If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef patties infused with savory seasonings, simmered in a rich, velvety mushroom and onion gravy that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a classic dish that hits all the right notes—meaty, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a timeless comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe just right means starting with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the fresh onions and mushrooms that bring earthiness, to the ground beef providing richness, to the fragrant seasonings that add depth. These easy-to-find items come together in a way that feels special without any fuss.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the steak mixture and keeps it tender.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Adds moisture for softness and a slight creaminess in the patties.
- 1/4 cup yellow onion (finely minced or grated): Infuses the meat with sweetness and flavor throughout.
- 3 cloves garlic (grated): Adds aromatic punch to both the patties and gravy.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor for a more rounded richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the onion flavor in the meat mixture and gravy.
- 1 egg yolk: Helps hold the patties together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the patties for balance.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Lends a gentle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami depth and complexity.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base of the Salisbury steak, choose quality for best taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the patties perfectly golden.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Season to taste for that perfect savory balance.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for sautéing onions and mushrooms.
- 1 small yellow onion (petite diced): Builds flavor and texture in the gravy.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness and heartiness to the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy with a silky finish.
- 1.5 cups beef stock: The backbone of the gravy, rich and flavorful.
How to Make Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by soaking the breadcrumbs in milk to keep the patties tender and moist. Then mix in the grated onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, egg yolk, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Combining these intensifies the flavor and ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness. Finally, fold in the ground beef without overmixing—this keeps the texture just right.
Step 2: Shape and Sear the Steaks
Divide the meat into six even portions and shape each into an oval patty with care. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the patties until they develop a golden crust, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked yet; the gravy will finish the job. Setting them aside preserves those caramelized bits that will soon flavor the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Use the same pan, but without wiping it clean, melt butter and lower the heat. Add the petite diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until soft and fragrant, about four minutes. Stir often to loosen the browned bits stuck to the pan, which add incredible flavor. Next, toss in the mushrooms along with onion and garlic powders. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly, creating a savory base.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw taste and develop a roux. Gradually whisk in about half of the beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those flavorful bits. Whisk in the remaining beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring this luscious sauce to a simmer so it thickens nicely and coats your spoon.
Step 5: Simmer Patties in Gravy
Return the seared patties and any juices back to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let everything cook together for 3 to 4 minutes. This final simmer ensures the patties are cooked through and absorb that incredible mushroom-onion gravy flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning, then you’re ready to serve up comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a bright, herbal freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish feel vibrant and inviting. A little parsley goes a long way in balancing the richness of the creamy gravy.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that luscious sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots bring a fresh crunch and color contrast that brighten the plate. For a cozy meal, consider buttery egg noodles or garlic mashed cauliflower to keep things comforting yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style dinner, serve the steaks and gravy straight from the pan alongside bowls of mashed potatoes. Alternatively, plate each steak individually, drizzling the mushroom-onion gravy over and around for a restaurant-quality look. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a dollop of sour cream can also add exciting textures and flavors for a special twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the flavors meld even more nicely and it stays good for up to 3 days. This makes for a delicious next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the patties and gravy separately if possible. Wrap the patties tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The gravy can be frozen in a sealed container. Both will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for a future comforting dinner without the work.
Reheating
Thaw frozen components overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat the patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the gravy and warm together so the moisture locks back in. Using a microwave is fine too, but stir often and cover loosely to prevent drying out. This way, the dish tastes almost as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be lighter, so you might want to add extra seasonings or a bit of bacon grease for richness.
Is it okay to use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Dried mushrooms work, but soak them in warm water first to rehydrate. Use the soaking liquid as part of your beef stock for an even deeper mushroom flavor in the gravy.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Soaking breadcrumbs in milk and adding an egg yolk helps bind the meat. Avoid overmixing the beef, and handle the patties gently when forming and cooking to keep them intact.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the patties and sauté the onions and mushrooms first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. The gravy will thicken if you mix in flour at the end and cook uncovered briefly.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Make a slurry by whisking a little flour or cornstarch with cold water, then gradually stir it into the simmering gravy. Cook until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treasured family secret, full of rich, comforting flavors that satisfy on every level. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough to impress guests. I truly hope you give it a try, because there’s something magical about that tender steak swimming in creamy, savory gravy—pure food joy on a plate.
Print
Creamy Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Classic Salisbury Steak featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and is served best over creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steaks
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup finely minced or grated yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
For the Mushroom Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, petite diced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a large bowl, add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and pour 1/4 cup whole milk over them. Stir well to combine so the breadcrumbs soak up the milk fully.
- Mix seasonings and binders: Add grated yellow onion, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, egg yolk, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to knead and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Add ground beef: Incorporate ground beef into the mixture using your hands. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Heat oil: Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering.
- Form patties: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into an oval-shaped steak, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Brown the steaks: Add the patties to the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté onions: Without wiping the pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add petite diced onions with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Add mushrooms and spices: Add sliced mushrooms, grated garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes until mushrooms are softened.
- Create roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze pan: Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any remaining bits.
- Add remaining liquids: Whisk in the remaining 1 cup of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer with steaks: Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat. Return the browned steaks along with any juices to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and steaks are cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed for flavor balance.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve the Salisbury steaks topped with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish.
- Enjoy and rate: If you liked this classic Salisbury Steak recipe, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review!
Notes
- Use fresh ground beef with at least 15% fat content for juicier steaks.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Cooking the steaks partially before simmering in gravy ensures they stay moist.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, cook it a few minutes longer until desired consistency.
- The steaks pair excellently with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
