If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings all the nostalgic flavors together, this Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is your ticket to satisfaction. Juicy seasoned beef patties smothered in a luscious, flavorful brown gravy create a classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying home-cooked dinner, this recipe is simple to make but delivers big on taste and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the first step toward crafting a dish that’s both hearty and memorable. Each component plays an important role, balancing the savory, tangy, and rich notes that make this Salisbury steak truly special.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The heart of your patties, providing juiciness and meaty flavor without too much fat.
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them tender and moist.
- 2 teaspoons ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of tang to the patties and gravy.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Brightens the flavor profile with a little punch and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex umami boost to beef, enhancing its savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mild, aromatic garlic flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle onion undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into balance.
- 2 packets brown gravy mix: The base of the rich, silky gravy that defines this dish.
- 2 cups hot water: To prepare the gravy smoothly and evenly.
How to Make Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Make Patties
Start by combining all your patty ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but gently, just until combined. Then, shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Taking care not to overwork the meat keeps your patties tender and juicy after cooking.
Step 2: Cook Patties
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook until browned on one side, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the patties are nicely browned on both sides and no longer pink inside. This seals in the flavors and creates that irresistible crust that makes Salisbury steak so delicious.
Step 3: Make Gravy
Once the patties’re cooked, reduce the heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix and hot water until smooth and lump-free. Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for that signature tang and umami punch that transforms the gravy from ordinary to a rich, savory masterpiece.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour the smooth gravy over the patties in the skillet, making sure each one is generously coated. Let everything simmer gently until the gravy thickens beautifully and the patties soak up all those delicious flavors. This step is key—it melds the components together and locks in moisture and richness.
How to Serve Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the plated steaks. These bright green herbs add a burst of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness, making every bite inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Classic mash potatoes are the perfect partner, soaking up all that luscious gravy. For extra texture and color, steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a lovely crunch and sweetness that balance the savory intensity of the Salisbury steak with rich gravy recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this homey dish for guests, serve the Salisbury steaks over creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles. You can also reslice the patties and arrange them over a bed of garlic sautéed mushrooms for an elegant twist that still feels comforting and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak with gravy should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or to enjoy again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Just place the cooled patties and gravy into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, preserving its rich, comforting flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, covering to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish and add a splash of water or broth to keep the gravy silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can experiment with ground turkey, pork, or a blend to suit your taste. Keep in mind that meats with higher fat content may change cooking times slightly.
Is it possible to make the gravy from scratch instead of using packets?
Yes, homemade brown gravy can add even more flavor and freshness! You can make it using beef broth, butter, flour, and seasonings. However, using the gravy packets keeps the process simple and quick without compromising on that rich, comforting taste.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
The patties should no longer be pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Browning on both sides and a firm yet juicy texture are good visual and tactile clues too.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! This Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe scales up easily. Just be mindful of your skillet size or cook the patties in batches. Adjust seasoning accordingly to keep those well-balanced flavors.
What can I do if my gravy turns out too thick or too thin?
If your gravy thickens too much, simply stir in a little extra hot water or beef broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is a gem for anyone who loves a meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its hearty patties and silky gravy, it’s a dish that brings comfort and smiles to the table every time. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a beloved classic!
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Salisbury Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Salisbury Steak recipe features juicy ground beef patties seasoned with garlic and onion powder, cooked to perfection in a skillet, then smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy made from instant mix with added ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gravy
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Make Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook them until browned on both sides and fully cooked through with no pink remaining inside, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make Gravy: Reduce the heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix and hot water until smooth. Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Simmer: Pour the prepared gravy over the cooked patties in the skillet. Let everything simmer gently until the gravy is heated through and has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the patties.
- Serve Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal.
- Make sure to cook the patties thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- For extra flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

