Salisbury Steak Recipe with Rich Onion Gravy
Salisbury steak is one of those comforting dinners that turns simple ground beef into something seriously satisfying. Tender, well-seasoned beef patties are browned, then simmered in a rich onion gravy until juicy and full of flavor.
My version is a Salisbury steak without mushrooms, so the gravy gets its savory flavor from golden onions, garlic, and beef broth instead. It’s easy to make on the stovetop and ready in about 30 minutes.
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and make sure you spoon plenty of that onion gravy over the top.
📺Watch Me Make This Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak
- Tender, juicy patties: The seasoned beef patties are browned first, then finish cooking gently in the gravy so they stay tender and soak up plenty of flavor.
- Rich onion gravy: No mushrooms here—the gravy is built with sautéed onions, garlic, and savory beef broth.
- Ready in about 30 minutes: A comforting homemade dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
- Simple ingredients: Ground beef and everyday pantry staples turn into a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Two ways to make it: Cook it quickly on the stovetop or use the slow cooker when you want a more hands-off dinner.
What Is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a classic American dish made from seasoned ground beef formed into oval patties, browned in a skillet, and finished in a savory brown gravy.
Despite the name, it isn’t actually a steak cut. The patties are closer to meatloaf or meatballs because the ground beef is mixed with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and seasonings before being shaped.
Salisbury Steak vs. Hamburger Steak
The main difference is what goes into the meat. A hamburger steak is generally much simpler, while Salisbury steak patties contain breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup.
Salisbury steak is also traditionally served with gravy, which turns those humble ground beef patties into the cozy comfort-food dinner we know today.
Ingredients for Salisbury Steak
The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
For the Salisbury Steak Patties
- Ground beef: The base of the patties. Ground beef with some fat will give you more tender, flavorful Salisbury steaks.
- Onion and garlic: Add moisture and savory flavor directly to the beef mixture.
- Breadcrumbs and egg: Help bind the patties so they hold together while keeping the texture tender.
- Ketchup: Adds a little sweetness and tang to balance the savory beef.
- Mustard: Gives the patties extra depth without making them taste strongly of mustard.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that deep, savory flavor that works especially well with beef.
- Salt and black pepper: Bring all the flavors together.
For the Onion Gravy
- Onion: The star of this Salisbury steak gravy without mushrooms. As the onions cook, they become soft and naturally sweet.
- Garlic: Adds another savory layer to the gravy.
- Butter or oil: Used to cook the onions and build the base of the sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the broth into a smooth brown gravy.
- Beef broth or bouillon: Gives the gravy its rich beef flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Add as needed after tasting the finished gravy.
How to Make Salisbury Steak
Step 1: Make the Patties
Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to a bowl. Mix until combined, but avoid overworking the meat.
Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
Step 2: Brown the Salisbury Steaks
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and brown them well on both sides.
Remove them from the skillet and set aside. They don’t need to be completely cooked through yet since they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, cook the sliced onions until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir briefly to cook away the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Gradually pour in the beef broth or water and bouillon while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it begin to thicken.
Step 5: Finish the Patties in the Gravy
Return the Salisbury steak patties to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently until the beef is cooked through and the onion gravy is rich and thick.
As the patties finish cooking, their juices also become part of the gravy—so don’t leave those delicious browned bits and juices behind. 😋
Serve hot with plenty of onion gravy spooned over the top.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
You can also make this Salisbury steak in the slow cooker when you want dinner cooking with very little attention.
Step 1
Prepare the beef mixture and shape it into patties. Brown the patties on both sides in a hot skillet. This adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.
Step 2
Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker, then arrange the browned Salisbury steak patties on top.
Step 3
Add the broth mixture, cover, and cook on low for about 5 hours, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
Step 4
Remove the patties. Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry, stirring until smooth and thickened.
Step 5
Return the patties to the slow cooker and coat them with the rich onion gravy before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Don’t overmix the beef: Mix just until the ingredients are evenly combined. Overworking ground beef can make the patties dense and firm.
- Shape the patties evenly: Keep them similar in thickness so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
- Brown them well: That browned surface—and the flavorful bits left in the skillet—adds depth to the onion gravy.
- Don’t cook them through while searing: Brown the outside first, then let the patties finish cooking gently in the gravy. This helps keep them juicy.
