01 -
In a big bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix, hon, or your Salisbury Steak patties will be tough. Just combine until everything's happy. I usually use my hands for this; it’s messy but efficient. Divide the mixture into four oval-shaped patties, about 3/4-inch thick. They don't have to be perfect; mine rarely are! This is where the magic starts.
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully place your Salisbury Steak patties in the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned. This isn't about cooking them through yet, just getting that lovely crust. Set the browned Salisbury Steak patties aside on a plate; they'll finish cooking in the gravy later.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in your sliced onions and mushrooms (if using). Sauté them, stirring often, until the onions are soft and translucent, and the mushrooms have released their liquid – about 8-10 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, trust me. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; that's flavor! This step is key for a truly rich Salisbury Steak gravy.
04 -
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and mushrooms. Stir it constantly for about 1-2 minutes, letting it cook out that raw flour taste. This is called making a roux, and it's essential for a smooth Salisbury Steak gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring until it thickens to your liking. I like mine quite thick, but you do you!
05 -
Once the gravy is thick and bubbly, carefully return the browned Salisbury Steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into the rich gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it all simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This slow simmer is where the Salisbury Steak truly becomes tender and absorbs all those amazing gravy flavors. I sometimes peek and flip them halfway through, just to be sure everything is getting happy and cozy in there.
06 -
After simmering, check that your Salisbury Steak patties are cooked through (they should be firm to the touch). Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Spoon that glorious gravy over the patties. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, because a little green always makes things look fancy, even if it's just for a Tuesday night dinner. Serve hot and enjoy that pure comfort! The aroma alone is enough to make you smile.