Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy (Homestyle Skillet Version)

by

Serves: 4–6

Rich, savory, tender, and perfect with mashed potatoes or rice.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salisbury Steak Patties

  • 1½ lbs (700 g) ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, very finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for frying)

For the Onion Gravy

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (warm)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional but adds deep color)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon thyme or parsley (optional)

Optional Serving Sides

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Rice or egg noodles
  • Steamed green beans or peas

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Make the Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Mix gently—do not overwork or the patties will be tough.

Form into oval or round patties, about ½–¾ inch thick.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add patties and cook 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
They do NOT need to be fully cooked yet.

Remove patties and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft, golden, and slightly caramelized.

This step is key for flavor.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, and thyme.

Let gravy simmer until thick and glossy, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Patties

Return patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over the top.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, until patties are tender and fully cooked.

Taste and adjust salt if needed.

SERVING

Serve hot over mashed potatoes with extra gravy poured on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

TIPS FOR EXTRA FLAVOR

  • Use beef broth, not water—huge difference
  • Add mushrooms to the gravy for a steakhouse version
  • A splash of cream makes the gravy extra silky
  • Let patties rest in the gravy—flavor gets better

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

  • Breadcrumbs + milk = juicy patties
  • Onion gravy builds deep umami flavor
  • Simmering keeps the meat tender
  • One-pan comfort food perfection

Leave a Comment