Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy (Cozy, Savory & Family-Style Dinner!)

This Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is old-fashioned comfort food at its very best, tender, flavorful beef patties simmered in a rich homemade onion gravy until juicy, cozy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something hearty but simple, and it pairs beautifully with cozy sides like Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, or a fresh Broccoli Bacon Salad

For a full comfort-food spread, serve it alongside Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts or pair it with Honey-Glazed Carrots. Warm, savory, and satisfying, it’s a timeless family dinner that always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This

• Tender, juicy Salisbury steaks smothered in rich onion gravy

• Classic comfort food with deep, savory flavor

• Filling, satisfying meal made with simple pantry ingredients

• Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weeknights

Recipe Card

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Total: 40 minutes Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85–90% lean)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: splash of cream for richness

Instructions

1. Make the Patties

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4–6 oval patties.

2. Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear patties 2–3 minutes per side until browned (they will finish cooking in the gravy). Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Onions

Add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook 7–9 minutes until golden and softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

4. Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking until smooth. Add Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Patties Back

Nestle patties into the gravy. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until patties are fully cooked and the gravy thickens.

6. Serve

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies.

Ways to Serve

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread

• Green Bean Almondine

• Classic Caesar Salad

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes — substitute ground turkey and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.

Why are my patties falling apart?

Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg. Mix gently — overmixing makes them crumbly.

Can I make the gravy creamier?

Yes! Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. It reheats very well — the flavors deepen overnight.

How do I thicken the gravy more?

Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp cold water).

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes — sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a mushroom-onion gravy.

Conclusion

This Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is everything comfort food should be — hearty, cozy, savory, and simple enough for weeknights but good enough for Sunday dinner. With juicy beef patties and rich homemade gravy, it’s a family-friendly meal that always hits the spot. Once you try this version, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!