Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

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Rich, savory, and incredibly comforting—Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. The juicy, seasoned beef patties are seared to perfection, then simmered in a velvety mushroom-infused gravy that brings everything together. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavors, with tender meat and earthy mushrooms swimming in a luxurious sauce.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish feels like a warm embrace on a plate. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of that irresistible gravy. Once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never want to settle for a frozen version again.

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Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with flavor and texture, this dish makes a comforting main course that’s perfect for any season.
• Simple to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance, it comes together quickly with basic ingredients.
• Versatile: You can customize the seasonings and serve it with a variety of side dishes.
• Family Favorite: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a staple for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The patties and gravy can be prepared in advance, making weeknight cooking even easier.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of beef, mushrooms, garlic, and a rich gravy creates a well-rounded, mouthwatering taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef to create an elegant meal.
• Freezer Friendly: Leftovers freeze beautifully for future meals.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Crafting the perfect Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy begins with a well-prepared kitchen and the right tools at your disposal. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is essential:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ground beef mixture. A large bowl gives you enough room to mix without overworking the meat.
• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Ideal for searing the steaks and building rich flavors. The heavy pan ensures even browning and helps develop the fond (the delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan) that forms the base of the gravy.
• Spatula or Tongs: To easily flip the steaks without breaking them.
• Whisk: Essential for making a smooth, lump-free gravy.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing mushrooms and finely chopping onions or herbs.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure balanced seasoning and consistent results.

Having these tools ready makes the process seamless and ensures each step— from forming the patties to building the gravy— is executed with ease and precision.

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Preparation Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Gently combine the beef mixture until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
• Form Uniform Patties: Shaping them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) ensures even cooking.
• Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the patties. This gives them a delicious crust and locks in juices.
• Slice Mushrooms Evenly: Uniform slices cook more evenly, giving your gravy a balanced texture.
• Deglaze the Pan: After searing the steaks, deglaze with broth or wine to lift all those flavor-packed bits into the gravy.
• Simmer Gently: Let the patties simmer in the gravy so they soak up the rich flavor without drying out.

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Ingredients for this Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

These simple pantry staples come together to create a rich, savory dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Fresh mushrooms and good-quality beef broth are key to achieving that deep, luscious flavor in the gravy.

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Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until all ingredients are just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.

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Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty about ½ inch thick. Place them on a plate or tray and set aside while you prepare your pan.

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Step 3: Sear the Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until well-browned. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking in the gravy. Transfer the patties to a plate.

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Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and softened. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

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Step 5: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushrooms. Stir to coat the mushrooms evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to create a smooth gravy. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Step 6: Simmer the Patties in Gravy

Return the seared patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally spooning gravy over the patties, until they are fully cooked through and tender.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the patties are cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

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Notes

• Beef Selection: Using an 80/20 ground beef blend yields juicy, flavorful patties. Leaner beef can be used but may result in drier steaks.
• Make It Ahead: You can shape the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The gravy also reheats beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch slurry instead of flour for the gravy.
• Extra Rich Gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end for a more decadent sauce.
• Layered Flavor: A splash of dry red wine can be used to deglaze the pan after searing the patties, adding depth to the gravy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Meat: This can lead to tough patties. Mix gently just until combined.
• Skipping the Fond: The browned bits left after searing the patties are crucial for flavor. Be sure to deglaze and incorporate them into the gravy.
• Cooking on Too High Heat: Simmer the patties gently in the gravy. Cooking too hot can cause the gravy to thicken too quickly or the patties to dry out.
• Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust your gravy before serving to ensure a balanced, savory flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the patties in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Not Letting Gravy Thicken: Give the gravy time to simmer and thicken naturally. Rushing this step will yield a thin sauce.
• Uneven Patties: Shape the patties to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
• Burning the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, watch the heat to prevent bitterness from burnt garlic.

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What to Serve With Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

The rich and savory flavors of Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you want something light and fresh or hearty and comforting, here are some great options:

8 Recommendations

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A classic pairing—perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious mushroom gravy.

2. Buttered Egg Noodles

Tender egg noodles provide a comforting base and allow the gravy to shine.

3. Steamed Green Beans

A fresh, crisp side that adds a pop of color and balances the richness of the dish.

4. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with garlic complements the savory beef and mushrooms with a nutty, caramelized flavor.

5. Rice Pilaf

Light and fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the gravy well and offers a subtly flavored backdrop.

6. Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender carrots offer a touch of brightness and color to the plate.

7. Cauliflower Mash

A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is creamy and mild, pairing beautifully with the dish.

8. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for mopping up the extra gravy—simple and always satisfying.

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Storage Instructions

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely. Store patties and gravy together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 25–28 g
• Fat: 30–35 g
• Carbohydrates: 12–15 g
• Fiber: 1–2 g
• Sugar: 2–3 g
• Sodium: 700–900 mg

Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For more precise information, consider using a nutrition calculator based on your specific products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version. You may want to add a little extra olive oil or butter to maintain juiciness.

2. What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms are excellent choices. You can also use a mix of wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.

3. Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape the patties up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge.

4. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water until the desired thickness is reached.

5. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce, tamari, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar umami boost.

6. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes. Both the patties and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.

8. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Using the correct ratio of egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the patties. Also, chilling them for 10–15 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape.

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Conclusion

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is the kind of dish that brings comfort to your table with its savory flavors, tender beef patties, and silky mushroom gravy. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for guests. Plus, with its versatility and make-ahead convenience, it can easily become a trusted favorite in your recipe rotation. Once you try it homemade, it’s bound to be on repeat in your kitchen!

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