Introduction
Salisbury steak is a true comfort food classic, combining juicy ground beef patties with a rich, flavorful onion-infused sauce. If you’re looking for one of the very best Salisbury steak recipes, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is easy to follow, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a flavorful ground beef dish shaped into oval patties, browned, and simmered in a savory gravy. It’s similar to a hamburger steak but with a richer sauce. This dish was created by Dr. James Salisbury in the 1800s as a high-protein meal, and it has remained a beloved comfort food ever since.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this amazing dish:
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1–3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 cup water
3. Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Rich Flavor: French onion soup adds depth to the sauce.
- Juicy Patties: The breadcrumbs and egg help maintain moisture.
- Perfect Balance: The combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder creates a well-rounded flavor.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix 1/3 cup of condensed French onion soup with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into six oval patties.
Brown the Patties:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties on both sides.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, blend flour with the remaining French onion soup until smooth.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and water.
Cook the Steaks:
- Pour the sauce over the patties in the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5. How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent tough patties.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better moisture retention.
- Brown the patties well before simmering for a richer flavor.
6. The Secret to a Flavorful Sauce
- Use French onion soup for an umami-packed base.
- Worcestershire sauce adds depth and enhances the beefy flavor.
- A touch of mustard powder rounds out the sauce.
7. What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
Pair your steak with:
- Mashed potatoes (for the ultimate comfort food experience)
- Steamed vegetables (such as green beans or carrots)
- Buttered noodles (for a hearty meal)
- Garlic bread (to soak up the delicious sauce)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the patties – They should be tender, not dry.
- Skipping the browning step – This locks in the flavor.
- Using too much flour in the sauce – Keep it smooth and not too thick.
9. Tips for Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze patties and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
10. Variations and Customizations
- Turkey Salisbury Steak: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes for some heat.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh onions instead of canned soup?
Yes! Sauté finely chopped onions and mix them with beef broth for a homemade touch.
2. What’s the best type of ground beef to use?
An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) provides the best juiciness and flavor.
3. Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate the patties and sauce separately, then cook when ready.
4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch instead of flour.
5. What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?
Salisbury steak includes breadcrumbs and seasonings, while hamburger steak is just seasoned beef.
Conclusion
This one of the very best Salisbury steak recipes delivers an easy, satisfying meal packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!