This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak is cozy, classic, and perfect for family dinner. Juicy beef patties are simmered in a rich onion gravy made from simple pantry staples.
It’s a warm, filling dish that comes together in under an hour and feels like pure comfort on a plate. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or egg noodles.
Whether it’s a cold night or you just want something hearty and budget-friendly, this recipe brings all the nostalgic, diner-style flavors—without the frozen meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salisbury steak is classic comfort food made easy. The beef patties are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a homemade onion gravy that’s rich but not too heavy. You only need basic ingredients, and the whole meal comes together fast.
It’s kid-friendly, great for leftovers, and works well for both weeknights and weekend meals. There’s no mystery meat here—just a cozy, from-scratch dinner that’s sure to satisfy.
What You’ll Need
For the Steak Patties:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (85/15 is ideal)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Use 85/15 ground beef for a juicy patty that holds together well.
- Don’t overmix the meat—just until combined for tender steaks.
- Brown the patties before simmering to lock in flavor.
- Cook onions low and slow until soft and golden for the best gravy.
- Let the gravy simmer after thickening to deepen the flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Substitutions & Variations
No breadcrumbs? Use crushed saltines or almond flour (for low-carb).
Gluten-free: Use GF breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
Beef alternatives: Try ground turkey or chicken, but reduce cooking time slightly.
Add mushrooms: Sauté with the onions for mushroom-onion gravy.
Dairy-free: Swap butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form patties and slice onions ahead of time—store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
- Cooked Salisbury steak can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a covered pan with a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
Step 1: Make the Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4–5 oval-shaped patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
Return the patties to the skillet. Spoon gravy over them and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until patties are cooked through and gravy is thickened.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables. Spoon extra onion gravy over the top.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.
- Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat slowly for best texture.
FAQ
Can I make Salisbury steak in advance?
Yes. You can form the patties and slice the onions up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also fully cook the dish and refrigerate or freeze it for easy reheating later.
What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury steak usually includes breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings mixed into the ground beef, then it’s simmered in gravy. Hamburger steak is typically just seasoned beef, shaped into a patty, and either pan-fried or grilled without gravy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well in this recipe, but it cooks faster than beef. Watch your cook time to avoid overcooking, and consider adding a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure you use a binder like egg and breadcrumbs. Also, don’t overwork the meat. Mix just until combined, and let the patties chill for 10–15 minutes if they feel too soft.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the flour in the gravy for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend. Also, check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
Classic, Hearty, and Full of Nostalgia
This Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal that brings people together.
It’s easy, affordable, and full of old-school charm—just like grandma used to make. Whether it’s your first time trying Salisbury steak or you’re reviving a family favorite, this recipe is bound to become a regular at your table.