Craving a hearty, home-cooked meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic Salisbury steak recipe! This easy recipe delivers tender, flavorful patties smothered in a rich brown gravy – a perfect example of comfort food done right. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Making the Salisbury Steaks:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties.
- Shape the patties: Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
- Sear the patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- Reduce heat and cook through: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F (71°C).
Making the Brown Gravy:
- Make a roux: Once the Salisbury steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms (a roux).
- Add broth gradually: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Season and thicken: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Combine: Return the Salisbury steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious Salisbury steaks hot, topped with a generous amount of brown gravy. Mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad are excellent accompaniments to this hearty meal.
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing the ground beef will result in tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures that your Salisbury steaks are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- Use different breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give the patties a crispier crust.
- Make it a complete meal: Add cooked vegetables directly to the skillet with the steaks during the last few minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy Salisbury steak recipe is a delightful example of a healthy meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Enjoy this delicious dish, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!