Classic Homemade Salisbury Steaks: An Easy & Hearty Comfort Food Recipe
Homemade Salisbury Steaks truly embody the essence of comfort food. For many, this savory dish evokes fond memories of childhood meals, bringing a delightful sense of nostalgia and warmth. While frozen dinners might have been a convenient staple back then, crafting this classic at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few staple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can whip up a batch of juicy, flavorful Salisbury steaks covered in a rich gravy, far superior to any store-bought version.
I’ve been perfecting this Salisbury steak recipe for almost a decade, and it has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and deep, satisfying flavors. While some prefer the earthy notes of mushroom gravy, I’ve always found a rich beef gravy to be the perfect complement, enhancing the savory beef patties beautifully. No matter your gravy preference, this recipe consistently delivers a tender, delicious result that your family will adore.
What makes homemade Salisbury steaks so appealing is their ability to transform humble ground beef into a truly special meal. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly approachable for even a busy weeknight. The patties are packed with flavor, seared to perfection, and then slow-cooked or baked until they melt in your mouth, all swimming in a luscious gravy that begs to be soaked up with mashed potatoes.
ANOTHER HEARTY DINNER RECIPE YOU MIGHT LIKE: Effortless Crockpot Lasagna
The Ultimate Salisbury Steaks Recipe: Versatile Cooking Methods
One of the best features of this Salisbury steak recipe is its adaptability. For optimal flavor and texture, I always start by grilling the meat patties briefly. This initial searing process is key to locking in those delicious juices and creating beautiful grill marks, which also add an extra layer of caramelized flavor. If grilling isn’t an option, browning them in a hot skillet works just as well. The goal here isn’t to cook them through, but simply to develop a nice crust on both sides. After this crucial first step, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred cooking method for finishing the dish:
- Simmered on the Stovetop: A quick and efficient method for a tender, gravy-rich steak.
- Baked in the Oven: Ideal for hands-off cooking and feeding a crowd, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Slow Cooker Method: My personal favorite for achieving the most incredibly tender Salisbury steaks with minimal effort throughout the day.
In every cooking scenario, the Salisbury steaks are generously covered in gravy before they finish cooking. This ensures that each patty becomes incredibly succulent and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the rich sauce. I’ll provide detailed instructions for all three preparation methods below, but I must reiterate that the Crockpot method consistently yields the most fork-tender Salisbury steak you’ll ever taste. It’s truly a game-changer for busy cooks looking for a delicious, make-ahead meal.
The beauty of having multiple cooking options means you can easily fit this homemade comfort food into any schedule. Whether you need a quick stovetop dinner, a hands-off oven bake, or a meal that simmers to perfection all day in the slow cooker, these Salisbury steaks deliver on taste and convenience. This makes them a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Salisbury Steaks:
Creating these delicious Salisbury steaks requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which are kitchen staples. The combination of different ground beef types provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness, while the binders ensure your patties hold together beautifully and remain moist. And, of course, a good quality gravy is paramount to the dish’s signature richness.
- 1 lb ground beef or chuck (80-85% lean) – The higher fat content here contributes to flavor and juiciness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90%) – Balances the fat content and adds more substance to the patties.
- 1 large egg white – Acts as a binder, helping the patties maintain their shape during cooking.
- 1/3 cup onion, minced – Adds a crucial aromatic base and savory depth to the meat mixture.
- 1/4 cup crushed Saltine crackers (about 6 crackers) – These absorb moisture, keeping the patties tender and preventing them from becoming too dense.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Further adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing its natural flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper – A classic seasoning to complement the beef.
- 2 (12-14-oz) cans or jars brown gravy – A convenient and flavorful base for your Salisbury steak gravy. Beef gravy is preferred, but mushroom gravy is also a popular choice.
- Sliced mushrooms, optional (about 1 cup) – For those who love the earthy addition, they can be cooked directly in the gravy or sautéed separately for a firmer texture.
Handy Kitchen Tools for Salisbury Steak Preparation:
Having the right tools can make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. These are the items I find most useful when preparing this Salisbury steak recipe, ensuring you can efficiently mix, shape, and cook your patties to perfection.
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining all the patty ingredients.
- Kitchen knife: For mincing the onion finely.
- Spatula: Useful for mixing and transferring ingredients.
- Tongs: Great for flipping patties on the grill or in a skillet.
- Slow cooker OR large skillet OR 13×9 baking dish: Depending on your chosen cooking method for finishing the Salisbury steaks.
Detailed Steps: How to Make Salisbury Steaks
Regardless of which finishing method you choose—oven, stovetop, or slow cooker—the initial preparation of the Salisbury steak patties remains consistent. This ensures a consistent foundation of flavor and texture before the slow simmering or baking infuses them with rich gravy goodness.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine both types of ground beef, egg white, minced onion, crushed Saltine crackers, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix all ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough patties, so be mindful not to compact the meat too much.
- Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 8-10 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Aim for a consistent size so they cook evenly.
- Sear the Patties: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or a large skillet over medium-high heat if you’re browning indoors. Place the patties on the hot surface and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, just long enough to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and those appealing grill marks. This step is crucial for flavor development and sealing in juices, but do not cook them through at this stage.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Once seared, proceed with one of the following instructions based on your chosen cooking appliance.
Baking Your Salisbury Steaks in the Oven
Baking is an excellent hands-off method that allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your stovetop free. It’s particularly great for feeding a larger family or preparing a make-ahead meal.
- Arrange Patties and Gravy: Transfer your seared Salisbury steak patties into a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Pour the two cans or jars of brown gravy evenly over all the patties, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. The foil traps the steam, helping the patties stay moist and tender while the gravy thickens and infuses the meat.
- Rest and Serve: After removing from the oven, let the pan rest, still covered, for ten minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful steaks. Then, remove the foil and serve hot.
Simmering Salisbury Steaks on the Stovetop
The stovetop method is perfect for a quicker weeknight meal, allowing you to easily monitor the cooking process and achieve a rich, reduced gravy.
- Combine in Skillet: Place your seared patties in a large skillet. Pour the brown gravy over the patties, ensuring they are submerged as much as possible.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the gravy to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25 minutes. This gentle simmering allows the patties to cook through and absorb the delicious gravy flavors without drying out.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and allow the skillet to rest, still covered, for ten minutes. This final resting period is crucial for tenderness. Remove the cover and serve immediately.
The Easiest Way: Salisbury Steaks in the Slow Cooker
For unparalleled tenderness and minimal fuss, the slow cooker is truly the star. This method allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become incredibly soft and succulent, making it ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
- Load the Crockpot: Carefully place your seared Salisbury steak patties into the slow cooker crock. Pour the brown gravy over the patties, making sure they are well covered.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking process is what makes these Salisbury steaks so incredibly tender.
- Finishing Touches: Once cooked, gently remove the patties from the gravy and tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm. If there’s any excess fat on the surface of the gravy, spoon it off. If you prefer a thicker gravy, turn the slow cooker to HIGH heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for an additional 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Adding Mushrooms for Extra Flavor
Mushrooms are a classic addition to Salisbury steak, lending an earthy depth to the gravy. You have a couple of options for incorporating them, depending on your preferred texture. You can add sliced mushrooms directly to any of the cooking pans along with the gravy and allow them to cook through with the steaks. This will result in softer, fully integrated mushrooms.
However, if you, like me, prefer your mushrooms to retain a bit more bite and a more distinct flavor, I recommend sautéing them separately in a skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil until they are golden brown and slightly tender-crisp. Then, stir them into the gravy just before serving. This method adds a lovely textural contrast and a fresh burst of mushroom flavor to each bite.
To summarize cooking times for the different methods: for the oven, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. On the stovetop, simmer, covered, for 25 minutes after bringing to a boil. In the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours for maximum tenderness. Always remember to allow a brief resting period after cooking (except for slow cooker, where resting is less critical) for the best results.
Perfect Pairings: What Sides to Serve with Salisbury Steaks?
Salisbury steaks are a versatile main course that pair beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes. The rich gravy truly shines when served alongside absorbent and complementary sides. Here are some of my top recommendations for a complete and satisfying meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is arguably the most iconic pairing. The fluffy potatoes are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory gravy, creating a truly comforting experience.
- Roasted Broccoli: For a touch of green and a healthy contrast, perfectly roasted broccoli adds a slight crispness and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the steak.
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Carrots: Sweet and tangy carrots offer a fantastic counterpoint to the savory beef, and cooking them in the slow cooker makes for an easy side dish.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans are another excellent choice for a fresh, vibrant addition to the plate.
