Salisbury steak is a quintessential comfort food that brings memories of family dinners and simpler times. Despite its somewhat fancy-sounding name, Salisbury steak is quite easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight meals. You might be surprised that the main ingredient is humble hamburger meat. Yes, you read that correctly! This dish transforms a simple ingredient into a sumptuous delight.
The Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 blend is optimal)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Meat Mixture:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to cook the meat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and egg to the dry mix. Make sure these ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine with Meat: Add the ground beef to the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until it’s just combined. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
- Shape: Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 portions and form them into oval-shaped patties about 3/4-inch thick.
Cooking the Meat
- Prepare the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil to coat the bottom.
- Cook Patties: Add the shaped patties to the hot pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they develop a nice crust. Remember, you don’t need to cook them through at this point.
- Set Aside: Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You’ll finish cooking them in the gravy.
Preparing the Gravy
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they become tender and slightly golden.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, careful not to burn it.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Pour in Broth: Gradually add the beef broth while stirring. The gravy will start to thicken.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a richer flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Combining It All
- Introduce Meat to Gravy: Place the partially cooked meat patties back into the skillet, submerging them in the gravy.
- Oven Transfer: Transfer the skillet to your oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. This will cook the patties through and allow them to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Salisbury steaks hot, topped generously with the onion and mushroom gravy.
- Pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
Bottom Line
Creating a Salisbury steak meal from hamburger meat is not just a cost-effective option; it’s also a culinary experience that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet-like dish. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty, comforting, and delicious meal. And remember, the best Salisbury steak is the one made with love and served with generosity. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy this delicious culinary history!