The rich, savory aroma of Salisbury steak cooking on the stove is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As the patties sizzle in the pan, the sound is like a promise of comfort and flavor to come. What makes this dish truly unforgettable, though, is the gravy. Thick, smooth, and bursting with the savory essence of beef, it wraps around each bite of the steak like a warm hug. The onions, caramelized to perfection, add a touch of sweetness that balances out the richness, while the subtle depth of seasonings brings everything together. If you’ve ever had a craving for a dish that feels like home, Salisbury steak and gravy will definitely hit the spot. It’s not just about the flavors, but the experience of savoring each bite, letting the comforting warmth of the dish take over. And don’t forget – the leftovers? They’re just as delicious, making this a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Key Ingredients in Salisbury Steak And Gravy
To create a dish that’s truly comforting and packed with flavor, each ingredient plays an essential role. From the savory beef patties to the rich gravy that ties it all together, every component enhances the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
* Ground beef
The star of the dish, providing the savory, juicy base for the patties. It’s important to use ground beef with a bit of fat to ensure the steaks stay tender and flavorful.
* Breadcrumbs
These little guys help bind the ground beef together, giving the patties structure and a slightly airy texture. They also soak up the moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy.
* Milk
Adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs, creating a smooth, easy-to-shape mixture. It also contributes to the tenderness of the patties.
* Onion, finely chopped
Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich depth of flavor to the steaks. A little goes a long way in bringing that familiar comforting taste to the dish.
* Egg
The egg acts as a binder, helping hold the ingredients together and ensuring the patties don’t fall apart while cooking.
* Salt
Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat. A pinch of salt enhances every ingredient and makes the dish more savory.
* Black pepper
Adds a subtle heat and a hint of spice, balancing the richness of the beef and gravy.
* Worcestershire sauce
This umami-packed ingredient brings a depth of flavor to the patties. It’s tangy, savory, and just a little bit sweet, making it a key element in achieving that classic Salisbury steak taste.
* Olive oil
Used for frying the patties, olive oil adds a mild richness and ensures the meat cooks evenly without sticking to the pan.
* Beef broth
The foundation of the gravy, beef broth gives it that deep, savory flavor. It’s the base that ties everything together into a smooth and velvety sauce.
* All-purpose flour
This helps thicken the gravy, turning the broth into a rich, luscious sauce that clings to every bite of steak.
* Butter
A must for making the gravy extra smooth and velvety. It adds a rich, silky texture and rounds out the flavor.
* Garlic powder
A dash of garlic powder provides a subtle warmth and a little aromatic boost to the gravy, giving it a deeper flavor profile.
* Onion powder
Along with fresh onions, onion powder adds an extra layer of savory goodness, enhancing the overall savory notes of the dish.
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in building the comforting, flavorful dish that is Salisbury steak and gravy. When combined, they come together to create a meal that feels like a hug in every bite.
How to Make Salisbury Steak and Gravy
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated.
2. Once the mixture is fully combined, divide it into 4 equal portions.
3. Shape each portion into a patty, pressing down slightly in the center to create a small indentation. This helps the patties cook evenly.
4. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until both sides are browned and crispy.
6. After both sides are browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
8. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This will help thicken the gravy later.
9. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
10. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
11. Once the gravy has thickened, add the garlic powder and onion powder, stirring to combine.
12. Return the patties to the skillet, gently nestling them into the gravy so they can soak up all the flavors.
13. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the patties in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through.
14. Once the patties are fully cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
15. Serve the Salisbury steaks with the gravy spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions for Salisbury Steak And Gravy
– Mashed potatoes: There’s nothing quite like a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy. The fluffy potatoes complement the rich, savory steak perfectly, making every bite an indulgent experience. Add a little extra butter and a sprinkle of chives for a burst of freshness!
– Steamed vegetables: Pair your Salisbury steak with some steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots for a pop of color and a light, crisp contrast to the hearty dish. The mild sweetness of the veggies balances the richness of the steak and gravy, keeping the meal perfectly rounded.
– Buttered bread: A warm slice of buttered bread is the ultimate side to mop up any leftover gravy. Whether you go for a crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls, this simple addition will never disappoint. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop of that gravy behind!
How to Store Salisbury Steak and Gravy
When you make a dish as comforting as Salisbury steak and gravy, you’re going to want to savor it more than once. Luckily, this dish stores wonderfully, so you can enjoy those rich flavors all week long! Here are a few easy ways to store it while maintaining that just-cooked goodness:
– In the refrigerator:
If you have leftovers, place the Salisbury steak and gravy in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the steaks juicy and the gravy flavorful, just like the first time you tasted it.
– Freezing for later:
For longer storage, you can freeze your Salisbury steak and gravy. Cool the dish completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. This will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
– Reheating:
Whether you’re reheating from the fridge or freezer, always heat the Salisbury steak and gravy over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to make sure the gravy doesn’t separate, and add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy gets too thick during reheating.
Now you can enjoy this comforting dish even after it’s left the stovetop!
Conclusion
And there you have it—Salisbury steak and gravy, a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor with every bite! From the savory, juicy beef patties to the rich, velvety gravy, it’s a meal that truly feels like home. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or revisiting it as an old favorite, this recipe is sure to make your kitchen smell like comfort and good times.
Feel free to print out this recipe and save it for when you need a little dose of coziness. And if you try it, I’d absolutely love to hear how it goes! Drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions or need any help along the way. Happy cooking, and I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Salisbury Steak And Gravy
Description
Savory Salisbury Steak is a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, formed into hearty patties, seared to a perfect golden brown, and smothered in rich, flavorful gravy. Each bite is comfort food at its finest, warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well incorporated.
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Once the mixture is fully combined, divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions.
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Shape each portion into a patty, pressing down slightly in the center to make a small indentation.
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Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
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Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned.
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After both sides are browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
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Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
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Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Continue whisking until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Once the gravy has thickened, add the garlic powder and onion powder, stirring to combine.
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Return the patties to the skillet, gently nestling them into the gravy.
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Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the patties in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through.
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Once the patties are fully cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
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Serve the Salisbury steaks with the gravy spooned over the top.
Note
- To ensure the patties hold together, be sure not to overmix the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions in the skillet before adding the beef patties.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more flour to the roux or reduce the broth a bit longer.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the patties (160°F) to ensure they are fully cooked.
