
This timeless Salisbury Steak serves up warm, tender beef patties covered in a tasty mushroom sauce. It's the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug after a busy day.
This dish brings back memories of family dinners and snug nights in. Simple fresh ingredients come together to make something memorable and fill your kitchen with inviting smells.
Needed Ingredients
- Ground beef: 80% lean to balance juicy and rich patties
- Italian breadcrumbs: fresh and fine, soak up moisture and hold everything together
- Salt and pepper: help bring out natural flavors
- Dried oregano: gives the patties a fresh, herbal kick
- Worcestershire sauce: adds layers of umami for a deeper taste
- Ketchup: a touch of sweetness to balance savory notes
- Yellow mustard: brings a mild tang and more flavor depth
- Milk: keeps the patties moist and soft
- Egg: helps bind the patties for a tender bite
- Garlic cloves: minced, give a nice aromatic punch that pairs well with beef
- Yellow onion: finely chopped, adds sweetness and moisture to the beef mix
- Additional olive oil: used for cooking patties to keep them juicy
- White button mushrooms: sliced, release earthiness and soak up gravy flavors
- Unsalted butter: enriches gravy for creamy smoothness
- Finely diced onion: cooked in the gravy for texture and sweetness
- Beef broth: the tasty base for the mushroom sauce
- Beef bouillon cube: boosts the meaty flavors in the gravy
- Onion powder and garlic powder: add a savory hit to the sauce
- Extra Worcestershire sauce: deepens gravy flavor even more
- Cold water mixed with cornstarch: thickens the gravy to just the right feel
- Olive oil: for browning and softening ingredients without sticking
Step-by-Step Directions
- Mix The Patty Ingredients:
- Put olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, beaten egg, milk, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs in a big bowl. Stir well until mixed through.
- Form And Cook Patties:
- Lightly combine the ground beef without overworking it to keep it tender. Cut into four equal portions. Shape each into oval patties about three-quarters of an inch thick. Warm a skillet with the extra olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown patties on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Take them out and set aside.
- Make Mushroom Gravy:
- In that same pan, toss in the diced onion and butter. Cook gently until the onion softens and turns lightly golden, about five minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until tender and released their moisture, around seven to ten minutes.
- Build The Sauce:
- Pour in beef broth, drop in the bouillon cube, then sprinkle onion and garlic powders plus Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer and scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pan bottom. Mix cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl, then stir into the gravy. Keep stirring until it thickens, about one or two minutes.
- Simmer Patties In Sauce:
- Put the patties back into the skillet and nestle them in the mushroom gravy. Turn heat down, cover the pan, and let it all simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps patties soak up all those mushroom flavors.
- Dish Up And Enjoy:
- Pour plenty of mushroom sauce over the Salisbury steak. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a filling, comfy meal.

I once made Salisbury steak for a family get-together and was blown away when everyone asked for seconds. The taste of juicy patties in that savory mushroom sauce creates a dinner you won’t forget.
Smart Storage Tips
Keep any leftover patties and gravy in a sealed container in your fridge and they'll stay good for three days. Warm slowly on the stove over low heat and stir now and then to keep the gravy smooth. If you want to store longer, freeze the patties and gravy in separate containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up so everything stays nice and tender.
Ingredient Swaps
Try swapping beef for ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for new textures and flavors. Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crispier, lighter patty. Switch out mushrooms for cremini or portobello types to get a deeper, earthier mushroom taste.
Good Sides To Try
Classic creamy mashed potatoes soak up all that yummy mushroom sauce. Fresh steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a nice crisp contrast. Or go for buttery egg noodles tossed with parsley for a cozy diner-style feel.

This Salisbury steak melts on your tongue while the mushroom gravy leaves behind a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll keep going back to for its warm comfort and simple goodness.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How do I keep the patties tender and juicy?
Don't overmix the ingredients and avoid cooking the patties too long. Letting them simmer in the gravy also helps lock in moisture and taste.
- → Can I swap out the Italian breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs are a good swap and give a lighter feel, but they hold everything together just fine.
- → What sides go best with Salisbury steak for a full meal?
Steamed veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes all pair great with the rich mushroom sauce and beef patties for a well-rounded dinner.
- → How long do I cook the mushroom sauce?
Cook the mushrooms until soft, about 7 to 10 minutes. Then let the sauce simmer for a minute or two after adding the thickener until it’s nice and thick.
- → What makes the sauce so rich and tasty?
Starting with beef broth, adding Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onions, and fresh mushrooms give the sauce a deep, savory kick.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yep, you can cook the patties and sauce separately, then warm them up gently together right before serving to keep everything tasty.