Name: Homemade Salisbury Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/2 cup chopped onion (plus more for gravy); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water (for slurry); Fresh thyme or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Nothing says classic comfort like a skillet of rich, savory Salisbury steak smothered in mushroom gravy. This recipe takes weeknight dinners to a whole new level with juicy, seasoned beef patties that simmer in a silky brown gravy filled with tender mushrooms and onions. It’s the kind of cozy, nostalgic meal that brings everyone back to the table.

Whether you’re pairing it with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted veggies, this Homemade Salisbury Steak is hearty, affordable, and deeply satisfying. It has that old-school diner feel but with fresher ingredients and a homemade touch that just can’t be beat.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For a tender yet flavorful Salisbury steak, I recommend using ground beef that has some fat—around 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works best. Too lean, and your patties may turn out dry. Too fatty, and they can fall apart or make the gravy greasy. You can also mix in a little ground pork for extra juiciness.

Ingredients for the Homemade Salisbury Steak

Ground beef – The main ingredient for the patties. Aim for 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat mixture and hold its shape while cooking.

Egg – Another binder that adds richness to the steak patties.

Onion (chopped) – Adds flavor and texture to the patties. You’ll also need more for the gravy.

Garlic (minced) – Gives a savory depth that makes the patties taste homemade.

Worcestershire sauce – Brings out the umami flavor and adds that signature Salisbury tang.

Salt & Pepper – Basic seasoning that enhances every component.

Butter – Used to sauté the onions and mushrooms for the gravy.

Mushrooms (sliced) – A must for that classic Salisbury steak experience.

Beef broth – The base for the rich, savory gravy.

Cornstarch + Water – To thicken the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.

Fresh thyme or parsley (optional) – For a touch of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How To Make the Homemade Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Mix and Form the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.

Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the patties and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point—just seared.

Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and stir in sliced mushrooms and additional chopped onions. Cook until softened and golden, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Pour in the beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Steaks

Return the patties to the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over them. Cover and let everything simmer together for 10–12 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley or fresh thyme before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a crusty roll to soak up all that savory mushroom gravy.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Salisbury Steak

Homemade Salisbury steak is best served hot and smothered in its rich mushroom gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. For something a bit lighter, try steamed green beans or roasted carrots on the side. A crusty piece of bread to mop up every last drop of gravy? Highly recommended.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring the patties and gravy to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.

You can also freeze the cooked patties with gravy. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs), and don’t overmix the meat. Chilling the formed patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the patties and even cook them ahead. Just store them in the fridge and make the gravy fresh before serving.

What mushrooms work best?

White button mushrooms or baby bellas are perfect for this dish. They soak up flavor and have great texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Swap in ground turkey for a leaner option, but be sure to add extra seasoning or a bit of beef bouillon to keep the flavor rich.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

Mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy, a little at a time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be safe.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Comfort in Every Bite?

If this Homemade Salisbury Steak hit the spot, you’ll love diving into these other hearty, savory dishes that bring bold flavors to your weeknight menu:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a silky, rich pasta night.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving melty, meaty goodness.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a family-friendly dinner bowl.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a tender, hands-off meal.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef when you want maximum comfort with minimal fuss.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime comfort food calls.

And if you give this Homemade Salisbury Steak a try, come back and tell me how it went. Did you add a splash of red wine to your gravy? Swap the beef for turkey? Serve it over polenta?

I’d love to hear how you made it yours. And if you’re looking for daily inspiration, come follow along on my Pinterest @hallarecipes where I share recipes like this every week!