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Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak brings comfort food to your table with seasoned ground beef patties that are seared until golden brown, then simmered in a rich mushroom gravy. The patties are made tender with milk and crackers, while McCormick onion gravy packets add deep, savory flavor. The dish features loads of golden-brown mushrooms and a thick, flavorful gravy that's perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes. This homestyle recipe takes about an hour to prepare and cook, making it ideal for a hearty family dinner or weekend meal when you want something special.
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Updated on Sun, 19 Jan 2025 12:48:39 GMT
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Classic Salisbury steak with a rich gravy, perfect for a comforting, old-fashioned meal. Pin it
Classic Salisbury steak with a rich gravy, perfect for a comforting, old-fashioned meal. | tasteofcook.com

The rich aroma of sautéed onions and tender beef patties simmering in a mushroom gravy instantly transports you to the comfort of grandmother's kitchen. This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak transforms simple ground beef into an incredibly satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth with every bite. The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned meat patties that stay tender and juicy while bathing in a rich, savory mushroom gravy.

After making this recipe countless times for my family, I've discovered that letting the meat rest before cooking and gently mixing the ingredients makes the most tender patties. The way the gravy slowly simmers and develops its rich flavor reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties
  • Fresh Onions: Yellow onions provide the sweetest, most complex flavor when caramelized
  • Onion Gravy Packets: McCormick brand offers the perfect balance of seasoning
  • Fresh Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced uniformly for even cooking
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami richness
  • Fresh Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat while keeping patties tender
  • Quality Beef Broth: Forms the base of your gravy, choose low-sodium to control saltiness

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Patty Preparation
Gently break up ground beef in a large bowl, avoiding overworking. Finely dice onions and mix with breadcrumbs and seasonings. Combine meat mixture with egg and spices using hands until just mixed. Form into oval patties and create slight depression in center. Let rest 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Perfect Searing
Heat heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and wait until it shimmers. Place patties carefully in pan, avoiding overcrowding. Sear 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside while preparing gravy.
Step 3: Gravy Development
Sauté mushrooms in same pan until golden. Add onions and cook until softened. Sprinkle gravy mix over vegetables. Slowly whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly. Simmer until gravy begins to thicken.
Step 4: Final Simmer
Return patties to pan. Spoon gravy over each patty. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes. Occasionally baste patties with gravy.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra gravy over patties. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes.
Juicy old-fashioned Salisbury steak served with savory onion and mushroom gravy. Pin it
Juicy old-fashioned Salisbury steak served with savory onion and mushroom gravy. | tasteofcook.com

Growing up, my mother always served this with extra gravy on the side because everyone would fight over the last spoonfuls. The way the gravy soaks into homemade mashed potatoes creates the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hearty Salisbury steak made the traditional way, a timeless dish full of flavor. Pin it
Hearty Salisbury steak made the traditional way, a timeless dish full of flavor. | tasteofcook.com

Beyond the Basic Recipe

Transforming this classic dish can lead to delightful variations while maintaining its comforting essence. After years of perfecting this recipe, I've discovered several ways to elevate it even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Salisbury Steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. You can also cook the entire dish and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
→ What can I substitute for saltine crackers?
You can use plain breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for the saltines.
→ Why are my Salisbury Steaks tough?
Tough patties usually result from overmixing the meat mixture or cooking at too high a temperature. Mix just until combined and maintain a gentle simmer.
→ Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?
Yes, cool completely then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the texture.
→ What sides go well with Salisbury Steak?
Besides mashed potatoes, try egg noodles, steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, or green beans for a complete meal.

Classic Salisbury Steak with Gravy

Classic beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy, seasoned with onion and garlic, perfect over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (6-8 steaks)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Patties

01 Lean ground beef (2 pounds)
02 Yellow onion, medium, finely diced
03 Saltine crackers (1 sleeve), crushed
04 Large egg
05 Milk (1/4 cup)
06 McCormick Onion Gravy packet (1 packet)

→ Seasonings

07 Onion powder (1.5 teaspoons)
08 Garlic powder (1.5 teaspoons)
09 Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
10 Dried parsley (1 tablespoon)

→ Gravy

11 White mushrooms, chopped (3-4 cups)
12 McCormick Onion Gravy packets (2 packets)
13 Low sodium beef broth (3.5 cups)
14 Butter (3 tablespoons)
15 Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

Step 01

Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp paper towel, dry thoroughly, then chop and set aside. Avoid washing with water to prevent them from becoming slimy.

Step 02

Combine ground beef, one packet of onion gravy mix, diced onion, crushed saltines, milk, beaten egg, and all seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley). Mix gently until just combined.

Step 03

Shape meat into 6-8 thick patties, about 1.5 inches thick and 3.5-4 inches wide. Form into balls first, then press into patty shapes.

Step 04

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Cook patties for 6-7 minutes per side until well-browned, working in batches if needed. Set aside on a clean plate.

Step 05

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and cook mushrooms until golden brown. Season with Worcestershire or soy sauce and black pepper.

Step 06

Return patties to skillet with mushrooms, add beef broth, and simmer covered for 25 minutes on low heat, occasionally flipping patties.

Step 07

Whisk remaining gravy packets with 1.5 cups of hot liquid from skillet. Add back to pan and simmer 8 more minutes until thickened. Rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Serve these patties over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
  2. For thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/2 cup cold water and add gradually while simmering.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large, deep-sided skillet with lid
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet for resting patties
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (saltine crackers)
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter)
  • Contains eggs