Salisbury Steak is a timeless American classic that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This dish, which combines seasoned ground beef patties with a rich mushroom gravy, has been a favorite for generations. Perfect for a hearty meal, Salisbury Steak is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
In this recipe, we’ll dive into the details of making Salisbury Steak from scratch, focusing on how to achieve tender, juicy patties and a savory mushroom gravy that complements them perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of our dish, providing rich flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Helps to bind the patties together and adds a nice texture.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds flavor and a subtle sweetness to the patties.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the umami taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an additional layer of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste of the patties.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For cooking the patties.
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Provides the main texture and flavor for the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base of our gravy, adding savory depth.
- 1/2 cup milk: Makes the gravy creamy and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
How to Make Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
Preparing the Patties
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.
- Form Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on your preferred size. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook Patties: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Mushroom Gravy
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet used for the patties, add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender and beginning to brown.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season and Combine: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked patties to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the patties to heat through and absorb some of the gravy.
Serving
Serve the Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. The rich gravy also pairs well with steamed or sautéed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing a hearty base for the Salisbury Steak. It’s important to use ground beef with a moderate fat content (around 80/20) to ensure that the patties remain moist and flavorful.
Bread Crumbs
Bread crumbs act as a binder in the patties, helping to hold them together while adding a slight texture. They also absorb some of the juices released during cooking, enhancing the overall flavor and consistency.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a key ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Its tangy, umami-rich taste complements the beef and mushrooms, making it an essential component of both the patties and the gravy.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are used to create a savory, umami-rich gravy that enhances the flavor of the Salisbury Steak. They add a delicious texture and earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the beef patties.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is the base of the mushroom gravy, providing a rich, savory flavor. It helps to build the gravy’s depth and complements the beef and mushrooms perfectly.
Milk
Milk is added to the gravy to make it creamy and smooth. It balances the richness of the beef broth and adds a velvety texture to the sauce.
Enjoy making this classic Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms recipe and delight in a comforting, homemade meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
