If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, flavorful beef patties simmered in a luscious mushroom gravy make this dish a timeless classic that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of savory mushrooms and the rich, velvety gravy elevates traditional meatloaf-inspired steaks to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that hits all the right notes and comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from adding depth of flavor to creating the perfect texture and color. These staples come together effortlessly to make a dish that’s both classic and comforting.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): Use good-quality beef for juicy, tender patties packed with flavor.
- Onion, diced (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch to the meat mixture.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder to hold the patties together without making them dense.
- Garlic and herb bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Imparts flavor while keeping the patties moist.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): A secret sauce element giving a tangy, umami punch.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Softens the bread crumbs and enriches the meat mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Key seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Helps brown the patties without sticking and adds a light richness.
- Mushrooms, sliced (8 oz): Adds earthiness and texture to the gravy.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds creaminess and richness to the gravy base.
- All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons): Used to create that silky, thickened gravy.
- Beef consommé (10.5 oz, 1 can) and beef broth (2 cups): The liquid foundation for a deeply flavorful, savory gravy.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sharpness and depth to the gravy.
How to Make Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine 2 pounds of ground beef with diced onion, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, and pepper. The key here is not to overmix—this keeps the patties tender and juicy once cooked. Divide the mixture into 8 even portions and shape each into an oval patty, ready for browning.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Brown four patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they have a beautiful crust. Remove them from the pan and repeat the browning process with the remaining patties using the last 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Set all browned patties aside for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same pan with the remaining juices, cook the sliced mushrooms for about 3 minutes until tender. If the pan feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the mushrooms and set aside to add to the gravy later.
Step 4: Make the Rich Gravy
Melt half of the butter in the hot pan, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste called a roux. Cook it for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef consommé and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil so it thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy and Simmer
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the remaining butter, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked mushrooms and place the browned patties back in the pan, coating everything with that luscious gravy. Cover and cook on low for about 15 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the flavors have melded to perfection.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme goes wonderfully with this dish, adding a fresh color contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are absolute dream partners for this Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe. They soak up all that delicious sauce and make each bite just heavenly. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a nice splash of color and balance the plate with a bit of crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, plate the steaks on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, drizzle extra gravy on top, and sprinkle with crispy fried onions for a little crunch. You can also serve it family-style in the skillet to keep it warm and inviting on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak with mushrooms and rich gravy is fantastic the next day. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Package portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore the silky texture. Microwave reheating works too; just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I make this Salisbury steak gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the garlic and herb bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Also, check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but keep in mind that turkey or chicken patties tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Adding a little finely grated zucchini or extra bread crumbs soaked in milk can help keep them moist, and you might need to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Why didn’t my gravy thicken?
Gravy thickens when flour is fully cooked into a roux and combined properly with broth. Be sure to whisk constantly when adding broth, and let the mixture boil briefly to activate the thickening. If it’s still thin, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken quickly.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes, you can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can actually help the flavors meld. Just keep them covered tightly to prevent drying out.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a fruity Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich umami flavors of the gravy and mushrooms beautifully. For white wine lovers, try an oaked Chardonnay for a nice contrast.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about diving into a plate of homemade Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe. It’s a comforting classic that feels both hearty and special, perfect for bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to this dish, I encourage you to try making it yourself—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can transform into such a luscious, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
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Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features tender ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, perfect for a comforting family dinner. The patties are browned to perfection on the stovetop, then simmered in a flavorful beef consommé-based gravy until juicy and fully cooked. Serve this hearty dish alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup garlic and herb bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Gravy
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 10.5 oz beef consommé (1 can)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, eggs, garlic and herb bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Form Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Brown First Batch of Patties: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Brown four patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until a crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Brow Second Batch of Patties: Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and brown the remaining four patties in the same manner. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet with pan juices, cook sliced mushrooms over medium heat until tender, about 3 minutes. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
- Make Gravy Roux: Melt butter in the hot skillet. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a paste. Cook the roux for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Slowly whisk in beef consommé and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently until the gravy thickens.
- Season the Gravy: Reduce heat to low and stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned mushrooms and Salisbury steak patties to the skillet. Coat evenly with the gravy, cover, and let simmer on low heat for around 15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Salisbury steaks hot with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep patties tender.
- If desired, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a leaner meat for a lighter version.
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor; button or cremini mushrooms work well.
- Leftover Salisbury steak pairs well with reheated mashed potatoes or rice.
- For gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
