Simple & Delicious Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy

You know those nights where the clock seems to be racing, and the kids are asking, “What’s for dinner?” and you feel like you have about ten minutes and zero energy to create a meal? Well, I always have a handful of recipes I keep in my back pocket for those moments—a recipe that is easy, fast, and, most importantly, a guaranteed hit. For me, that meal is a quick and satisfying Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy.

This is a meal that I throw together on busy nights, and magically, my family raves about how good it is. It is high in protein and comfort food at its best. I usually serve it with seasoned peas and either mashed potatoes (if I happen to have the time and energy to make them) or I pop 4 russet potatoes in the microwave for 6 minutes or so to quickly make baked potatoes.

I know, just hearing “Salisbury Steak” might conjure up images of TV dinners from the past, but let me assure you, this version is a million miles away from that frozen plate. It’s a meal that always, without fail, gets a unanimous thumbs up from my family, and the best part is how quickly it all comes together. It tastes like I’ve been slaving away for hours, when in reality, it’s one of the simplest dinners I throw together.

Why This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is My Weeknight Hero

With lean ground beef and added egg, it is super high in protein. The beef patties are smothered in a rich, savory gravy loaded with fresh mushrooms. Oddly, every single member of our family is a mushroom lover, so this makes us all happy. I like to serve it with mashed or baked potatoes to soak up every last bit of that glorious gravy.

I’m so excited to share this easy and super delicious family recipe with you!

Making the Perfect Salisbury Steak Patty

The key to a good Salisbury Steak is to season it well. We want to inject the beef with a boatload of savory flavor. First, I always start with lean ground beef. A little fat is fine, but lean keeps the patties from shrinking too much and makes them feel a bit healthier.

Next, I use a combination of Worcestershire sauce for that deep, umami backbone, and a good dose of Panko, garlic and minced onions. This distinguishes a Salisbury Steak from a simple hamburger. Add one egg, a little salt, a little pepper, and you’re ready to mix.

A quick tip: Don’t over-mix! Use your hands and gently combine the ingredients until they just come together. Over-mixing leads to tough, chewy meat. We want tender, juicy patties.

Once the mixture is ready, I form it into four round patties. (You can also form them into oval steak-shaped patties if you prefer). Don’t make them too thick, as you want them to cook relatively quickly. I then quickly sear them in a skillet until they have a beautiful brown crust on both sides.

Use caution not to press down on the patties with a spatula, which will make them less juicy. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside.

Add the Savory Mushroom Gravy

I have zero shame in using a pre-packaged mushroom gravy mix. It is a fantastic shortcut that provides consistent, delicious results every time.

Adding eight ounces of fresh, sliced Baby Bella or white mushrooms elevates it to a whole new level anyway. It adds texture and a depth of earthy flavor.

After searing the patties and setting them aside, I sauté the sliced mushrooms in the same pan. This is an important step because the mushrooms will soak up all the flavorful browned bits left behind by the meat. Once they’ve softened, I whisk in the gravy mix and a cup of cold water. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a sauce.

Once the gravy is thick and bubbly, I nestle the cooked Salisbury Steaks back into the pan. I cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to ensure that the meat is cooked through.

 The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just divine.

 This meal is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones your family loves the most. Give it a try this week, and let me know how it goes! If you are looking for another ground beef-based comfort food and classic, try my Doubly Delicious Meatloaf.

A meal planning system that will pay for itself in:

Reduced grocery bills, saved mental energy, less food waste, fewer trips to the grocery store, more family time, better nutrition, and a more organized pantry.