A homestyle Salisbury steak that transforms ground beef into a satisfying meal with rich brown gravy.
The secret to this recipe is handling the meat gently and getting a good sear.
Essential Ingredients Selection
- Ground Beef: 80/20 for juicy patties
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh preferred over dried
- Beef Broth: Low sodium allows control
- Onions: Yellow or sweet varieties work best
- Worcestershire: Adds depth to meat and gravy
Detailed Steps
- Patty Formation (10 minutes):
- Mix ingredients just until combined. Shape without compressing. Make center slightly thinner. Let rest before cooking.
- Searing Technique (8 minutes):
- Heat pan until very hot. Don't move patties for first 3 minutes. Check for golden crust. Flip only once.
- Gravy Making (10 minutes):
- Cook onions until golden. Whisk flour smoothly. Add liquids gradually. Simmer until thickened.
- Final Cooking (12 minutes):
- Return patties to gravy. Spoon sauce over meat. Check seasoning. Watch internal temperature.
Perfect gravy starts with well-browned onions. Patience here makes all the difference.
Temperature Guide
Cook patties to 160°F.
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape patties early, chill until needed.
Gravy Rescue
Strain if lumpy, whisk in hot broth.
This comfort dish reminds me of Sunday family dinners. The key is treating both the meat and gravy with equal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, prepare up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on stovetop with extra broth if needed.
- → What sides go well with this?
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice with green vegetables.
- → Can I use ground turkey?
- Yes, though gravy may need extra seasoning as turkey has less flavor.
- → How do I prevent tough patties?
- Don't overmix the meat mixture and avoid pressing patties while cooking.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.