Simple Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy

If you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for comfort food that doesn’t take all day to prepare, then you’re going to love this Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but it’s also easy and quick to make. And trust me, once you make it, you’ll be making it again and again.

Growing up, Salisbury steak was one of those meals that my mom would throw together for a weeknight dinner. It was always a hit—simple, delicious, and filling. The best part? It was a one-pan meal that didn’t require a lot of time or ingredients, making it perfect for busy nights. So, I thought, why not recreate that same warmth and satisfaction in my own kitchen? And now, I’m here to share it with you!

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so special. First of all, the Salisbury steaks themselves are juicy and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. Then, there’s the brown gravy—rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible. The combination is pure comfort in every bite. And the best part is, it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or techniques. It’s straightforward, simple cooking at its finest.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need. Nothing too complicated here, just the basics to make this meal shine.

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 pound ground beef (I recommend 80/20 for the juiciest steaks)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (These help hold the patties together)
• 1/4 cup milk (Milk adds moisture to the patties)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (Adds sweetness and flavor)
• 1 egg (Helps bind everything together)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Gives the beef that savory umami flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (For a little extra punch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Season to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For a bit of spice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (For cooking the steaks)

For the Brown Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth (I recommend low-sodium for a balanced flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (To thicken the gravy)
• 2 tablespoons butter (For a rich, smooth texture)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (We’re using onion again to deepen the flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Yes, more garlic—it’s essential)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Season it just right)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (A pinch of pepper for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (It adds depth to the gravy)

How to Make Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy

Step 1: Form the Salisbury Steaks

First up, let’s start by making the patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Now, I know mixing raw meat isn’t the most glamorous task, but trust me, it’s worth it. I always use my hands to mix it all together. It might feel a little weird at first, but you’ll get everything well incorporated, and the patties will hold together perfectly when you cook them.

Once the mixture is all mixed up, divide it into four equal portions and shape them into oval patties. You don’t have to worry about them being perfectly shaped—just keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking!), carefully add the patties to the skillet. They should sizzle right away, which is a good sign!

Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want them to get nicely browned on both sides. Once they’re golden and cooked through, transfer them to a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm. Don’t clean the skillet just yet, because all that flavor left behind is going to be the base of our amazing gravy.

Step 3: Make the Brown Gravy

Now that the patties are resting, it’s time to make the gravy. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and letting it melt. As the butter melts, be sure to scrape up any bits of beef that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor, so we definitely want to incorporate them into the gravy.

Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it softens and becomes fragrant. The onion will give the gravy a nice, sweet flavor that balances out the savory beef.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it constantly. The flour will thicken the gravy, so make sure to cook it for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste. After that, slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. This is when things start to come together—watch as the gravy thickens into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Now, add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up just the way you want it. If the gravy gets too thick, don’t worry! You can always add a little more broth to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine the Steaks and Gravy

Once your gravy has reached the perfect consistency, it’s time to add the patties back into the skillet. Place the Salisbury steaks into the gravy and spoon some of that rich sauce over the top of each patty. Let them simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

When you’re ready to serve, you’ll have juicy, flavorful Salisbury steaks smothered in brown gravy. It’s as simple as that!

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce: It’s a key ingredient for both the steaks and the gravy. It adds so much savory depth to the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning: I always recommend tasting the gravy before serving and adjusting the seasoning if needed. Add a little more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce until it’s just right for you.
• Beef broth matters: If you can, use a high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium versions are a great option to control the salt content.
• Make extra gravy: Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much gravy. Make a little extra so you can drizzle it over your sides, too!

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak

Now that the main dish is taken care of, let’s talk sides. This meal is great with all sorts of comforting side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes. The creamy, buttery texture is the perfect match for the rich gravy. Serve it alongside your Salisbury steaks, and you’ve got a classic combo.

2. Rice

Another option that goes wonderfully with the gravy is rice. Whether you prefer white rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful pilaf, rice will soak up all that delicious sauce.

3. Roasted Vegetables

For a little balance, you can roast some veggies like carrots, green beans, or broccoli. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory steaks and gravy.

4. Egg Noodles

If you’re in the mood for pasta, egg noodles are a fantastic choice. They’re simple, affordable, and great at soaking up all that delicious gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy is everything you want in a comfort meal: hearty, filling, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, no matter what kind of day you’re having. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow weekend dinner, this recipe is here to make your life a little easier and a lot more delicious.

I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s become a regular in my kitchen, and I know it will be a hit in yours too. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the amazing flavors that come together in this easy, one-pan meal.

Happy cooking!