Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
Some meals just feel like a warm blanket, and Salisbury steak is definitely one of them. It’s the kind of old-school comfort food that makes the whole kitchen smell savory and cozy — browned beef, sweet onions, and that rich gravy bubbling away in the pan. This is a “slow down and enjoy dinner” recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or anytime you want something hearty that tastes like home.
The best part? It’s simple. You shape the patties, give them a quick sear, then let them finish cooking gently in onion gravy until they’re tender and packed with flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes and you’ve got the kind of meal that makes everyone quiet at the table (because they’re too busy eating).
Ingredients
For the beef patties
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire-style sauce (non-alcoholic)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the onion gravy
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire-style sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix — that’s how you keep the patties tender.
Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the patties in a single layer. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned. You’re not cooking them all the way through yet — just building flavor. Transfer the patties to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they soften and start turning golden at the edges. They should smell sweet and buttery.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for about a minute. This quick step cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, then add the soy sauce and black pepper. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens into that smooth, spoon-coating consistency.
Return the patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Cover the pan and lower the heat. Let everything simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until the patties are fully cooked and tender. The gravy will soak into the meat a little, and the whole thing will taste deeper and richer because of it.
Presentation
Salisbury steak loves a cozy plate. Set each patty over a scoop of mashed potatoes (or rice), then ladle plenty of onion gravy on top so it drips down the sides. A little chopped parsley on top is a simple finishing touch if you want a pop of color. Serve with green beans, peas, or roasted carrots for that classic “diner dinner” feel at home.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~460 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This recipe is comfort food done right: juicy beef patties, sweet onions, and a rich gravy that ties everything together. It’s familiar, filling, and the kind of meal that makes you want seconds — especially when there’s extra gravy involved. If you’re craving something hearty and homey, put this on your table soon. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit.