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe from scratch:

1: Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties (10 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.

2: Sear the Patties (8 minutes)

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the patties to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. The patties don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
6. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3: Make the Mushroom Gravy (10 minutes)

7. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
8. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
9. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook for 5 minutes, until they release their juices and start to brown.
10. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring constantly for 1 minute to coat everything evenly.
11. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring well to avoid lumps.
12. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4: Simmer the Patties in the Gravy (15 minutes)

13. Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
14. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the patties simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
15. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and spoon the gravy over the patties as they cook.

5: Serve and Enjoy!

16. Once the patties are fully cooked, remove them from heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
17. Serve hot, with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice. Spoon extra gravy over the top for maximum flavor!

Pro Tips for Success

Mastering this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is all about technique and small adjustments. Here are some expert tips to help you get the best results:

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat

Overworking the ground beef mixture can lead to dense, tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for tender, juicy steaks.

2. Use a Meat Thermometer

For perfectly cooked Salisbury steak, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

3. Adjust the Gravy Consistency

If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in.

4. Let the Patties Rest

Allowing the patties to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain their juices and enhances their flavor.

Variants of the Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

One of the best things about this old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Turkey Salisbury Steak

For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey. Since turkey is lower in fat, adding a splash of olive oil or butter to the mixture can help maintain moisture. The flavor remains rich, especially when paired with the mushroom gravy.

2. Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak

To make this recipe gluten-free:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or replace them with crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Swap the all-purpose flour in the gravy for cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water before adding it to the gravy).
• Make sure your Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.

3. Keto and Low-Carb Salisbury Steak

For a low-carb version:

• Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Use heavy cream instead of flour to thicken the gravy.
• Serve with cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes.

4. Cheese-Stuffed Salisbury Steak

Want to take this dish to the next level? Stuff the patties with a cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese before cooking. As the patties cook, the cheese melts inside, adding a rich, creamy surprise.

5. Vegetarian Salisbury Steak

For a meat-free version, simply use mashed black beans, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs to create flavorful patties. Additionally, a bit of vital wheat gluten or flaxseed meal can help hold everything together. Finally, serve with the same rich and savory mushroom gravy for a satisfying vegetarian twist.

Recipe Card

Old fashioned salisbury steak recipe

Recipe by SouhailCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

This old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is a hearty, comforting dish featuring juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this homemade version is far better than any frozen meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

• For the Salisbury Steak Patties

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

• For the Mushroom Gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Shape into 4-6 oval patties.
• Sear the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.
• Simmer: Slowly add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
• Cook the Patties: Return the patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and the gravy thickens.
• Serve: Plate the Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes or rice and spoon gravy over the top.

Notes

• Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Adjust gravy thickness by adding more broth or reducing it longer.
• For a richer taste, add ¼ cup of red wine to the gravy.

FAQ About Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

History and Cultural Background of Salisbury Steak

The old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe dates back to the 19th century, named after Dr. James Henry Salisbury, an American physician who promoted a high-protein diet. In 1888, he recommended minced beef patties as a healthy, easily digestible meal, originally served with broth instead of gravy.

Over time, the dish evolved into a flavorful comfort food, with home cooks adding breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and rich brown gravy. By the 1950s and 1960s, it became a staple of TV dinners, further solidifying its place in American homes.

Today, Salisbury steak remains a nostalgic classic, enjoyed in diners and home kitchens alike, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with deep historical roots.

Final Thoughts

This old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe is the perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort, and rich, homemade flavors. With its juicy beef patties, savory mushroom gravy, and hearty sides, it’s a meal that brings warmth to any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a classic, this dish is sure to satisfy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. In fact, you can easily tweak it to suit your dietary preferences, effortlessly make it ahead of time, and even get creative with leftovers. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, and perfectly roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for more delicious and comforting recipes, check out some of these related articles on Wikitasty:

• Want to know the best herbs and spices for roast beef? Learn how to elevate your beef dishes with the perfect seasonings in this guide.
• Love rich and flavorful soups? Discover the best soup to eat every day for ultimate nourishment.
• If you’re a fan of hearty, home-cooked meals, you might also enjoy this Southern classic smothered turkey wings.
• Looking for another beef-based comfort meal? Try this sirloin tip steak recipe for a tender and juicy steak experience: Ultimate Sirloin Tip Steak Recipe.
• Want to pair your Salisbury steak with the perfect rice? Find out how to make rice taste just like it does at a restaurant with these expert tips.

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making old-fashioned Salisbury steak at home? Let us know in the comments below! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family on social media. Happy cooking!