Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe | Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade Salisbury steak. It fills the kitchen with the irresistible scent of seasoned beef and rich onion gravy. As a young girl, I remember my grandmother’s Sunday suppers.

Salisbury steak was always a special dish at her table. The tender patties, smothered in savory gravy, were perfect with creamy mashed potatoes. It was a harmony of flavors that took me back to a simpler time.

old fashioned salisbury steak recipe
old fashioned salisbury steak recipe

Key Takeaways

  • Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak is a beloved comfort food classic featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich onion gravy.
  • This recipe uses 2 lbs of lean ground beef, 3 packets of McCormick Onion Gravy, and 1 sleeve of saltine crackers to create the perfect texture and flavor.
  • The patties are cooked for 6-7 minutes per side, and the dish serves 6-8 portions, making it ideal for family meals or meal prepping.
  • Simmering the Salisbury steak in low-sodium beef broth for 25 minutes ensures a tender and flavorful result.
  • Pairing the Salisbury steak with creamy mashed potatoes is a classic and comforting serving suggestion.

What Makes This Classic Salisbury Steak Special

Salisbury steak is a beloved dish from the 19th century. It’s named after Dr. James H. Salisbury. This recipe brings out the rich, savory flavors that have made it a timeless favorite.

History Behind the Comfort Food Classic

Dr. Salisbury created Salisbury steak in the late 1800s. It was seen as a health food to aid digestion. Over time, it became a classic American dish with seasoned ground beef patties.

These patties often include breadcrumbs or flour as a binder. This sets it apart from a simple hamburger steak.

Key Features of Traditional Recipe

This recipe stays true to traditional Salisbury steak with a few modern touches. The classic salisbury steak has juicy, well-seasoned beef patties. The gravy is made with McCormick Onion Gravy packets for a rich flavor.

Sautéed mushrooms add texture and depth. This makes the retro salisbury steak both comforting and delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this traditional beef patties recipe is in the perfectly seasoned and cooked patties. The flavorful onion gravy also plays a big role. The patties are made with lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

This keeps them moist and juicy. The gravy, made with McCormick Onion Gravy mix, adds a deep, savory flavor. This makes the Salisbury steak a true comfort food classic.

“One of the best things I’ve ever made. Meal we make weekly.”

old fashioned salisbury steak recipe
old fashioned salisbury steak recipe

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Salisbury Steak

Creating the ultimate vintage steak recipe or classic comfort food recipes starts with the right ingredients. A delicious Salisbury steak needs lean ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich onion gravy. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make this vintage steak recipe stand out.

The base of Salisbury steak is lean ground beef, best at 85% lean. This mix ensures juicy and tender patties. You’ll also need saltine crackers, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley for the meat mixture.

The gravy’s main ingredients are McCormick Onion Gravy packets, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, low-sodium beef broth, and butter. These combine for a rich, savory gravy that pairs well with the steak. Adding cornstarch can thicken the gravy if you prefer.

Optional ingredients like mushrooms, Worcestershire powder, or soy sauce can add more flavor. These extras enhance both the patties and the gravy, making the dish even more appealing.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious vintage steak recipe. It’s a classic dish that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

old fashioned salisbury steak recipe
old fashioned salisbury steak recipe

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

Meat Mixture Components

The core of this family favorite salisbury steak recipe is a tasty meat mix. It starts with ground beef, mixed with an onion gravy packet, diced onions, and crushed saltine crackers. Milk, a whisked egg, and savory seasonings are added too. Together, they make a tender, juicy diner-style salisbury steak that hits the spot.

Gravy Ingredients

The onion gravy on top is made with a few basic items. Sliced mushrooms are sautéed in butter, then beef broth and the gravy packet are added. A bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can add more flavor. You can also sprinkle Worcestershire powder for extra taste without extra liquid.

Special Seasonings and Additions

  • Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth of flavor
  • Worcestershire powder (optional) for enhanced taste without added liquid
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the meat and gravy
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, and other dried herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile

Choosing and mixing these ingredients carefully makes a family favorite salisbury steak that’s both cozy and tasty. The end result is a diner-style salisbury steak that will make your taste buds happy.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Creating the perfect Salisbury steak needs the right tools and equipment. This classic dish requires a few key items. They help form the patties and simmer the onion gravy to perfection.

A large, deep-sided skillet is essential. It’s great for cooking the beef patties and simmering the gravy. You’ll also need a baking sheet to rest the patties before cooking. Don’t forget a whisk and a sturdy spatula for mixing the gravy and flipping the patties.

If you’re serving the steak with mashed potatoes, a colander is handy. It helps drain the cooked potatoes. With these easy ground beef recipes and homestyle cooking tools, you’ll master this classic dish.

  • Large, deep-sided skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Colander (if serving with mashed potatoes)

“Having the right tools in the kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to executing a recipe perfectly.”

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Enjoy the warm taste of a salisbury steak with this simple guide. Making the perfect step-by-step comfort food is now easy.

Forming the Perfect Patties

Start by mixing ground beef, soaked bread cubes, and tasty seasonings. Shape the mix into 1.5-inch thick patties, about 3.5-4 inches wide. Let them rest for 10 minutes to keep their shape.

Cooking Technique Tips

In a big skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 6-7 minutes on each side for a nice crust. Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the pan.

Sauté the veggies until they’re golden, about 5 minutes. Drizzle Worcestershire or soy sauce for extra taste.

Making the Rich Onion Gravy

Pour beef broth into the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer, then cover and cook patties for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Make a slurry with cornstarch and broth.

Simmer the gravy for 8 minutes to thicken it. This makes it rich and velvety.

Serve the salisbury steak patties with the onion gravy. It’s a comforting meal. Add your favorite sides for a classic step-by-step comfort food experience.

