This Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe is everything you crave in a weeknight comfort classic—it delivers juicy beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy, all in under 40 minutes. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, this dish is sure to bring everyone to the table. The combination of simple pantry staples comes together to create a dinner that’s big on flavor and nostalgia, yet fuss-free enough for any busy day.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of basic ingredients transforms into the hearty, satisfying Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe. Every component plays its part in the symphony of flavors, from the seasonings in the beef to the luscious homemade onion gravy. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Ground beef: The star of the show! Choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful steaks that stay tender as they cook.
- Bread crumbs: Acts as the binder, making the patties tender and light, never dense or tough.
- Egg: Helps everything stick together while adding extra richness.
- Ketchup: Brings just a touch of sweetness and tang to both the steak and the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: A classic secret ingredient for deep, umami intensity in both the patties and gravy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses mellow, savory warmth throughout the steaks.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle aromatic notes and backs up the fresh onions in the gravy.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers subtle heat and depth.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the steaks for that irresistible crust and flavor.
- Butter: Adds a touch of richness to the gravy and makes those sautéed onions extra luscious.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and lots of flavor in the gravy.
- Beef broth: Builds the base of a hearty gravy that soaks into every bite.
- Cornstarch slurry: Just a bit thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency for spooning over steaks and potatoes alike.
- More ketchup & Worcestershire: Layer in even more savory tang and classic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Salt and pepper (for the gravy): Added at the end, so it’s seasoned just right for you.
How to Make Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Steaks
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (the original mixing tool!) to gently combine everything until the mixture is even—don’t overwork it or your steaks might turn out tough. Divide into four even portions and shape them into classic oval patties, about three-quarters of an inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, lay the patties in gently, giving them room so they brown instead of steam. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until both surfaces are beautifully browned and the centers are cooked through. Once done, transfer to a plate and tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
Don’t wipe out the skillet—those flavorful browned bits are pure gold! Drop in the butter and toss in the sliced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft, golden, and smelling incredible. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, scraping up any bits sticking to the pan. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
Give the cornstarch and water a quick stir to make a slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the bubbling gravy, stirring well as you go. In just a minute or two, you’ll see the sauce thicken up to a perfect, pourable consistency. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Simmer the Steaks in the Gravy
Nestle the browned steaks back into the skillet, turning to coat them in that glossy onion gravy. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes. Spoon the sauce over the top as they finish so every bite is drenched in flavor. Serve piping hot, straight from the skillet.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top—the pop of green brightens up the whole plate. If you like a little zing, a pinch of cracked pepper gives each bite an extra boost. For a richer finish, a pat of butter melted on top before serving is absolute heaven.
Side Dishes
This Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe practically begs to be partnered with pillowy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles to soak up every drop of that savory gravy. If you’re after something lighter, steamed green beans, buttered peas, or roasted carrots make colorful, crisp-tender companions that round out the meal without overpowering the steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual steaks in small cast iron skillets or gratin dishes for a touch of diner nostalgia. For weeknight fun, assemble the steaks and gravy in a baking dish and broil with a topping of crispy onions. Or create an open-faced sandwich version by laying a steak over toasted sourdough and smothering it with onions and gravy. The possibilities are endless but always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then tuck them into an airtight container. The Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked steaks and gravy together. Pack them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop everything in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy is too thick. Warm gently until heated through. The microwave also works in a pinch, just be sure to cover so the sauce doesn’t splatter. Either way, it tastes just as wonderful the next day.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great choices if you want a lighter twist. Just keep in mind that leaner meat can be a bit drier, so don’t overcook the patties, and maybe add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mix for extra moisture.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Mushrooms are a classic addition and add lovely flavor! Simply slice them and sauté with the onions until golden and tender before adding the rest of the gravy ingredients. White or cremini mushrooms work especially well.
How do I keep the steaks from falling apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs work together as binders in this Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe. Make sure you mix well so everything is evenly incorporated, and always let the patties sear fully on one side before flipping—that helps them hold together perfectly.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
The cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) is the quickest and easiest method for thickening your gravy without any lumps. Add it slowly to your skillet while stirring constantly, and you’ll get a gravy that’s just the right texture every time.
Can I make the Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and even cook them ahead. Store the cooked patties and gravy separately in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them gently together in a skillet and finish as directed—the flavors are even better after they’ve had time to meld.
Final Thoughts
Few dinners are as comforting and deeply satisfying as this Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want something nostalgic, hearty, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try this week—once you taste that savory gravy, you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner rotation!
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Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak recipe, featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the steaks: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Cook the steaks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Return the patties to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 5 more minutes, spooning the sauce over the steaks. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles for a classic comfort meal.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms to the gravy if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg