Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe
This Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe is a throwback to the 50’s TV dinner, but a million times better and still so easy. On the table in 30 minutes for a great family friendly dinner option!
My freezer is never without chicken breasts, thighs, and ground beef. Such staples for each weeknight dinners, including one of our favorite comfort meals – Salisbury Steak.
Most people know Salisbury Steak from the popular 50’s TV dinner, but you can easily make it at home and a million times better, of course!
What is Salisbury Steak?
Well, it’s not steak at all. It’s basically seasoned hamburger patties formed into the shape of steaks. But then they’re taken up 10 notches by cooking in a luscious gravy and served over mashed potatoes. No bun, unlike a hamburger sandwich. It gets its name from James Henry Salisbury who was a doctor during the Civil War and served the original version to the soldiers.
All you really need to know, though, is that Salisbury steak is a delicious way to use ground beef for a family-friendly, easy 30 minute meal!
Key Elements for Salisbury steak
- Breadcrumbs and an egg are needed to hold the patties together. You need breadcrumbs and an egg to act as a binder for the beef so they hold their shape while cooking.
- Brown the patties first, then use the drippings to flavor the gravy. Once the patties have been browned, you’ll transfer them to a plate, using the pan drippings for added flavor while making the gravy and cooking the mushrooms.
- Flour is used to thicken the sauce. Flour is added to the drippings, beef broth, and seasonings to create a rich and wonderful gravy!
- The partially cooked steaks are returned to the pan. Once the mushrooms are tender, the steak patties are returned to the pan, simmering in the gravy until cooked through.
Recipe Variations
- You can use ground turkey instead of beef. Traditionally this is an all-beef recipe, but you can use ground turkey and chicken stock, if you prefer.
- Onions are a great addition. Saute some onions along with the mushrooms for another layer of flavor.
- Turn these into meatballs! I’ve used this recipe for meatballs and then freeze them. Really great for last minute dinner!
Can I Freeze the Salisbury Steaks?
Yep! You can freeze uncooked steaks or cooked steaks along with the gravy, as follows:
- To Freeze Uncooked Steaks – place the steaks on a lined baking sheet in a single layer, then flash freeze for about 2 hours until solid. Transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe as written.
- To Freeze Cooked Steaks – allow to cool completely, then freeze steaks in the gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a pan or in the oven until warmed all the way through.
salisbury steak with mushroom gravy on top of mashed potatoes
