Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Try
Classic, juicy Salisbury steak patties are pan-seared and then simmered in a savory, homemade onion gravy. This comforting, weeknight-friendly dinner comes together in just five steps, using pantry staples and ground beef for maximum flavor, tenderness, and nostalgic satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main dishes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Prep Essentials
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness and flavor)
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or substitute oats/crushed crackers)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Flavor Boosters for the Gravy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pantry Staples to Have Ready
- Olive oil or canola oil for pan frying
- Flour for thickening the gravy
- Basic spices: salt, black pepper, garlic powder
- Optional: a dash of dried thyme or onion powder
Instructions
- Pat the ground beef patties dry, let them sit at room temperature, season both sides, and prepare all gravy ingredients.
- Heat oil in a skillet; sear patties on both sides until golden, then set aside.
- Caramelize sliced onions in the same skillet, then add flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, garlic powder, and soy sauce; simmer until thickened, then add patties back in.
- Simmer everything for 10 minutes, or until the ingredients are fully cooked. Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use 80/20 beef for juicy patties and avoid overmixing the meat to ensure a tender texture. Rest cooked patties in gravy for the best flavor. Substitutions for swaps and flavor twists are easy—see the recipe for details.
Keywords: Salisbury steak, ground beef, onion gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, classic recipe