- Egg Noodles or Rice: If you’re not in the mood for potatoes, egg noodles or white rice are fantastic alternatives to absorb the flavorful gravy.
Explore More Comfort Food Recipes
If you love the hearty, satisfying nature of Salisbury steaks, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my favorite comfort food recipes and easy dinner ideas. These dishes are designed to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss.
- If you’re a fan of your slow cooker and always seeking new, effortless recipes, you must try my creamy crockpot mac and cheese and this comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings!
- For a vegetarian-friendly twist on this classic, I’ve even made a version that cleverly replaces some of the meat with savory Portobello mushrooms!
- A couple more of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes include this rich and creamy beef stroganoff and my tender, slow-cooked Swiss steak.
More Delicious Ground Beef Dinner Ideas You’ll Love:
Ground beef is an incredibly versatile and economical ingredient, making it a go-to for countless weeknight dinners. I use it often in my kitchen to create flavorful and family-friendly meals. Many of these ground beef recipes can also be adapted by substituting ground turkey or chicken, so feel free to experiment and let me know how they turn out!
- If you’re searching for a cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish, you have to try this indulgent bacon cheeseburger pasta!
- One of my family’s favorite casserole dishes is this flavorful southwest ground beef casserole. It’s packed with tasty flavors, incredibly filling, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
- You absolutely don’t want to miss what I swear by as the best meatloaf recipe ever; it’s a true winner!
- We adore Mexican flavors in our home, so this vibrant Taco Casserole is always a hit and right up our alley for an easy, zesty dinner.
- This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili from Oh Sweet Basil sounds incredibly delicious and is definitely on my list to try!
- These unique Ground Beef Gyro Meatballs from Kalyn’s Kitchen are calling my name; I’m definitely going to be making these soon.
- For a fun and bite-sized spin on this very classic recipe, try our delightful Salisbury Steak Meatballs!
- Ground beef stroganoff, also affectionately known as hamburger stroganoff, features all the same beloved, creamy, and savory flavors as classic beef stroganoff, but with budget-friendly ground beef in place of steak.
Salisbury Steaks
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or chuck 80-85%
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90%
- 1 large egg white
- ⅓ cup onion minced
- ¼ cup crushed Saltine crackers about 6 crackers
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 12-14-oz cans or jars brown gravy
- 1 cup Sliced mushrooms optional
Before You Begin
NOTE: Nutritional information provided here does not include the added gravy.
Instructions
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Prepare for Searing: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop for browning.
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Mix the Patties: In a spacious bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef (both types), egg white, finely minced onion, crushed Saltine cracker crumbs, milk, salt, and pepper. Using your hands ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough.
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Form Patties: Divide the seasoned meat mixture into 8 to 10 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
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Sear for Flavor: Brown both sides of the formed patties on the preheated grill or in a large skillet. Cook just long enough to achieve a fantastic sear and those desirable grill marks on each side. This step adds a crucial layer of flavor and helps seal in the juices, but the patties should not be cooked through at this point.
To Cook in the Oven
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Bake to Perfection: Place the seared patties into a 13x9x2-inch baking pan and generously cover them with the brown gravy. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Once baking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to rest, still covered, for ten minutes before removing the foil and serving.
To Cook on the Stovetop
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Simmer in Skillet: Arrange the seared patties in a large skillet and pour the gravy over them. Bring the gravy to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for ten minutes, covered, before lifting the lid and serving.
To Cook in the Slow Cooker
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Slow Cook for Tenderness: Place the seared patties into the slow cooker crock and cover them completely with gravy. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, which will yield incredibly tender results. After cooking, carefully remove the patties from the gravy, tent them with foil, and set aside to keep warm. If desired, spoon off any excess fat from the surface of the gravy. If a thicker gravy is preferred, turn the slow cooker to HIGH and simmer, uncovered, until thickened.
Optional: When to Add Mushrooms
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You have the flexibility to add your sliced mushrooms to any of the cooking pans (baking dish, skillet, or slow cooker) and allow them to cook directly in the gravy alongside the patties. This will result in softer mushrooms fully infused with the gravy’s flavor. For those who prefer their mushrooms with a firmer texture and more distinct taste, I recommend sautéing them in a separate skillet until tender-crisp, and then stirring them into the gravy just before serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on May 12, 2012, and has since been updated and expanded for clarity and additional helpful information.