Classic Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

The retro diner classic is back: juicy, well-seasoned beef patties nestled into a rich mushroom-onion gravy that begs for mashed potatoes. It is pure comfort-food nostalgia, and it is easier than you remember. For more old-school comfort, try our mummy meatloaf.

Salisbury steak patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes
Prep time15 min
Cook time25 min
Total40 min
Yield4 servings
CuisineAmerican
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🧺Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, for gravy
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. Mix the patties. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined — overmixing makes tough patties. Shape into 4 oval patties.
  2. Sear the patties. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the patties 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. They do not need to be cooked through yet. Remove to a plate.
  3. Build the gravy. In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and sliced onion 5-6 minutes until golden. Sprinkle in the flour and stir 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire, scraping up the browned bits.
  4. Simmer to finish. Return the patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them. Simmer 10-12 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the gravy is thick and glossy. Shower with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes.

🥘 Gravy greatness

The browned bits in the pan are the flavor base of the gravy — never wash the skillet between steps. For lump-free gravy, whisk the broth in slowly and keep it at a gentle simmer. Swap the mushrooms for extra onion if you are mushroom-averse; the gravy stays delicious.

Salisbury steak patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes
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❓ Common questions

Can I make the patties ahead?
Yes — shape and refrigerate the raw patties up to 24 hours ahead. Sear straight from the fridge.

What should I serve it with?
Mashed potatoes are classic for soaking up gravy; egg noodles or rice work too.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — cool completely and freeze patties with gravy up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.