Salisbury Steak Recipes

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salisbury Steaks

1. Mix the beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the patties will become tough.
2. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into oval or round patties about 1/2-inch thick. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

3. Brown the patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through just yet, as they will finish cooking in the gravy.
4. Remove the patties: Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

5. Cook the onions: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Make the gravy: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the onions. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Thicken the gravy (optional): If you like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, then slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. For a richer gravy, you can also stir in the heavy cream at this point.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

8. Add the patties back: Return the browned Salisbury steaks to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties, then cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and have absorbed some of the delicious gravy flavor.
9. Serve: Once the steaks are cooked and the gravy is thick and flavorful, serve the Salisbury steaks hot with the gravy spooned over the top. This dish is best paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

• Use a combination of meats: For extra flavor and juiciness, you can mix ground beef with a little ground pork or veal. This combination is more traditional and will give your Salisbury steaks a rich, meaty taste.
• Add a splash of wine: For a deeper, more sophisticated flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red or white wine before adding the beef broth.
• Season the gravy: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the gravy seasoning as it simmers. You can add more Worcestershire sauce for richness, soy sauce for umami, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Make it ahead: Salisbury steak is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the patties and gravy the day before, then just heat everything up when you’re ready to eat.

Variations of Salisbury Steak

While the classic recipe is always a hit, there are several variations you can try to switch things up and suit your personal taste:

1. Mushroom Salisbury Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while caramelizing them. The mushrooms will add extra flavor and texture to the gravy.
2. Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Add a slice of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to each patty during the last few minutes of simmering to create a cheesy, gooey version.
3. Healthier Salisbury Steak: For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. You can also make a lighter gravy using less butter or by substituting with olive oil.

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or rice, both of which are great for soaking up the rich gravy. You can also serve it with:

• Roasted or steamed vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or broccoli are perfect sides to balance the heaviness of the dish.
• Buttered noodles: A simple side of buttered noodles is another classic pairing.
• Corn on the cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of the steak and gravy.

Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best

Salisbury steak is the epitome of comforting, home-cooked meals. With its juicy, flavorful beef patties and rich, savory gravy, this dish is sure to be a family favorite for years to come. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for a loved one, Salisbury steak is a timeless recipe that will never go out of style.

This simple yet delicious recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal that feels like a treat. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking this classic dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table!