“`html
If you’re craving a comforting, mouthwatering dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy ground beef patties seasoned just right and smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy come together quickly, making weeknight dinners a total breeze yet impressively satisfying. It’s a classic that never goes out of style, delivering that nostalgic comfort food vibe while staying incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe. Each component plays a star role—giving this dish its savory depth, comforting texture, and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The heart of our patties, lean to keep them juicy but not greasy.
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs: Provides structure and a tender bite to the patties.
- 2 teaspoons ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Brings a mild, zesty note that brightens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami complexity throughout.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory backdrop without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle onion aroma for richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all flavors.
- 2 packets brown gravy mix: The quick shortcut to that luscious, gravy heaven topping.
- 2 cups hot water: To bring the gravy to perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ketchup (for gravy): Adds a slight tang to deepen the brown gravy’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): Adds savory richness to the gravy’s base.
- Olive oil for cooking: Helps brown the patties beautifully without sticking.
How to Make Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—you want the mixture uniform, but don’t overwork it to keep the patties tender. Then shape this mixture into four evenly sized oval patties, perfect for cooking and serving.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook them until they develop a gorgeous brown crust on both sides and are cooked through with no pink remaining inside. This step locks in flavor and creates that signature rich taste you’re after with this Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Savory Gravy
While the patties cook, whisk together the brown gravy mix and hot water in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor lift. This quick homemade gravy base is what makes the dish truly comforting.
Step 4: Simmer Patties in Gravy
Lower the skillet heat to low, then pour the prepared gravy over the browned patties. Let them gently simmer in the gravy, which allows the patties to soak up that luscious sauce while the gravy thickens to a perfect, velvety finish. This step is where everything comes together beautifully.
How to Serve Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe

Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. These vibrant green herbs brighten the rich, savory notes of the dish and make your plates look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
The real magic happens when you pair your Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even steamed green beans. The gravy acts like a sauce that ties everything together, making each bite a comforting, hearty experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the patties open-faced on toasted bread or English muffins, spoon the gravy generously over, and add melted cheese for a Salisbury steak melt. You can also pile it over a bed of buttery rice or roasted vegetables for an easy one-skillet meal that feels special in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish tastes great reheated the next day. Store leftover patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep all those flavors fresh and tender.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe, place the cooled patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to three months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen overnight, then warm the patties and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly to ensure the patties remain juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use a gluten-free brown gravy mix to keep the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten without compromising flavor.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer a bit longer on low heat, stirring frequently. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in to thicken quickly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. The gravy is easiest to make fresh, but leftover gravy can also be stored and warmed later.
What sides go best with Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. These balance the savory richness of the steak and gravy perfectly for a complete, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe is everything you want in a quick, comforting dinner that feels like a special occasion any night of the week. With its easy preparation, familiar flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait to try it—your taste buds will thank you!
“`
Print
Simple Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Salisbury Steak recipe offers a classic comfort food experience with juicy ground beef patties topped with a rich, flavorful brown gravy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps to create a satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gravy
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: Combine all patty ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated. Divide the mixture and shape into 4 even patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook, flipping occasionally, until they are browned on both sides and no longer pink inside, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make the Gravy: Reduce the heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix with hot water until completely smooth. Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to blend all flavors evenly.
- Simmer Patties in Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy over the cooked patties in the skillet. Allow it to simmer gently until the gravy is heated through and has thickened to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions to the patties or gravy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Ensure the gravy is fully heated and thickened before serving for the best texture.