Why You’ll Love this Homemade Salisbury Steak
While many folks might reach for frozen dinners when craving comfort food, this homemade Salisbury steak will completely change your perspective. The rich, savory mushroom gravy alone is worth the minimal effort, transforming simple ground beef into something truly restaurant-worthy.
I love how this recipe balances ease and elegance. With just common ingredients like ground beef, onions, and mushrooms, you’ll create tender, flavorful oval patties that practically melt in your mouth.
The splash of red wine? It adds that certain je ne sais quoi that elevates the entire dish.
Plus, can we talk about those leftovers? Even better the next day.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Salisbury Steak?
Creating the perfect Salisbury steak starts with gathering the right ingredients. This classic comfort food doesn’t require anything fancy or hard-to-find, which is exactly why it’s remained a family favorite for generations.
Most of what you’ll need is probably already sitting in your pantry or refrigerator, making this an ideal dinner option for those nights when you want something satisfying without a special trip to the grocery store.
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons grated onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (2 ounce) envelope mushroom gravy mix
- 1 (3-4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 tablespoons red wine (optional, but recommended)
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your ground beef makes a significant difference in the final dish.
I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for Salisbury steaks because the fat content helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
And while the recipe calls for canned mushrooms, which work perfectly well, you could certainly substitute fresh mushrooms if you have them on hand. Just sauté them first before adding to the gravy.
The red wine might seem like a fancy addition, but even an inexpensive bottle works wonders here, adding depth and richness to the gravy that transforms this humble dish into something special.
How to Make this Homemade Salisbury Steak
Making homemade Salisbury steak is surprisingly straightforward, and I’m always amazed at how a few simple steps transform humble ingredients into pure comfort food.
Start by combining 1½ pounds of ground beef, 2 tablespoons of grated onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dried marjoram, and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly, but don’t overwork the meat—nobody wants tough patties, right?
Once combined, divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape them into oval patties about ¾-inch thick, creating that classic Salisbury steak shape.
Now comes the cooking part. Position your oven rack so the patties will sit about 3 inches from the heat source, and turn on your broiler. Place those beautifully shaped patties under the broiler for about 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully flip them over and continue broiling for approximately 4 more minutes, or until they’re cooked to your desired doneness.
While the steaks are cooking, prepare the mushroom gravy according to the package directions. This is where the magic happens—stir in the drained can of sliced mushrooms and, if you’re feeling fancy (and you should), add those 2 tablespoons of red wine. The wine isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds this wonderful depth that takes the gravy from good to “what’s in this amazing sauce?”
For even more effortless cooking and mixing, consider investing in a premium stand mixer that can handle everything from meat mixing to mashed potatoes with consistent results.
Once everything’s ready, it’s time for the grand finale. Pour that rich, mushroom-studded gravy over your Salisbury steak patties and serve them alongside some creamy mashed potatoes—the perfect vessel for catching any extra gravy.
The recipe serves six people, though in my house, leftovers are never guaranteed. There’s something about that savory meat swimming in mushroom gravy that makes everyone reach for seconds. And honestly, watching that gravy pool around the patties and potatoes might be one of life’s simple culinary pleasures.
Homemade Salisbury Steak Substitutions and Variations
Although the classic Salisbury steak recipe I’ve shared is delicious as-is, there’s plenty of room to customize it based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
Want to lighten things up? Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can swap the mushroom gravy for onion gravy, or add different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of marjoram.
No wine on hand? A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds similar depth. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch to thicken your gravy rather than flour-based gravy mix.
I’m partial to adding caramelized onions and a bit of provolone on top. Divine, right?
What to Serve with Homemade Salisbury Steak
Three classic sides make Salisbury steak shine as a complete meal worth savoring.
I always recommend starting with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re perfect for soaking up that rich mushroom gravy. Can you imagine a more comforting combination?
Steamed vegetables add much-needed color and vitality. Buttery green beans, bright carrots, or tender broccoli all work beautifully against the savory meat patties.
For a true diner experience, don’t forget a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette.
The crisp lettuce provides a revitalizing contrast to the hearty steak and potatoes. Trust me, this trio creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Salisbury steak recipe transforms humble ground beef into something truly special for your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of grated onions and marjoram creates a depth of flavor that elevates these patties beyond ordinary burgers.
I love how versatile this classic comfort food can be. Need a quick meal? These cook up in just minutes under the broiler.
Want to impress company without breaking the bank? The mushroom wine gravy makes it seem much fancier than its simple ingredients suggest.
Isn’t it amazing how some recipes stand the test of time? There’s a reason Salisbury steak remains a beloved American classic.
