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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently—overmixing can result in tough patties, so be careful not to handle the meat too much.
Form the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on how large you want them. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. If the skillet is too dry, you can add a bit more butter.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to make a roux. This will help thicken the gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed.
Step 4: Return the Patties to the Skillet
Once the gravy has thickened, return the browned patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the patties absorb the flavor of the gravy and remain tender.
Step 5: Serve
Once the Salisbury steaks are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Salisbury steaks over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, spooning the delicious gravy over the top.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Use a Fatty Ground Beef: For juicy, flavorful patties, it’s important to use ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20. Lean beef will result in dry patties.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the patties, mix gently to avoid making them tough. Overworking the meat can cause the patties to be dense.
- Make the Gravy Your Own: Feel free to get creative with the gravy. Add mushrooms, garlic, or a splash of red wine to enhance the flavor. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
- Serve with Sides: Salisbury steak pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, or a simple salad. The rich gravy is perfect for soaking into all your sides.
Variations on Salisbury Steak
While the classic Salisbury Steak with brown gravy is fantastic on its own, you can switch things up a bit to suit your taste:
- Mushroom Salisbury Steak: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the beefy patties.
- Cheesy Salisbury Steak: Top the patties with shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well) in the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt over the meat for a cheesy twist.
- Smothered Salisbury Steak: Add extra onions and mushrooms to the gravy to make it even richer and more flavorful.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With its tender beef patties and rich gravy, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving guests, it’s a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or just when you need something comforting, Salisbury Steak has earned its place in the comfort food hall of fame. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it remains a beloved classic.
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