Creamy, juicy, and irresistibly comforting — Delicious Salisbury Steak is the kind of dinner that hugs you from the inside out. With a savory beef patty smothered in rich French onion gravy, this dish turns weeknight cooking into something special without fuss. Fun fact: Salisbury steak was originally created in the 19th century as a healthful alternative to whole cuts of meat, so it has a long history of comforting kitchens across America.
This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly. Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean dinner is on the table in under an hour, and picky eaters usually come back for seconds. If you enjoy classic comfort foods, you might also like our take on another popular version — see the Bobby Flay Salisbury Steak recipe for a slightly elevated spin. Ready to get cooking? Let’s make something delicious that everyone will love.
What is Delicious Salisbury Steak?
What’s in a name? Salisbury Steak sounds fancy, but who decided a patty with gravy should be called a steak anyway? Was there a grand dinner where someone said, “This tastes like steak, let’s name it!”? The truth is delightfully practical: Salisbury steak is a seasoned ground beef patty served with a savory gravy, designed to be filling and flavorful. And of course, as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe that’s why this comforting dish has stuck around so long. Give this recipe a try and see if it charms your family the same way.
Why You’ll Love This:
The main highlight of this dish is the luscious French onion gravy that bathes the beef patties in flavor — sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized from the soup base. Making it at home saves money compared to dining out but delivers restaurant-quality comfort without the price tag. The simple ingredients — ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and canned French onion soup — combine into a soulful, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
This recipe stands out because it’s both cozy and practical: the sauce is rich and comforting, the patties stay moist, and clean-up is easy. If you enjoy hearty dinners, you’ll want to compare notes with our other favorite versions; for another take, check the Bobby Flay Salisbury Steak recipe for ideas on variations and add-ins. Now grab a skillet and let’s get cooking.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This Salisbury Steak is easy because it uses pantry staples and a single skillet for cooking and simmering. The patties are tender and browned on the outside, then simmered in a creamy, savory French onion gravy. Prep takes about 15 minutes, cooking around 30 minutes, for a total time of roughly 45 minutes. The standout element is that rich, comforting gravy that makes simple ingredients taste gourmet.
Ingredients
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Use clean hands to mix lightly until everything is evenly incorporated — do not overwork the meat or the patties may become tough.
- Shape the mixture into oval patties about 1 inch thick. Aim for 4 to 6 patties depending on the size you prefer; try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add a small drizzle of oil or a nonstick spray if desired. Add the patties in a single layer without crowding. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until nicely browned, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the second side is browned and the patties are cooked through (internal temperature about 160°F / 71°C).
- Pour the entire can of French onion soup over the cooked patties, ensuring they are well coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the patties simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes so they soak up flavor and the gravy thickens slightly.
- Once done, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the Salisbury Steak hot, smothered in the onion gravy. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
What to Serve With:
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy
- Buttered egg noodles or white rice for a quick base
- Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a fresh contrast
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness
- A glass of medium-bodied red wine or iced tea for a family-friendly drink option
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Use room-temperature egg and a light touch when mixing to keep patties tender.
- Don’t overwork the meat; gently combine ingredients to avoid tough patties.
- Browning builds flavor — get a good sear on both sides before simmering.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of simmering to reduce the sauce.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end.
- Common mistake: crowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure a good sear.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Cool to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Place patties in a freezer-safe container with gravy on top to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals, to keep patties moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different soup if I don’t have French onion?
Yes. Beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of sugar can mimic the sweet-savory profile, but French onion soup is ideal for that caramelized onion flavor.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and ensure the canned soup you use is labeled gluten-free.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Absolutely. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after browning patties, then add the soup and simmer together for a mushroomy twist.
Is there a leaner meat option I can use?
You can use lean ground beef or a mix of ground turkey and beef, but watch for dryness—add a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg for moisture if using very lean meat.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Patties should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
This Delicious Salisbury Steak recipe is proof that comfort food can be quick, inexpensive, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and a creamy French onion gravy, it’s a meal the whole family will request again and again. If you want another great variation with mushroom gravy, you can compare techniques and flavors at Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy – RecipeTin Eats. Try it tonight and enjoy a warm, homemade dinner that feels like a hug.
Delicious Salisbury Steak
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can Campbell’s French onion soup 10 1/2 ounce can
- 1.5 lbs Ground beef
- 0.5 cup Dry breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg Room temperature preferred
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Ground black pepper To taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Use clean hands to mix lightly until everything is evenly incorporated — do not overwork the meat or the patties may become tough.
- Shape the mixture into oval patties about 1 inch thick. Aim for 4 to 6 patties depending on the size you prefer; try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add a small drizzle of oil or a nonstick spray if desired. Add the patties in a single layer without crowding. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until nicely browned, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the second side is browned and the patties are cooked through (internal temperature about 160°F / 71°C).
- Pour the entire can of French onion soup over the cooked patties, ensuring they are well coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the patties simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes so they soak up flavor and the gravy thickens slightly.
- Once done, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the Salisbury Steak hot, smothered in the onion gravy. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.