Why You’ll Love Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe

It’s simple and straightforward — just a few basic ingredients.
The patties are juicy and flavorful, and the gravy adds a delicious, homey touch.
It’s perfect to serve over mashed potatoes (or your favorite side) for a filling, satisfying meal.
A great weeknight option that doesn’t require fancy techniques.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Patties:

Ground beef
Bread crumbs
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Seasoning salt

Gravy:

Oil
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Water
Brown gravy mix
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup

Directions

In a large mixing bowl combine all the patty ingredients. Form into 4 patties.
Heat a greased skillet over medium‑low heat and cook the patties about 5 minutes on each side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage — you’ll finish them in the gravy.
Remove the patties from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add the oil (if needed), then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2‑3 minutes until tender and translucent.
Add the water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Whisk in the brown gravy mix until smooth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
Return the patties to the skillet, spoon the gravy over them, reduce heat to low, cover, and let them simmer 2‑3 minutes so they finish cooking and absorb the gravy flavor.
Serve the patties with the gravy spooned on top — ideal over mashed potatoes and a vegetable or salad on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or turkey for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
Replace the brown gravy mix with homemade beef gravy (beef stock + flour) for a less processed version.
Stir in some fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) into the patties or garnish on top.
Use gluten‑free bread crumbs and gravy mix if you’re avoiding gluten.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Let cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3‑4 days.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
To freeze: Place cooled patties and gravy in freezer‑safe container and freeze for up to 2‑3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make sure the patties don’t fall apart?

Make sure the meat mixture is well‑combined, and you can optionally add 1 egg as a binder if the mixture seems too loose. Also avoid over‑handling the patties when forming.

Can I use a different ground meat instead of beef?

Yes — ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a mix can be used. Keep in mind cook times and fat content may vary.

Can I make the gravy from scratch instead of using a mix?

Absolutely. Use beef broth, some flour or cornstarch, sautéed onions/garlic, and seasonings to make a homemade gravy if you prefer.

What side dishes go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes are classic. You could also serve over rice, egg noodles, or with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad.

Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?

You can mix the patties and form them ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook. The gravy is best made fresh.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with a dash of soy sauce and a little apple cider vinegar or a bit of balsamic to mimic the tangy‑savory flavor.

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

If the gravy is too runny, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water (a slurry) and stir into the simmering gravy until it reaches the desired thickness.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stove?

Yes — you could brown the patties in a skillet, then transfer to a baking dish, pour the gravy over, and bake at about 350 °F (175 °C) for 10‑15 minutes to finish cooking.

Is this recipe kid‑friendly?

Yes — the flavors are familiar and mild, and it’s easy to serve with kid‑approved sides like mashed potatoes. You can reduce or omit seasoning salt if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — use gluten‑free bread crumbs and choose a gluten‑free brown gravy mix, or make your own gravy with gluten‑free flour.

Conclusion

This easy Salisbury steak recipe offers all the comfort of classic home cooking with minimal fuss. Juicy beef patties simmered in rich gravy, ready in about half an hour, make it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying and hearty. Try making it for your next dinner — serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for a crowd‑pleasing meal.

Easy Salisbury Steak