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Close-up of old-fashioned Salisbury steak smothered in rich brown onion gravy, served with fresh thyme on top.

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

A classic comfort food, this old fashioned Salisbury steak recipe features tender beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom-onion gravy. A diner favorite made easy at home!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs Ground beef 80/20 for best juiciness
  • ½ cup Fresh breadcrumbs Absorbs moisture without being dense
  • ¼ cup Grated onion Adds moisture and flavor
  • 1 Large egg Helps bind the patties
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Deepens the umami flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Sea salt Adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Mustard powder Adds depth of flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika Gives color and mild spice
For the Gravy
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Adds richnessAdds richness
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Helps brown the mushrooms
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Sliced
  • 1 med Sweet onion Thinly sliced
  • 2 cups Beef broth Use low sodium if preferred
  • ¼ cup Heavy cream Makes the gravy silky
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (Optional) for color
  • 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour Helps thicken the gravy

Equipment

  • 1 Large cast iron skillet For perfect searing & even heating
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For mixing the patty ingredients
  • 1 Box grater For grating the onion
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring the gravy
  • 1 Whisk For smoothing out the gravy
  • 1 Measuring cups/spoons To measure ingredients accurately
  • 1 Ladle For serving the gravy

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika.
  2. Shape into oval patties (about 4-6) and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear patties until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  4. Remove patties from the pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, melt butter and add mushrooms. Cook until golden brown.
  6. Add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
  7. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute.
  8. Gradually add beef broth while stirring, followed by heavy cream and thyme.
  9. Stir in Kitchen Bouquet if using.
  10. Return the patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over them.
  11. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens and the patties are cooked through.
  12. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.