Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
This comforting homemade Salisbury Steak recipe features tender beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. With simple ingredients and deep, savory flavor, it’s a timeless favorite for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Steak Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional — use only if you skip onions in the gravy)
For the Gravy:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Step 1 – Caramelize the Onions (Optional but Recommended):
If you’d like caramelized onions in your gravy, start by thinly slicing one small onion. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened — about 7–8 minutes. Remove and set aside in a bowl.
Step 2 – Make the Steak Patties:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and (if not using onions in gravy) onion powder. Mix gently until well combined.
Divide the mixture into 3–4 equal portions, shaping each into an oval patty. Press a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
Step 3 – Cook the Patties:
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add the patties and cook, flipping every 5–6 minutes, until browned on both sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) — about 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.
Remove the cooked patties to a plate and cover lightly with foil.
Step 4 – Make the Gravy:
Pour off most of the fat from the pan, leaving about 3–4 tablespoons of drippings. Allow the pan to cool slightly.
Whisk 4 tablespoons flour with 1 cup of beef broth in a bowl until smooth. Then, pour 1 cup beef broth into the skillet and bring to a light boil over medium heat.
Slowly whisk in the flour-broth mixture, stirring constantly. Add 1 teaspoon ketchup and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue whisking for a few minutes until the gravy thickens. Stir in the caramelized onions, if using.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve:
Return the steak patties to the pan, coating them with the rich onion gravy. Simmer together for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice, spooning plenty of gravy over the top.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 3–4
Tips
- For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of finely chopped onions into the beef mixture.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, let it simmer an extra 2–3 minutes or whisk in a bit more flour.
- A dash of black pepper or thyme adds a nice touch to the sauce.
Hearty, simple, and full of old-fashioned flavor — this Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is pure comfort food on a plate.
