If you’re craving classic comfort food with rich flavor and a savory twist, look no further than The Very Best Salisbury Steak. Juicy beef patties simmered in a flavorful French onion gravy, this dish is a nostalgic favorite that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday suppers and pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Salisbury steak first gained popularity in the early 1900s as a budget-friendly alternative to steak—and with a recipe this delicious, it’s easy to see why. If you’ve tried our Homestyle Meatloaf with Brown Gravy, this is a must-make next!
What is The Very Best Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury Steak is a classic American dish made with seasoned ground beef patties, cooked and simmered in a rich, brown onion gravy. It’s not actually steak—but it sure eats like one! The blend of breadcrumbs, French onion soup, and savory seasonings gives it that unmistakable flavor. And as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—this dish hits the bullseye every time.
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak
Rich and Savory Gravy
The French onion soup base gives the gravy a deep, comforting flavor, complemented by ketchup and Worcestershire for just the right tang.
Budget-Friendly and Filling
Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and pantry staples make this an affordable yet impressive meal the whole family will love.
Great for Meal Prep
Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day. If you loved our Skillet Meatballs in Gravy, this dish takes that same idea to a new level.
Grab a skillet—it’s time for steak night, comfort-style!
How to Make The Very Best Salisbury Steak
Quick Overview
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and bold flavor. Brown the patties, simmer in gravy, and serve with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 oz) 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
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 to 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 cup water
Step-by-Step:
- Make the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup of the French onion soup.
- Mix until well combined and shape into 6 oval patties.
- Brown the Patties:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown patties on both sides.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Make the Gravy:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soup and flour until smooth.
- Stir in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.
- Simmer:
- Pour the gravy over the patties in the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or buttered egg noodles pair beautifully with this dish. Add a simple green salad or crescent rolls for a complete comfort meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Salisbury Steak
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meat just until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you want a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last 5 minutes.
- Customize the Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or a splash of beef broth for extra depth.
- Make It Ahead: The patties and gravy can be prepped in advance and reheated before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or microwave individual portions. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Add a splash of beef broth for a richer taste.
What’s a good substitute for mustard powder? You can use a small squirt of yellow or Dijon mustard.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or cook the patties in batches.
Conclusion
The Very Best Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food classic—juicy, flavorful, and coated in rich gravy that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy, satisfying dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Serve it up with your favorite sides and dig in!
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) 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
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 to 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup of the French onion soup. Mix until well combined and shape into 6 oval patties.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown patties on both sides. Drain off excess fat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soup and flour until smooth. Stir in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.
- Pour gravy mixture over the patties in the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Notes
To thicken gravy, simmer uncovered the last 5 minutes. Add mushrooms or a splash of beef broth for extra richness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.