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Transform humble ground beef into a cozy weeknight dinner with this 30-minute Salisbury Steak. This homemade version elevates the TV dinner classic with fresh ingredients and rich gravy.
After countless weeknight dinners, I've found that the key to perfect Salisbury steak lies in the patty mix and gravy technique.
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Essential Ingredients:
- Ground beef (96/4 or 80/20)
- Crushed crackers: Ritz or Saltines for binding
- Fresh onion: Finely chopped for moisture
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep umami
- Beef stock: Creates rich gravy
- Simple seasonings: Sage, garlic, salt, pepper
Choose higher fat content beef for juicier patties - I learned this improves both flavor and texture.
Detailed Instructions:
- Form Perfect Patties
- Mix beef, egg, crushed crackers, onion
- Add seasonings thoroughly
- Shape into oval patties
- Keep them uniform for even cooking
- Master the Sear
- Heat pan until very hot
- Add oil, then patties
- Don't move for 4-5 minutes
- Flip once for golden crust
- Build the Gravy
- Sauté garlic until fragrant
- Add Worcestershire and flour
- Whisk in hot beef stock
- Scrape pan for flavor bits
- Finish and Serve
- Return patties to gravy
- Simmer until cooked through
- Sauce should coat spoon
- Rest 5 minutes before serving
The first time I made this, I discovered that letting the patties rest in the gravy improves both texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings:
Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice - anything that soaks up the rich gravy.
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Storage Success:
Wrap patties individually, store gravy separately. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Chef's Tips:
- Use cold hands when mixing meat
- Keep patties thick for juiciness
- Taste gravy before adding patties back
- Always scrape pan while making gravy
After years of making this dish, I've found that patience during the browning step creates the most flavorful result.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is this real steak?
- No, it's seasoned ground beef patties in gravy, not actual steak.
- → Can I use ground turkey?
- Yes, use turkey and chicken stock instead of beef.
- → What to serve with it?
- Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or any pasta.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, wrap patties separately and freeze gravy in container for up to 3 months.
- → Which crackers work best?
- Ritz or Saltines are ideal, but any crackers will work.