Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

By:

Sarah

May 16, 2025

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy over mashed potatoes

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is an old-school American classic that brings warmth, comfort, and rich flavor to your dinner table. This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy recipe transforms ground beef into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something hearty.

In this recipe, juicy ground beef patties are seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety brown gravy packed with umami from sautéed mushrooms, onions, and beef broth. Add a side of mashed potatoes, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal.

Looking for a perfect pairing? Check out our crispy, spicy Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes — they add a flavorful twist that complements this rich entrée beautifully.


Why Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Is a Must-Try

A Timeless Family Favorite

There’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time. With a flavor profile that’s deeply savory and satisfying, Salisbury steak is like a cross between a burger and a meatloaf — but served in gravy. It’s filling, inexpensive, and always delicious.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully in the fridge and reheats well for easy weekday lunches. It also freezes well, making it great for batch cooking or meal prepping ahead of busy weeks.


Ingredients You’ll Need for Salisbury Steak

For the Steak Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley

For the Mushroom Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1½ cups sliced mushrooms (white or baby bella)
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: 2 tbsp heavy cream for a creamy finish
Ingredients for Salisbury steak
Everything you need for a comforting classic

Seasonings for Salisbury Steak (FAQ #4)

Seasoning is where this dish really shines. The ground beef is seasoned with:

  • Onion & garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Thyme
  • Salt and cracked black pepper

These ingredients add savory depth and a slight tang that complements the earthy mushroom gravy.

Optional add-ins like paprika or even a pinch of nutmeg can enhance complexity. Some cooks also mix in a splash of soy sauce or beef bouillon for umami intensity.


What Gravy Goes with Salisbury Steak? (FAQ #1)

The Ultimate Mushroom Gravy

The best gravy for Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a homemade mushroom and onion gravy that simmers low and slow, soaking up the beef drippings.

You’ll use a flour roux for thickening, combined with beef broth, onions, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a velvety, flavorful gravy that clings beautifully to each bite of steak.

Prefer a richer twist? Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream toward the end for a more luxurious texture.


What Is Salisbury Steak Sauce Made Of? (FAQ #2)

Salisbury steak sauce is essentially the mushroom gravy described above. It typically includes:

  • Sautéed onions and mushrooms
  • Beef broth (for richness)
  • Worcestershire sauce (for saltiness and umami)
  • Garlic powder
  • Flour and butter to thicken
  • Optional cream or Dijon for added depth

Homemade versions are superior to jarred sauces and allow you to control sodium and flavor.


Hamburger Steak vs. Salisbury Steak (FAQ #3)

While both dishes feature ground beef patties, there are distinct differences:

FeatureSalisbury SteakHamburger Steak
IngredientsGround beef + breadcrumbs, egg, onions, seasoningsUsually just ground beef + salt & pepper
Served WithRich mushroom onion gravyPlain or with brown gravy
TextureSofter, more meatloaf-likeDenser, more burger-like
PresentationOften shaped oval and served over mashed potatoesOften round, served like a burger steak

Salisbury steak is more refined in texture and flavor complexity, whereas hamburger steak is simpler and quicker to make.


How to Make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

To begin this Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy recipe, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef patties until a golden crust forms, building flavor for the rest of the Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy dish.

  1. Make the Patties:
    In a large bowl, combine all patty ingredients. Mix gently and form into 4 oval-shaped patties.
  2. Sear the Patties:
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown patties for 4–5 minutes per side until a crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Gravy:
    In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer the Patties:
    Return patties to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F).
  5. Serve:
    Spoon gravy over patties. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Want to try a different beef recipe? Don’t miss our delicious Beef and Bean Chimichangas.


Serving Suggestions for Salisbury Steak

Best Side Dishes

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Steamed green beans or peas
  • Rice or buttered egg noodles
  • Honey-glazed carrots

You could also serve it with something more indulgent like Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels as a fun surf-and-turf variation.


Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop in a covered skillet with a splash of broth. Microwave in 60-second intervals if needed.

Freeze

Freeze individual portions with gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Bonus tip: Make extra patties and freeze uncooked for a faster meal prep next time.

For dessert? Try Chai Spiced Pear Baked Oatmeal Singles for a comforting, lightly sweet finish to your meal.


Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about digging into a hot plate of Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy. This classic meal has everything you want: juicy beef, rich gravy, and nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re making Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy for Sunday dinner, batch cooking for the week, or simply craving comfort, this dish delivers.

From the seasoned patties to the savory mushroom gravy, this recipe is a reminder of why the classics never go out of style. Simple ingredients, nostalgic flavor, and a rich texture make it a keeper for your dinner rotation.

Want more cozy comfort recipes? Follow us on Pinterest at FazaRecipes for easy meals and flavor-packed ideas.


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Plated Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe


  • Author: GoldenTastes
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy. Perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal.


Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

    • ½ cup breadcrumbs

    • 1 egg

    • ¼ cup finely chopped onion

    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

    • Salt & pepper to taste

    • 1 tsp dried thyme

    Gravy:

    • 2 tbsp butter

    • 1 tbsp flour

    • 1 cup sliced mushrooms

    • 1 small onion, sliced

    • 1½ cups beef broth

    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce


Instructions

  • Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire, mustard, and seasonings. Form into 4 oval patties.

  • Heat oil in a skillet. Brown patties 4–5 mins per side. Remove and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions in butter until softened.

  • Add flour, cook 1 min. Slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire. Stir until thickened.

 

  • Return patties to pan. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Method: Stove-top
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 370
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g

Keywords: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, classic beef recipe

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