- Give the onions time: Let them soften and become lightly golden before making the gravy. Since this is a Salisbury steak without mushrooms, those onions contribute a lot of the gravy’s flavor.
- Add the broth gradually: Stir as you pour to keep the flour from forming lumps.
- Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer: A hard boil can reduce the gravy too quickly and overcook the patties.
- Adjust the gravy at the end: If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer.
What to Serve With Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak and onion gravy goes especially well with simple sides that can soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Mashed potatoes: The classic choice and perfect for catching every bit of the rich onion gravy.
- Egg noodles: Toss with a little butter for an easy, comforting side.
- Rice: A simple option that works beautifully with the beef and gravy.
- Green beans: Add something fresh and lighter alongside the rich main dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or other roasted vegetables make this an easy complete dinner.
For the ultimate comfort-food plate, though, mashed potatoes and plenty of onion gravy would be my first choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Salisbury steak without mushrooms?
Absolutely. This recipe is made without mushrooms and uses a rich onion gravy instead. The onions, garlic, beef broth, and browned bits from the patties give the gravy plenty of savory flavor.
What is the secret to tender Salisbury steak?
Avoid overworking the ground beef, and don’t fully cook the patties when you first brown them. Letting them finish cooking gently in the gravy helps keep them tender and juicy.
How do you keep Salisbury steak patties from falling apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture. Shape the patties firmly enough to hold together, brown them before adding the gravy, and avoid flipping them repeatedly.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes. You can shape the patties a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, although the flavor and texture will be different. Ground turkey is leaner, so take care not to overcook the patties.
Can I add mushrooms?
Of course. If you enjoy mushroom gravy, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the flour and broth.
How to Store and Reheat Salisbury Steak
Refrigerator
Store leftover Salisbury steak with the onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Salisbury steak freezes well. Let the patties and gravy cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the Salisbury steak gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a small splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but avoid overheating them so the beef patties stay tender.
Tried This Salisbury Steak Recipe?
If you made this Salisbury steak with onion gravy, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a star rating and comment below.
And tell me what you served it with—mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles? 😊
Salisbury Steak with Delicious Gravy
Ingredients
FOR THE SALISBURY PATTIES
- 400 gm ground beef
- ¾ tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon onion minced
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ cube chicken bouillon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
FRYING THE BEEF PATTIES
- ¼ cup olive oil or any cooking oil
FOR THE GRAVY
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon all-purpose – flour
- 1 ¾ cup cold water
- ½ cube chicken bouillon
- Black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
MAKING THE SALISBURY PATTIES
- In a bowl, add all the beef patties ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Form oval-shaped patties and make them as thick as a steak cut.
- In a hot pan, add olive oil. Fry the patties until brown (not burnt) from both sides. Keep aside.
MAKING THE GRAVY
- In the previous hot pan, add two tablespoons of butter to the remaining oil.
- Add the onion and fry until light brown.
- Add the rest of the ingredients except the water and stir well for at least two minutes on medium heat. Or until the raw smell of flour is gone.
- Pour the cold water while stirring; when the sauce bubbles, add the beef patties.
- Cook the patties in the sauce until the sauce turns into a thick gravy, and this might take 5 minutes on medium heat. Always check on the patties and the sauce to void burning it.
- Serve the salisbury steak hot with mashed potatoes or plain rice.
Notes
- You can use ground lamb instead of beef.
- The post above mentions how to cook this dish in a crockpot.
- This post was first published in 2018. I have updated the post with more information and a video. The recipe remained the same.
- You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own.
- Instead of chicken bouillon, you can go for 1 ¾ cup beef broth or chicken broth. Omit the water and the bouillon from the recipe.
It’s very similar to Hackbraten here in Germany…oh man, I am so hungry now..the steak looks so very yummy with that shiny and flavourful gravy.
Hey Angie, thanks for the kinds words :). I just saw the images for Hackbraten, it looks delicious!
Oh, my gracious! Completely and totally mouthwatering! I love Salisbury Steak and I haven’t made it in years. I’m gluten free now, but I can always use a gluten-free flour or maybe even cornstarch! Pinning this to try it myself! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Thank you, Kristi! I look forward to your feedback and I hope you enjoy it 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever had Salisbury steak before. I’ll have to try this!
