Description: This Salisbury Steak recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring juicy, seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich and savory French onion soup gravy, it’s a hearty meal that will please the whole family. This recipe utilizes readily available pantry staples, making it an accessible and delicious option for any home cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French Onion Soup (divided use)
- 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup Dry Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style, depending on preference)
- 1 Egg (large, to bind the mixture)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup (adds sweetness and tang to the gravy)
- 1-3 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce (adjust to taste, adds umami depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder (enhances the gravy’s savory notes)
- 1/4 cup Water (to adjust the gravy consistency)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup (approximately 3 1/2 tablespoons) of the condensed French onion soup with the ground beef. This will infuse the meat with a delightful onion flavor right from the start. Add the dry breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
Step 2: Combine Thoroughly: Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can result in tough patties. You want the ingredients to be just incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into an oval patty, about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. The oval shape is traditional for Salisbury steak, but you can also make round patties if you prefer. Ensure the patties are uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 4: Brown the Patties: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution) over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This browning process is crucial for developing flavor and locking in the juices.
Step 5: Drain Excess Fat: After browning the patties, carefully pour off any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent the gravy from becoming greasy.
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining French onion soup (about 2/3 of the can) and the all-purpose flour until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the gravy.
Step 7: Combine Gravy Ingredients: Add the ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder to the French onion soup mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the Worcestershire sauce to your liking, adding more for a deeper, more savory flavor.
Step 8: Simmer the Salisbury Steak: Pour the gravy mixture over the browned patties in the skillet. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the patties to cook through completely and the gravy to thicken and deepen in flavor. Stirring occasionally prevents the patties from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensures even cooking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Salisbury Steak recipe is a true winner for several reasons:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The French onion soup base of the gravy provides a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the beef patties. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder adds depth and complexity, creating a truly irresistible sauce.
- Comfort Food Classic: Salisbury Steak is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and comforting flavors. This recipe captures the essence of this classic dish while adding a touch of sophistication.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe utilizes affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget. Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein source, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most people already have on hand.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to your liking. You can add sliced mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken, for a leaner option.
COOKING Rating:
Easy/Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The creamy potatoes provide the perfect base for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Egg Noodles: Another great option for serving with Salisbury Steak is egg noodles. The noodles absorb the gravy beautifully and provide a satisfying texture.
- Rice: White or brown rice is a simple and healthy side dish that complements the Salisbury Steak well.
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad also pairs well with this dish.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the delicious gravy!
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the meat can result in tough patties. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Brown the Patties Well: Browning the patties is crucial for developing flavor. Make sure to get a good sear on both sides.
- Adjust the Worcestershire Sauce to Taste: The amount of Worcestershire sauce can be adjusted to your liking. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
- Simmer Gently: Simmer the Salisbury Steak over low heat to prevent the gravy from burning and to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Mushrooms or Onions: For extra flavor and texture, add sliced mushrooms or onions to the gravy during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually deepen overnight.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per serving – may vary based on ingredient specifics and portion size)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies depending on the sodium content of the French onion soup and other ingredients)
Conclusion
This Salisbury Steak recipe is a surefire way to bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With its rich French onion soup gravy and juicy beef patties, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. Easy to make and budget-friendly, this recipe is a must-have for any home cook. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying dish!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of soup instead of French onion soup?
A: While French onion soup is the key ingredient for the signature flavor of this Salisbury steak, you can experiment with other condensed cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery. However, the resulting flavor profile will be different. You might need to adjust the seasonings accordingly to achieve a balanced and savory taste. Adding a bit of caramelized onion to the gravy would help mimic the French onion flavor.
Q2: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: To make this recipe healthier, you can use leaner ground beef (90/10 blend) or even ground turkey or chicken. You can also reduce the amount of salt and use a lower-sodium French onion soup. Serve with brown rice and plenty of steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. Another tip is to skip browning the patties in oil and instead use a non-stick skillet or bake them in the oven for a lower-fat option.
Q3: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? Is there a substitute?
A: Worcestershire sauce adds a unique umami flavor to the gravy, but you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, ketchup, and a dash of vinegar. You can also use a small amount of beef bouillon paste or even a teaspoon of fish sauce for a similar savory depth. The key is to find a substitute that provides a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and tanginess.
Q4: Can I freeze Salisbury steak?
A: Yes, Salisbury steak freezes very well. Allow the cooked Salisbury steak and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the Salisbury steak in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave. The gravy may thicken during freezing, so you might need to add a little water or broth when reheating.
Q5: My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the gravy while stirring constantly. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Another option is to simmer the gravy uncovered for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and naturally thicken the sauce.
