01 -
Okay, first things first, grab a big bowl. Toss in your ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, the egg, finely minced onion, garlic and onion powders, a good splash of Worcestershire, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Now, get your hands in there! Gently mix until just combined. Don't overmix, or your patties will be tough, which I learned the hard way. Form the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick. I like them a little thinner so they cook evenly.
02 -
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (my trusty cast iron is a lifesaver here) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place your patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it; you might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully browned and have a nice crust. You're not cooking them through yet, just getting that gorgeous color and flavor locked in. Remove the patties to a plate and set aside, resisting the urge to snack on them!
03 -
In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent and the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell at this stage is divine! This is where the magic really starts for your Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe.
04 -
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, letting the flour cook out a bit. This is your roux, and it's essential for a smooth gravy. Slowly, gradually, pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. I’ve had lumpy gravy before, and it’s a real bummer, so whisk, whisk, whisk! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Once simmering, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This Classic Salisbury Steak Recipe gravy needs to be well-seasoned. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the gravy gently simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken beautifully. It should smell rich and savory, making your stomach rumble.
06 -
Carefully nestle the seared patties back into the simmering gravy. Make sure they're mostly submerged so they can finish cooking and soak up all that wonderful flavor. Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender. The gravy should be thick and glossy. Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, with a side of green beans, and watch everyone dig in!