The classics are always the best, and this delicious and easy recipe has been around forever! Juicy beef patties covered in rich gravy and served with mashed potatoes. What could be better?
I often wondered about how Salisbury Steak ever came to be. After all, it's not really a steak, more like a fancy hamburger. It turns out Doctor James Salisbury is responsible for the creation in the 1800s. He observed soldiers taking a long time to recover from war wounds as they had a protein deficiency in their diets. He added chunks of chopped beef and this provided more nutrition and healthier soldiers.
Today it's still with us and on many menus. Best Salisbury steak would fit well in the same classic comfort food category as meatloaf and chicken pot pie. It's definitely not the prettiest food around but makes up for it in flavor. Thick juicy beef patties spiced with garlic, dried thyme, and onion are cooked in a pan and then covered in rich brown gravy. Any Salisbury steak should definitely be served with buttery whipped potatoes and even more gravy poured over. You can also top it with gravy of your choice like mushroom gravy.
This is an absolutely delicious good recipe a classic comfort food that caters to picky eaters. The great recipe prepares comfort food that the whole family would enjoy.
What you'll need for this best homemade recipe
- Saltine crackers- Breadcrumbs can be substituted but the saltines have a unique flavor.
- Ground beef- I don't like to go too lean on the beef or it lacks flavor. A 70/30 ratio is what I like to use.
- Garlic (powder is best)
- Dried thyme
- Beef stock
- Onion
- Flour- All-purpose works perfectly
- Ketchup
- Worcester sauce
- Soy sauce
How to make Salisbury steak
1. Place a non stick pan over a medium heat and warm the oil. Place the formed beef patties into the oil and let them cook for about 4 minutes depending on the thickness of the patties.
2. Flip the beef patties over and repeat on the other side until well seared. A thermometer should read 160 degrees F on the inside.
3. Make the gravy by sautéing the diced onion and adding the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir well. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and stock gradually whisking all the time to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes and the gravy has thickened.
Recipe FAQ's
Can I just use hamburger patties? No, the seasoning is different and store bough patties are usually much thinner than a Salisbury steak patty.
What's the difference between a Salisbury steak and a hamburger? A Salisbury steak ingredients has more fillers. A hamburger usually only has fewer ingredients.
So Salisbury steak is just like meatloaf? They are similar although meatloaf is served in slices and has ketchup on top whereas it is always covered in brown gravy. The onion and mushroom gravy could also be an option.
Why is it okay to eat pink steak but not pink ground beef? If a solid piece of steak carries any bacteria, it will be on the outside and destroyed when cooked. When meat is ground up, that same bacteria can enter the inside of the hamburger and hide where it won't be fully cooked if you like your burgers rare.
