Why You’ll Love this Classic Salisbury Steak
This classic Salisbury steak recipe might just become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about tender beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy that hits all the comfort food notes.
I love how simple yet flavorful this dish is. With just ground beef, onions, and a few seasonings, you’ll create juicy patties that cook in minutes.
The mushroom wine gravy? Absolute perfection. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques needed.
Serve these savory steaks with mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that delicious gravy.
Homemade comfort food, ready in about 20 minutes. What’s not to love?
What Ingredients are in Classic Salisbury Steak?
Making Classic Salisbury Steak is all about combining simple, hearty ingredients to create something truly comforting.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach to creating flavorful beef patties that are then smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. You’ll need just a handful of staples to bring this nostalgic dish to life, and most of these ingredients are probably already waiting in your pantry or refrigerator.
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons grated onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (2-ounce) envelope mushroom gravy mix
- 1 (3-4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your ground beef makes a difference—I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
The red wine, while optional, adds a wonderful depth to the gravy that really elevates the dish from good to great.
And if you’re not a fan of canned mushrooms, feel free to substitute with 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms sautéed until golden.
Just remember, Salisbury steak is meant to be a simple comfort food, so don’t stress if you need to make substitutions based on what you have available.
How to Make this Classic Salisbury Steak
Making Salisbury steak is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Start by combining 1½ pounds of ground beef with 2 tablespoons of grated onions in a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dried marjoram (make sure to crush it between your fingers to release those aromatic oils), and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper.
Mix everything thoroughly but gently—overworking the meat can make your steaks tough, and nobody wants that! Once combined, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into oval patties about ¾-inch thick. Think of them as little meat loaves rather than hamburgers.
Next comes the cooking, which is quicker than you might expect. Position your oven rack so that the patties will be about 3 inches from the heat source and preheat your broiler. Place the patties on a broiler pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side.
When you flip them over—carefully, mind you—they’ll need about 4 more minutes on the second side. For those with dietary restrictions, consider cooking these patties on a high end griddle designed specifically for gluten-free cooking to prevent cross-contamination. For the best searing results and even cooking, a chef cast iron skillet would be an excellent alternative to the broiler method. While your steaks are cooking, prepare the 2-ounce envelope of mushroom gravy according to the package directions.
Once it’s simmering, stir in a drained can of sliced mushrooms (3-4 ounces) and, if you’re feeling fancy, 2 tablespoons of red wine. The wine isn’t essential, but it adds a lovely depth that transforms an everyday gravy into something special.
When the patties are cooked to your desired doneness, transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates. Pour that rich mushroom gravy generously over each patty—this isn’t the time to be shy with the sauce!
The recipe suggests serving these delicious steaks with potatoes, and I couldn’t agree more. Mashed potatoes make the perfect bed for soaking up all that savory gravy, but roasted or even baked potatoes work beautifully too.
This recipe serves 6, making it perfect for family dinner or when you want leftovers for lunch the next day (they reheat wonderfully, by the way).
Classic Salisbury Steak Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Salisbury steak recipe is delicious as written, you’ve got plenty of room to customize it to suit your taste preferences or pantry limitations.
Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option, or mix in some ground pork for extra richness. No mushrooms? Caramelized onions make a wonderful substitute.
For the gravy, beef broth can replace the packaged mix, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth when you’re out of red wine.
I’m always amazed at how a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary transforms the flavor profile. Cheese lovers might enjoy tucking a cube of mozzarella inside each patty for a gooey surprise.
What to Serve with Classic Salisbury Steak
The perfect sides can elevate Salisbury steak from a simple weeknight dinner to a memorable meal.
I always start with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re practically made for soaking up that rich mushroom gravy. Can you imagine anything more comforting?
Buttered green beans or steamed broccoli add a pop of color and freshness that balances the savory meat.
For something more substantial, try a side of egg noodles or roasted potatoes with herbs.
Don’t forget a simple green salad with vinaigrette to brighten the plate.
Trust me, these pairings make Salisbury steak shine.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves to master this classic Salisbury steak recipe—it’s pure comfort food that never goes out of style.
The beauty lies in its simplicity: humble ground beef transformed into something special with just a few pantry staples.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility.
Feeling fancy? Add a splash more wine.
Need a quick weeknight dinner? Prep the patties ahead of time.
Trust me, there’s something deeply satisfying about serving a plate of tender Salisbury steak swimming in rich mushroom gravy.
It’s the kind of meal that makes people feel at home, no matter where they are.
If you enjoy hearty beef dishes, you might also appreciate a classic meatloaf baked until perfectly tender with a flavorful tomato sauce topping.
And for those days when you’re feeling under the weather, you might want to try a chicken noodle soup instead, with its warming broth and nourishing ingredients.
Conclusion
I’ve made this Salisbury steak recipe a staple in my weekly rotation because it’s just that good. There’s something deeply satisfying about those tender beef patties swimming in rich, savory gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest, without the fuss. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident you’ll soon find it earning a permanent spot in your dinner collection too. Who can resist?
