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A serving of Salisbury steak and gravy with a side dish.

Diner-Style Salisbury Steak and Gravy

Hearty Salisbury steak patties simmered in a rich, savory diner-style gravy, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20 lean is ideal for flavor and juiciness
  • ½ cup dried breadcrumbs Panko or regular
  • ¼ cup milk
  • large egg
  • small onion finely minced (or 1 tbsp onion powder)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for searing
For the Diner-Style Gravy:
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • ½ cup water mixed with 1 tbsp cornstarch (slurry) – Hack #1
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Hack #2
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Patties
  1. Gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced onion, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a large bowl, mixing just until combined to prevent toughness.
Form the Steaks
  1. Divide the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties, about ¾-inch thick, ensuring they are not too thick for even cooking.
Sear the Patties
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear patties for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, cooking in batches if needed. Remove and set aside after searing.
Make the Roux
  1. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, scraping up browned bits, then whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until a light golden roux forms.
Build the Gravy
  1. Gradually whisk in beef broth to the roux, ensuring each addition is incorporated to prevent lumps, then bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally until slightly thickened.
Add the Flavor Boosters
  1. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
Slurry for Perfection (Hack #1)
  1. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering gravy for 1-2 minutes until the desired diner-style thickness and glossy consistency are achieved.
Simmer and Tenderize
  1. Return seared patties to the gravy, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until patties are cooked through, tender, and have absorbed the gravy's flavors.
Season and Serve
  1. Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper, then serve the Salisbury steak hot with preferred sides.

Notes

Overmixing the patties can lead to a tough texture. Adjust gravy thickness by simmering longer or adding a little more slurry. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles for a complete meal.