When I think of comfort food, Salisbury steak often comes to mind. This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s been a family favorite for generations. I fondly remember my grandmother, a culinary whiz in her own right, preparing this dish for Sunday dinners. The heavenly aroma would fill the house, making us all impatient for the feast that was about to unfold. My neighbors, sensing what was cooking, would sometimes “coincidentally” drop by just as dinner was being served, lured by the mouth-watering scent. This Salisbury steak recipe isn’t just food; it’s a serving of love, nostalgia, and family tradition.
What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is not just any ground meat patty. It’s a sophisticated blend of ground meat, often beef, enriched with various ingredients and bathed in a lush, savory gravy. Although it shares roots with Hamburg steak, Salisbury steak boasts a unique personality, courtesy of a gravy rich with onions and seasonings. It’s named in honor of Dr. James H. Salisbury, who was a proponent of a meat-focused diet.
How to Prepare Salisbury Steak
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground chuck
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed onion soup
- 1/2 cup breadcrumb blend
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- A pinch of crushed black pepper
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire liquid
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
Directions:
- In a spacious bowl, mix together ground chuck, 1/3 cup condensed onion soup, breadcrumb blend, egg, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mold this mixture into 6 oblong patties.
- Preheat a large frying pan over a medium-high flame. Add the patties and sear until browned on both surfaces. Remove excess grease.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining condensed onion soup and plain flour until no lumps remain. Stir in the tomato ketchup, filtered water, Worcestershire liquid, and ground mustard.
- Pour this blended mixture over the browned patties in the pan. Place a lid on the pan and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What Sides Pair Well with Salisbury Steak?
This dish pairs perfectly with various sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, succulent creamed peas, honey-glazed carrots, a simple rice pilaf, or some fluffy dinner rolls.
How Do You Store Leftover Salisbury Steak?
After allowing the Salisbury steaks to cool down, transfer them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done in an oven, although a microwave will work in a pinch.
Can Salisbury Steak Be Frozen?
Yes, Salisbury steak freezes quite well. Place the cooked and cooled patties in a freezer-friendly container, separated by parchment paper. Pour gravy over the top before sealing. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Is Salisbury Steak Gluten-Free?
This recipe is not gluten-free because it includes breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used, although it will change the flavor profile. If using turkey, you might also consider adjusting the seasonings to complement its lighter flavor.
What’s the Difference Between Salisbury Steak and Meatloaf?
While both dishes use ground meat and similar seasonings, the main difference lies in the form and cooking method. Meatloaf is baked, often in a loaf shape, and may contain a variety of vegetables. Salisbury steak is typically pan-fried and always served with gravy.
Is the Salisbury Steak Gravy Essential?
The gravy is an integral part of Salisbury steak, offering additional moisture and a burst of flavors. So while the steak can technically be cooked without it, I would highly recommend including the gravy to experience the dish as it was meant to be.
Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 10 1/2 ounce can condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, 1/3 cup condensed soup, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Shape into 6 oval patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add patties and brown on both sides. Drain excess fat.
- Blend remaining soup and flour together in a small bowl until smooth; mix in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Pour soup mixture over patties in the skillet.
- Cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