Hey Jaye, Please go ahead and give it a try you will love it!
Thank you so much for the very clear instructions the only things I change was adding more seasoning to the gravy because i didn’t have any bouillon and I cooked my meat all the way through instead lf just searing it 1st. served over some rice with cornbread was just amazing
Thank you so much for your feedback ☺
Salisbury steak is so easy to make and makes for a great comfort meal. The key it is rich brown gravy which yours looks delicious.
Thank you, Candy 🙂
Thanks for sharing, I’ll prepare tomorrow for mom, I’m sure she will enjoy. I love your site!😋🍴👏
It’s so sweet of you to cook for your mom, God bless you 🙂
Salisbury steak is not really “known” here in the Philippines. I believe our version here is simply called “burger steak” but the patty is much thinner than what you’ve made. Anyway, your photos are so good it made me drool!
Hi Janine, I think I had Burger Steak at Jollibee’s years ago. I loved it! Now I can tell you that Salisbury Steak tastes a little different. Burger steak tastes lighter in spices for me yet delicious of course, the gravy though, tastes almost the same.
Reminds me of a mini meatloaf! I remember the first time my grandpa ordered Salisbury steak. I totally thought a steak was coming to our table and was quite surprised when the dish arrived. Haha.
LOL! Thank God I’m not the only one who got surprised 🙂
We could never turn down a good meal like this! I love Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes. This looks very delicious.
Yum that gravy sounds amazing. I have a weakness for good gravy and mashed potatoes 🙂
I’m vegetarian but I definitely want to take this gravy recipe and switch the chicken bullion for vegetable bullion! this looks awesome and you took great photos:)
Thank you, Alice!
This is my idea of comfort food! Since going keto, though, I have had to change up a few things. However, nothing takes the place of good gravy!
I can’t agree more! A good gravy is the soul of the dish.
This looks so delicious! I’ll have to try making it sometime, thanks for sharing your recipe!
You are welcome 🙂
Hot diggity dog! I am not a Salisbury steak person but, after seeing this image I really want to give it a try now. This looks so delicious, maybe I will give this a try the weekend. Thanks for sharing recipe
You are welcome, Lisa!
When the cut of beef is premium grade, for sure the salisbury steak would taste marvelous. I also like thick gravy that comes with it. It’s so good to eat with rice!
Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes are just one of those comfort foods that are good to partake in every once in a while. Your sauce or gravy looks wonderful!
That looks absolutely mouthwatering, I can’t wait to try this. I’m sure my husband would love to eat this.
This is my favorite dish since I was a kid. My used to make it at least once a week. After I get married and moved out I am missing this big time. Thank for sharing this recipe I am so excited to try this on weekend.
I love taking old classics and making them even more delicious–you’ve inspired me. I need to take a crack at Salisbury, myself!
This looks oh so good! Steak of is one of my fav foods hands down!
xx Tatyanna
I had no idea this was ground beef! I want to try it now because it sounds much more appealing knowing what it really is.
I’ve lived in the US my whole life, and I don’t think I’ve ever had Salisbury steak. Yours looks really amazing!
This looks wonderful! The first time I made salisbury steak my husband said he didn’t know you could make that and thought it was just a TV Dinner. WHAT?! This recipe looks amazing and I’ll definitely try it!
Thank you, Heather 🙂
When I was a kid, Salisbury steak was my favorite dish. I think I probably haven’t had it since I was a kid! Thanks for the recipe and the inspiration.
You are most welcome, Jeff! There are many delicious dishes out there that we often forget to make.
I love a good salisbury steak. I bet my family would love this recipe. It looks so easy to make.
It won’t take much time to prepare, I promise 😉
Everyone in my family thought this was the best Salisbury Steak we have made. We served it with mashed potatoes. My 4 year old daughter ate her whole piece.
Hi Maria, I’m so happy to hear that, God bless you and your family 🙂
I made this tonight after realizing I needed to cook some ground beef before it goes bad. I was just looking for “anything to use the meat”…I did NOT expect to love this recipe so much!!! My husband has never had Salisbury steak and was skeptical when he saw it and realized it wasn’t being eaten with bread (he thought it was just a wet burger or something, lol). After the first bite, he let me know that this needs to be in our regular rotation! Everything was yummy, and I can’t wait to make it again!!
You made my day, thank you so much 😊