What's the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?

Salisbury steak contains fillers like breadcrumbs and eggs, and it's always served with gravy. Hamburger steak is typically just seasoned ground beef formed into a patty without fillers, usually served with various toppings instead of gravy.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture since turkey is leaner than beef. Also, consider using chicken stock instead of beef stock in the gravy for a more complementary flavor.

How do I know when my Salisbury steaks are done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 160°F when inserted into the thickest part of the patty. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into one patty—it should be browned throughout with no pink remaining.

My gravy has lumps! How can I fix it?

If you end up with lumps in your gravy, don't panic. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, return it to the pan, and continue with the recipe. To prevent lumps next time, make sure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is smooth before adding liquid, and whisk continuously as you add the stock.

Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe

Name: Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 375 grams mild Italian sausage (about ¾ lb), casings removed; 500 grams dried potato gnocchi (about 1 lb); 1½ cups tomato-based pasta sauce; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ cups chopped fresh spinach; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

This Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak transforms humble ground beef into a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. With juicy beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy, this classic comfort food delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn’t take hours to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Comfort Food: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that transform into something that tastes far more luxurious than its humble components suggest.
Family Favorite: The perfect balance of familiar flavors that both adults and kids will devour—no more cooking separate meals!
Complete Meal: Pair with simple sides for a well-rounded dinner that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen (when you really didn’t).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Steaks

Ground beef: The star of the show – lean ground beef provides structure while retaining enough fat for juicy patties.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs keep the meat tender and help bind everything together without making it dense.
Egg: Acts as the essential binding agent that prevents your steaks from falling apart during cooking.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory beef perfectly.
Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness and depth that elevates the meat mixture beyond basic meatloaf.
Dried oregano: This Mediterranean herb adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that works beautifully with beef.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your steaks aren’t bland.
Olive oil: For searing the patties and developing that irresistible golden crust.

For The Gravy

Butter: Creates the base for your roux and adds richness to the gravy.
Flour: Works with butter to thicken the gravy to that perfect, silky consistency.
Beef stock: The foundation of your gravy, providing deep, savory flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and tang to balance the richness.
Worcestershire sauce: This umami-packed ingredient is the secret to depth and complexity in your gravy.
Onion powder: Provides concentrated onion flavor without the texture of chopped onions.
Cremini mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms add meaty texture and savory flavor to the gravy.
Salt and pepper: Adjusts the seasoning to your perfect taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Salisbury steak? Here are some delicious alternatives:

Onion Lover’s Version: Add 1/2 cup finely diced onions to the meat mixture and substitute caramelized onions for the mushrooms in the gravy.
Cheese-Stuffed: Form each patty around a small piece of cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty center.
Italian-Style: Replace the oregano with Italian seasoning and add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the meat mixture.
Bacon Addition: Mix 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon into the patty mixture for a smoky flavor boost.

How to Make Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and kosher salt. Mix with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix or your steaks will be tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty about 3/4-inch thick. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Transfer to a plate—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later.

Step 4: Start the Gravy

In the same skillet with all those flavorful drippings, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until smooth with no lumps—this is your roux.

Step 5: Build the Gravy

Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder, whisking until well combined.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Simmer

Stir in the sliced mushrooms and let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Finish Cooking the Steaks

Return the partially cooked steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 8: Serve

Plate the steaks over mashed potatoes and spoon the mushroom gravy generously over the top. Add your favorite side vegetable and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently—overmixing will result in dense, tough patties.
Perfect Patty Shape: Use the lid of a jar to help form uniform patties if you’re having trouble getting them even.
Fond is Flavor: Those browned bits left in the pan after cooking the steaks are culinary gold—make sure to incorporate them into your gravy.
Thickness Matters: If your gravy gets too thick, add a splash more beef stock. Too thin? Let it simmer a few minutes longer.
Rest Before Serving: Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.

How to Serve

Salisbury steak practically demands creamy mashed potatoes as its partner! The smooth potatoes create the perfect base for soaking up that rich, mushroom gravy.

Classic Pairings:

Buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles make the ideal base
Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or peas provide color and nutrition
Dinner rolls or crusty bread for mopping up extra gravy

For a Complete Meal:

Try serving with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the main dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Salisbury steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices meld together.

Freezing

Uncooked Patties: Place shaped patties on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze for about 2 hours. Transfer to freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Cooked Dish: Allow to cool completely, then freeze the steaks with gravy in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. Alternatively, microwave individual portions at 70% power, stirring the gravy occasionally.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?

Salisbury steak contains fillers like breadcrumbs and eggs, and it’s always served with gravy. Hamburger steak is typically just seasoned ground beef formed into a patty without fillers, usually served with various toppings instead of gravy.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture since turkey is leaner than beef. Also, consider using chicken stock instead of beef stock in the gravy for a more complementary flavor.
How do I know when my Salisbury steaks are done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 160°F when inserted into the thickest part of the patty. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one patty—it should be browned throughout with no pink remaining.
My gravy has lumps! How can I fix it?

If you end up with lumps in your gravy, don’t panic. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, return it to the pan, and continue with the recipe. To prevent lumps next time, make sure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is smooth before adding liquid, and whisk continuously as you add the stock.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak recipe brings classic comfort food to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table fall silent for those first few bites—the ultimate compliment to any cook! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or something to impress weekend guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and watch it become a regular request in your household!