Go Back

Salisbury Steak with Savory Gravy

This dish features seasoned ground beef patties that are browned until crispy and then simmered in a rich, savory gravy with caramelized onions and herbs. The final dish has tender meat with crispy edges and a glossy, flavorful gravy that coats each bite, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef preferably 80% lean
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening gravy
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked for a subtle depth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Form the ground beef into four evenly-sized patties, then season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Place the patties in the hot skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and crispy on the edges.
  2. Remove the browned patties from the skillet and set aside. To the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and become soft, about 8 minutes, filling your kitchen with sweet, caramelized aroma.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken the gravy.
  4. Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Return the seared beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld and the meat stays tender.
  6. Uncover the skillet and give the gravy a quick taste—adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a thicker gravy, remove the patties and simmer the gravy uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, spooning the rich gravy and caramelized onions over the tender, crispy-edge patties. Pair with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides for a classic comfort meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy before serving.