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Hey there! I hope you’re having a truly wonderful day. If you’re anything like me, there are times when you just want a meal that wraps you up in coziness and makes you forget the dreary bits of the week—something so satisfying that your biggest worry is whether you should have seconds. Well, tonight I want to share the cure-all that’s rescued many a busy Tuesday in my house: juicy Salisbury steak patties, swimming in the most luscious mushroom and onion gravy, with a big spoonful (okay, mountain) of garlicky mashed potatoes on the side. I swear, just the thought of that first bite has gotten me through more long afternoons at work than I can count.
Just picture it: you set the table (even if it’s just you and a stack of good books for company), the steamy gravy finds its way over those tender beef patties, and the mashed potatoes soak up all that savory goodness like a sponge. The whole thing feels like an invitation to slow down, eat with two hands, and let soup season make itself right at home in your kitchen. You don’t have to dress up or make fancy sides. Really, you just need a fork, a comfy chair, and maybe someone you love across the table (or FaceTiming in—no judgment!).
Why You’ll Love It
- Hello, ultimate comfort food! This takes me straight back to those classic diner meals with the blue plates and endless coffee refills. It’s cozy night at home, but make it special.
- Done in under an hour. Yep, this is doable even on those wild weeknights when you’re juggling piano lessons, laundry, and figuring out where your other sock went.
- Leftovers that actually get better. The flavors meld overnight, and you can bet I’ve eaten this straight from the fridge with a spoon (don’t tell my husband!).
- It’s super easy to adapt—healthy-ish, allergy-friendly, whatever you need. You can swap out ingredients without losing that down-home flavor.
- Family and kid-approved, though frankly, us grown-ups hoard the leftovers. The flavors are ‘grown-up good’ but not weird or fussy, so picky eaters usually dig in, too.
Honestly, on days when I’m feeling frazzled and the world feels a little too much, this dish is pure healing. You just can’t be cranky after a plate of this (okay, maybe you can, but it sure helps).
Timing and Servings
If you’re eyeballing the clock wondering, “Is this really something I can pull off on a weeknight?” — absolutely yes. From chopping your first onion to spooning on the last bit of gravy, you’re in for about 50 minutes. Totally manageable, even with distractions (like your dog thinking he needs to ‘help’ in the kitchen). This batch makes enough for four generous servings. That’s just right for a family dinner, two folks who like a leftover lunch, or you and your favorite people—and trust me, neighbors will invent reasons to swing by if they smell it cooking. If you want to scale up, it doubles with zero drama, and if you’re cooking for one or two, leftovers freeze like a dream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (I usually grab 90/10, but honestly, whatever you have is fine—embrace it!)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular, whatever you grabbed last time they were on sale)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, grated—don’t toss out those onion juices!
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (low-sodium, but use what you have—it’s going to taste rich and delicious either way)
- 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (I won’t tell if you go heavier… I always do!)
- ¼ cup milk (plus an extra splash if you want your potatoes looser)
- 2 tbsp sour cream or a big knob of butter—make your mashed potatoes as dreamy as you want
- Fresh parsley, chopped super quick, for a little fancy color on top
Substitution ideas: No beef? Sure, try ground turkey, chicken, or go meatless with your favorite plant-based “ground.” Gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour are easy substitutes. If you love Worcestershire or smoked paprika in your gravy, toss some in for a little extra depth. Not a mushroom fan? Double up on onions or sneak in some bell pepper or spinach. You do you!
Directions
-
Mix up the patties:
Grab a large bowl and combine your breadcrumbs, grated onion (don’t skip the onion juice, trust me!), egg, half the salt, and half the pepper. Give it all a good stir so the egg gets everywhere, then crumble in the ground beef. Mix gently—don’t squish it too hard or you’ll lose that tender texture. If you have a couple of extra minutes, I like to chill the bowl while I prep everything else. Makes shaping easier! -
Shape and sear:
Divide the mixture into four kind-of-equal portions (nobody needs a ruler). Form each one into an oval, pressing a thumb dent in the center (helps them stay flat). Heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmery, add the patties and sear for about 2 minutes per side until they get a proper brown crust. You don’t need to cook them through just yet! Move them to a plate while you whip up the gravy. -
Get those potatoes going:
While the patties are browning, cover your peeled potatoes and those fresh garlic cloves with cold, salted water in a big pot. Bring it up to a boil on high, then turn down to a gentle bubble and let them cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain ’em well, then return to the warm pot and add your milk and sour cream (or butter—you know your mood). Mash just enough to get it smooth. You want fluffy, not gummy, so don’t overdo it. Taste and tweak the salt and pepper, pop a lid on, and keep them cozy while you finish up. -
Sauté your mushrooms:
Back in the same skillet (no need to wash, hooray!), melt your butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and a big pinch of salt. Let them sizzle and brown—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam. About 4 minutes should do it (give ‘em a little stir now and then), and let those edges get golden. -
Make the gravy:
Sprinkle the flour right over the sautéed mushrooms and stir, letting it cook for about a minute to take away that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up all the brown goodness from the bottom of the pan. Let the gravy bubble and thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. If it hangs onto your spoon, you’re good; if not, just let it simmer a tad longer. Too thick? Splash in a bit more broth or water. -
Finish the patties:
Tuck your browned patties back into the skillet, making sure they’re nestled in all that gravy (scrape any juices off the plate too—flavor gold!). Simmer everything together, spooning gravy over the tops, for another 5 minutes or so. This brings everything together and cooks the patties through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste—taste-testing gravy is the cook’s privilege, by the way. -
Plate it up:
Grab the biggest bowls or plates you’ve got. Scoop a big, steamy mound of mashed potatoes, nestle a Salisbury steak patty on top, then pour on that mushroom-onion gravy like you mean it. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. And then? Dig in while it’s piping hot because this is not a dish that likes to wait.
