Salisbury steak, a cherished dish in American cuisine, is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of culinary history. Originating in the 19th century, it was named after Dr. James H. Salisbury, who recommended a diet high in lean meat for its health benefits. This dish, a sophisticated cousin of the hamburger, consists of ground beef patties seasoned and shaped, then smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Its simplicity, combined with deep, comforting flavors, has cemented Salisbury steak’s status as a beloved comfort food across generations. It embodies the essence of home cooking, offering warmth and satisfaction with each bite.
What Is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a variation of the Hamburg steak, which itself is an ancestor of the modern hamburger. Made from a blend of ground beef and other ingredients, then smothered in a thick, savory gravy, Salisbury steak is named after James H. Salisbury, a doctor who advocated for a meat-centered diet. The key to its deliciousness lies in the combination of simple, yet flavorful ingredients.
For those looking to pair this dish with the perfect side, consider exploring perfect mashed potatoes for a classic accompaniment.
Salisbury Steak Recipe Overview
Creating a mouthwatering Salisbury steak requires a few key ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Condensed French onion soup
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, mustard powder
- Flour
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
The process involves forming the meat mixture into patties, browning them, and then simmering in a rich gravy. For those interested in enhancing their meal with nutritious vegetable sides, consider adding nutritious vegetable sides to your menu.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Ingredients List
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 can of condensed French onion soup
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Patty Formation: Begin by combining the ground beef with half of the condensed French onion soup, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and form the mixture into oval-shaped patties.
- Browning Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until they’re nicely browned on both sides. Remove the patties and set aside, draining any excess fat from the skillet.
- Gravy Preparation: In the same skillet, combine the remaining French onion soup, flour, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a gravy.
- Final Cooking Steps: Return the browned patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through. The gravy should be rich and thick, coating the patties generously.
Serving Suggestions
Salisbury steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Mashed potatoes offer a creamy, smooth texture that complements the rich gravy. Creamed peas add a touch of sweetness and color, while glazed carrots bring a slight tang and crunch. For those who prefer grains, rice pilaf is an aromatic option that absorbs the gravy’s flavors beautifully. Don’t forget the dinner rolls; they’re perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy on your plate, ensuring not a drop of deliciousness goes to waste.
Storage Tips
To store leftover Salisbury steak, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Community Tips and Praise
The Allrecipes community loves this Salisbury steak recipe for its simplicity and flavor. Many suggest making extra gravy, as it’s a hit on both the steak and mashed potatoes. Others recommend adding a bit more onion soup to the mix for an even richer gravy. The consensus is clear: this recipe is a keeper. It’s hailed as a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make, with several home cooks noting it’s become a regular in their meal rotation.
FAQs
What makes Salisbury steak different from hamburger steak?
- The main difference lies in the preparation and serving. Salisbury steak is seasoned with various ingredients and served with gravy, whereas hamburger steak is typically just seasoned ground beef, sometimes served with onions or a simple sauce.
Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
- Yes, Salisbury steak can be made ahead of time. Prepare the patties and gravy as directed, then cool and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the patties in the gravy to keep them moist and flavorful.
What are the best sides to serve with Salisbury steak?
- The best sides are those that complement the rich gravy and savory patties. Mashed potatoes, creamed peas, and glazed carrots are classic choices. Rice pilaf can also be a great addition for soaking up the gravy, and dinner rolls are perfect for ensuring not a bit of your delicious meal goes to waste.
Salisbury steak remains a cherished dish in many households, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this Salisbury steak recipe is sure to become a favorite in your comfort food repertoire.
Salisbury Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 85% lean
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Steak Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, depending on your preferred size.
Cook the Patties:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a nice crust forms and they are just cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions (and mushrooms if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to soak up some of the gravy.
Serve:
- Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, smothered in the onion and mushroom gravy. This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or your favorite vegetable side.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- The patties can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight or frozen for later use. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the gravy by adding more mushrooms or substituting the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
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