Secret Tips for Rich and Flavorful Gravy

The gravy is the star of the Salisbury steak. To get a rich, flavorful beef gravy, try these tips.

For quick and easy gravy, use McCormick Onion Gravy packets. They add a deep, savory taste. If you can’t find onion gravy packets, mushroom or plain brown gravy mixes work too.

Don’t use Lipton Onion Soup mix. It’s too salty and doesn’t thicken well. Instead, make a slurry with flour or cornstarch in beef broth. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Gravy TipBenefit
Use McCormick Onion Gravy PacketsProvides a rich, savory flavor
Substitute with Mushroom or Brown Gravy PacketsVersatile options if Onion Gravy is unavailable
Avoid Lipton Onion Soup MixCan make the gravy too salty and not thicken properly
Make a Flour or Cornstarch SlurryThickens beef broth for a less salty gravy

Follow these salisbury steak gravy tips for a flavorful beef gravy. Your guests will love it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the perfect old-fashioned Salisbury steak, watch out for common mistakes. Knowing these can help you avoid them and make sure your beef patties are just right.

Patty Formation Errors

The texture of your beef patties is key. Don’t use too lean ground beef, as it can be dry. Choose a mix with 70/30 or 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio for the best taste and juiciness.

Also, don’t overmix the meat. This can make the patties tough. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to keep their shape.

Gravy Consistency Issues

The gravy is a must-have for a classic Salisbury steak. Let it simmer and thicken slowly for the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

Seasoning Balance

Seasoning is crucial for great flavor. Don’t under-season the meat, as it can taste bland. But, too much seasoning can be overwhelming. Season the beef well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the gravy to make sure the seasoning is just right.

By avoiding these mistakes and using the right techniques, you’ll make a delicious Salisbury steak. Your family and friends will love it.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

There are many ways to serve your Salisbury steak. A classic choice is with creamy mashed potatoes. This lets the savory gravy soak in, making each bite full of flavor. But you can also try different comfort food pairings.

For a bigger meal, place the Salisbury steak on crusty bread as an open-faced sandwich. Or, turn it into tasty sliders with dinner rolls. You can also serve it over buttery egg noodles for a stroganoff-like dish. And don’t forget potato wedges or steak fries for a crispy contrast to the soft steak.

Side DishWhy It Works
Mashed PotatoesThe creamy texture and ability to soak up the rich gravy make mashed potatoes the quintessential side for Salisbury steak.
Crispy Potato WedgesThe crispy exterior and fluffy interior of potato wedges provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender Salisbury steak.
Buttery Egg NoodlesServing Salisbury steak over egg noodles creates a comforting, stroganoff-like dish that’s perfect for cold weather.
Dinner Roll SlidersTransforming Salisbury steak into handheld sliders on soft dinner rolls makes for a fun and portable meal option.

Choosing the right sides is key. They should enhance the rich flavors of the Salisbury steak. This way, you’ll enjoy a true comfort food experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying a tasty leftover salisbury steak or meal prepping this comfort food classic is easy. Just follow a few simple steps to store and reheat your homemade Salisbury steak perfectly.

Refrigerating Uncooked Patties

Want to prep the beef patties ahead of time? Refrigerate the uncooked mix for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors blend, making for a quick meal on busy nights.

Storing Cooked Salisbury Steak

Cooked Salisbury steak patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties for up to 2 months.

Storage MethodShelf Life
Refrigerator3-4 days
FreezerUp to 2 months

Thawing and Reheating

Ready to enjoy your leftover salisbury steak? Thaw frozen patties in the fridge or microwave. Then, reheat the Salisbury steak in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until hot.

By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your homemade meal prep comfort food anytime. Your Salisbury steak will stay fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak recipe is a tasty and affordable meal. It’s a classic comfort food that brings back nostalgic tastes. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Salisbury steak has a long history, starting in the 19th century as a healthier steak option. Now, it’s a beloved comfort dish that nourishes and delights. By making the perfect meat mixture and cooking the patties right, you can enjoy its comforting flavors at home.

So, get your ingredients ready and start cooking. This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak recipe is a timeless classic. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

FAQ

What is Salisbury steak and what makes this recipe special?

Salisbury steak is a beloved American dish. It has seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich onion gravy. McCormick Onion Gravy packets add deep flavor, and mushrooms add texture and taste.

The secret to its success is the juicy patties and flavorful gravy.

What are the key ingredients in this Salisbury steak recipe?

You’ll need lean ground beef, McCormick Onion Gravy packets, and saltine crackers. Also, egg, milk, and seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder are important. Mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium beef broth, and butter complete the list.

What kitchen tools are needed to make this Salisbury steak dish?

You’ll need a large skillet for cooking and a baking sheet for resting patties. Basic utensils like a whisk and spatula are also necessary. A colander is useful for draining potatoes, if making mashed potatoes.

How do you properly form and cook the Salisbury steak patties?

Form the meat into 1.5-inch thick patties. Let them rest before cooking. Sear them in butter for 6-7 minutes on each side.

Then, simmer them in beef broth, covered, for 25 minutes.

What’s the secret to making the rich and flavorful onion gravy?

Use McCormick Onion Gravy packets for the best flavor. If you can’t find them, mushroom or plain brown gravy packets work too. Avoid Lipton Onion Soup mix, as it’s too salty.

For a less salty gravy, use a flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Salisbury steak?

Don’t use lean ground beef, as it can make the patties dry. Always let the patties rest before cooking. Cook them until just done to keep them juicy.

Season the dish well throughout cooking. Let the gravy simmer long enough to thicken properly.

How should Salisbury steak be served and stored?

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes. You can also pair it with potato wedges or steak fries. Try it as open-faced sandwiches or on dinner rolls.

Refrigerate uncooked patties for up to 24 hours. Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw before reheating.

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