Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is the quintessential comfort food—a savory, protein-packed meal that turns humble ground beef into a centerpiece. The secret to a viral-worthy Salisbury steak lies in the texture of the patties and the depth of the onion gravy. Unlike a burger, these patties are seasoned and bound similarly to a meatloaf, ensuring they stay tender even after simmering.
Traditional Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: Sliced mushrooms
Instructions
1
Form the Patties
Prep time: 10 min
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until just combined—overworking the meat will make the patties tough. Form into 4 to 6 oval-shaped patties.
2
Sear the Meat
5-7 min per side
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties until a deep brown crust forms on both sides. They do not need to be cooked through yet. Remove patties from the pan and set aside.
3
Caramelize the Onions
The flavor base
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they are soft and golden brown. This “fond” (the browned bits left by the meat) will give your gravy its color and depth.
4
Build the Gravy
Whisk constantly
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble.
5
Simmer to Finish
10-15 min
Place the patties back into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer. This allows the meat to finish cooking while absorbing the rich onion flavor from the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
To complete the meal, serve the steak and plenty of gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Add a side of buttered green beans or sweet corn for a balanced plate.
Pro Tip: If the gravy becomes too thick during the simmer, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For an extra glossy finish, stir in a small knob of cold butter right before serving.