Variations
- Change up the protein: Go with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute if that’s what’s in your fridge this week.
- Lighten it up: Use low-fat dairy or plant milk, or blend in some Greek yogurt for protein and tang.
- More veggies? Yes, please! I sometimes stir diced peppers, carrots, or even spinach into the gravy for a color (and nutrition) boost.
- Flavor boosts: Dijon mustard, a dash of Worcestershire, or smoked paprika totally work here if you’re feeling a little “chef-y.”
- Go gluten- or dairy-free: Any preferred GF breadcrumbs/flour or your favorite plant-based milk or butter will swap in so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever worried.
This one is a true chameleon in the comfort food world—let it flex to fit your kitchen and your mood!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Let’s be real: Salisbury steak leftovers are next-level comforting. Store your patties and gravy together in an airtight container. Keep the mashed potatoes separate so the gravy doesn’t make them gummy. Everything stays happy in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, I like to gently warm the beef and gravy over medium-low in a skillet, but the microwave works great—just go in short bursts. Add a splash of milk to the reheating potatoes so they turn creamy again. Feeding a crowd? Warm everything, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until hot. Bonus trick: Frozen gravy cubes will make future weeknights so much easier. I pop extra gravy in ice cube trays—life hack level 9000.
FAQs
Can I prep the patties in advance? For sure! Shape them and keep in the fridge (covered, please) up to a day ahead. Let them sit at room temp for 20 minutes before cooking so they cook through evenly and stay juicy.
Help! My gravy is lumpy. Happens to the best of us. Whisk the flour well into the mushrooms, and add your broth slooowly. Even if it clumps at first, just keep whisking and simmering—it will smooth out, promise.
Sticky mashed potatoes—what did I do? It’s easy to over-mash them. Stop once they’re fluffy, and definitely avoid the food processor (seriously, trust me). If they’re a bit too gluey, perk things up with an extra spoonful of sour cream or butter.
Can I air-fry the patties? Oh yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still need to make that dreamy gravy in a skillet, but the patties turn out juicy and perfect.
Can I go totally vegan with this? You bet! Pick a plant-based ground “beef,” swap in non-dairy butter and milk, and use veggie broth for the gravy. Load up on mushrooms or your fave veg.
What sides go with Salisbury steak? To me, nothing beats garlicky mashed potatoes, but egg noodles, white rice, or any roasted green veggie (broccoli, green beans) all work. A crisp salad with sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness—keeps things balanced!
Conclusion
When you’re craving something that feeds your soul and leaves you feeling taken care of, Salisbury steak with mushroom-onion gravy and garlic mashed potatoes is the answer. The rich gravy, those juicy, tender patties, and the creamy, garlicky potatoes—every bite is a warm, nostalgic hug. Whether it’s dinner on a weeknight, a lazy Sunday, or “just because,” this meal will have everybody in the house cleaning their plates and eyeing the leftovers. Try it soon, and if you have a secret twist or a comfort food memory this reminds you of, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Let’s keep passing the comfort around, one plateful at a time!
Salisbury Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom & Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 small yellow onion grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt for patties
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 2 tablespoons butter for mushroom gravy
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for gravy thickening
- 2 cups beef broth for the gravy
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste, for gravy
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste, for gravy
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add ground beef and gently mix until just combined. Shape into four oval patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the patties and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté sliced mushrooms for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and return the patties to the skillet. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until the gravy thickens and the patties are cooked through.
- Serve the patties with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.