Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that’s both hearty and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, then this Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic comfort food takes simple ground beef and elevates it into juicy, flavorful patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy that tastes like a warm hug. Whether it’s a weeknight supper or a weekend treat, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that feels homemade but impresses like a restaurant staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up this beauty is delightfully straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing their own magic to the final dish. From the juicy ground beef to the earthy mushrooms, every item plays a crucial role in texture, taste, and color.

• 1 lb ground beef: The heart of your Salisbury steak, juicy and flavorful for perfect patties.
• 1/2 onion (grated): Adds moisture and a natural sweetness that keeps the patties tender.
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Or substitute with 1/3 cup ordinary breadcrumbs to help bind everything without heaviness.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses savory depth and a slight punch to the meat and gravy.
• 1 egg: Binds the mixture to hold perfect patties that won’t fall apart.
• 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds a touch of tanginess and subtle sweetness enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 beef bouillon cube (crumbled): Boosts umami to create that rich, meaty taste we all crave.
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: A hint of zest that elevates the savory experience.
• 3 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a pleasant tang balancing the richness beautifully.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly browning the patties and building flavor.
• 5 oz mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and hearty, they create the star of the mushroom gravy.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Ensures the gravy is luxuriously creamy without overpowering saltiness.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: The secret to that luscious, thick mushroom gravy consistency.
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred): Provides depth while allowing control over salt levels.
• 1/2 cup water: Balances the flavors and helps achieve perfect gravy texture.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, essential seasonings that bring everything together.

How to Make Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Onion and Breadcrumbs

Start by grating that half onion and combining it with the panko breadcrumbs in a bowl. Letting this sit for a few minutes gives the breadcrumbs time to soak up moisture, which helps keep the patties tender and juicy without drying out.

Step 2: Combine the Patty Ingredients

Now, add in your ground beef, garlic, egg, ketchup, crumbled beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the onion-breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything gently until just combined—you want to keep the texture light for tender, flavor-packed patties.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the beef mixture and form five oval patties, each about three-quarters of an inch thick. This shape and thickness ensure even cooking while giving you that classic Salisbury steak look.

Step 4: Brown the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the patties and sear for about one minute on each side. This quick browning locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that enhances flavor and texture.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Gravy

In the same skillet, toss in the remaining grated onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about two minutes until soft and fragrant; this step builds the savory base for your mushroom gravy.

Step 6: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and caramelized. These mushrooms lend that earthy, robust flavor that makes the gravy irresistible.

Step 7: Create the Roux

Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the skillet, and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about thirty seconds. This roux is crucial for thickening the gravy and giving it that silky texture.

Step 8: Add Liquids and Whisk

Slowly pour in the beef broth and water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This steady motion keeps the gravy smooth and helps it thicken evenly.

Step 9: Simmer Patties in Gravy

Return the browned patties to the skillet and let everything cook together for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken perfectly while the patties finish cooking.

Step 10: Season and Serve

Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, then serve your sizzling Salisbury steaks topped generously with mushroom gravy. You now have an irresistible classic that’s sure to become a dinner favorite.

How to Serve Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens this dish beautifully, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the rich gravy.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a natural partner here, soaking up every luscious drop of the mushroom gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also add a colorful balance, making your plate both delicious and visually inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini individual patties topped with gravy on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer. Or get fancy by layering patties and gravy atop creamy polenta for a smooth-textured variation that still captures that comforting spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury steak stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooked patties and gravy together in a sealable freezer container. They keep well for up to two months, so you can enjoy a quick, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and the patties tender. Adding a splash of water or broth helps restore the gravy’s perfect consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and offers the best flavor for this Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe, ground turkey or pork can work if you prefer a lighter or slightly different taste. Just be mindful of cooking times and fat content.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

No worries at all. You can swap panko breadcrumbs with ordinary breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. The texture might vary slightly, but it won’t compromise the juicy tenderness of your Salisbury steak.

Can I make the mushroom gravy vegetarian?

The mushroom gravy is delicious on its own, so for a vegetarian version, simply skip the beef broth and replace it with vegetable broth. The flavor might be a bit lighter, but the Dijon mustard and mushrooms keep it savory and satisfying.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

The patties are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). They should feel firm yet tender to the touch, and the gravy simmering around them will bubble gently. Proper browning and finishing in the gravy give you both flavor and safety.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Ensure beef broth is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have your own Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe, safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something truly special about sitting down to a plate of homemade Salisbury steak smothered with rich mushroom gravy, and this Irresistibly Tender Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds — or even thirds! Go ahead and give it a whirl; your taste buds are in for a real treat.

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