Name: Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for searing); 2 tablespoons butter (for gravy); 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared); Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Comfort food doesn’t get more classic than this. Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy is one of those recipes that instantly makes me feel at home. The savory, juicy beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy, nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes — it’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. Every bite is hearty, soul-warming, and packed with flavor.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, especially when I want something cozy that doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a Sunday family meal. I’ve fine-tuned this version over the years to get that perfect balance of tenderness in the steak and depth in the gravy. And when it all melts into those mashed potatoes? Let’s just say you’re going to want to lick the plate clean.

Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

Classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
Made with simple pantry staples – nothing fancy or hard to find.
One-pan gravy keeps clean-up to a minimum.
Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles.
Great for meal prep – it reheats beautifully.
A great budget-friendly way to enjoy something that tastes gourmet.
Customizable to suit gluten-free or low-carb preferences.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use for Salisbury Steak?

When it comes to Salisbury steak, the fat content of the ground beef really matters. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef — that’s 80% lean, 20% fat — because it gives the patties enough richness and moisture without making them greasy. If you go too lean, like 90/10, the patties can turn out dry and crumbly. But if 80/20 isn’t available, mixing in a little milk or an extra egg can help retain moisture in leaner beef.

Another tip? Don’t overwork the meat. Mix it just enough to combine the ingredients, so the steaks stay tender instead of tough.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re working with dietary needs or just want to mix things up, this recipe is very flexible. Here are some swap ideas:

Ground turkey or chicken: These work well as a leaner alternative. Just add a bit of olive oil or milk for moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers can be subbed in with no problem.
Egg: If you’re out of eggs, try a tablespoon of mayonnaise or even a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as a binder.
Mushrooms: Don’t love mushrooms? Try caramelized onions or sautéed bell peppers instead.
Mashed potatoes: Swap with cauliflower mash or buttered egg noodles for something lighter or different.

This recipe invites creativity, so don’t be afraid to adapt it to what you have in the fridge or pantry!

Ingredients for This Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

Each ingredient plays an essential role in building that classic, crave-worthy flavor. Here’s what goes into making this comforting dish:

Ground beef (80/20) – The star of the dish, giving the Salisbury steak its meaty, juicy base.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the patties and keep them tender.
Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the steaks together.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds that deep, savory umami flavor.
Garlic powder & onion powder – For layered seasoning in every bite.
Salt & black pepper – Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Yellow onion (sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Mushrooms (sliced) – The key ingredient in the rich, earthy gravy.
Beef broth – Forms the base of the mushroom gravy; gives it body and savory richness.
Flour – Used to thicken the gravy just enough to cling to every bite.
Butter – Adds richness to the gravy and helps sauté the vegetables.
Mashed potatoes – Creamy and smooth, the perfect partner for the steak and gravy.

With this lineup, you’re set to create a plate that’s deeply satisfying and full of comforting, down-home flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—just until combined. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick. You should get 4 to 6 steaks depending on size.

Step 2: Sear the Salisbury Steaks

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil or butter. Once hot, place the patties in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. Remove them and set aside—they don’t need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until soft and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally and scrape up any browned bits from the steak—it all adds flavor.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Steaks

Return the partially cooked patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some sauce over each patty. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon generous helpings of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Place the Salisbury steaks on top and ladle the mushroom gravy over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like.

How Long to Cook the Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

From start to finish, this dish takes about 35 to 45 minutes total. Here’s the breakdown:

Prep time: 10–15 minutes to mix, shape patties, and prep veggies
Searing steaks: 6–8 minutes total
Sautéing mushrooms & onions: 6–8 minutes
Simmering in gravy: 10–15 minutes

The key is making sure the patties are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C) without overcooking them so they stay juicy.

Tips for Perfect Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

Don’t overmix the beef: Just combine until the mixture holds together. Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
Use a hot pan to sear: This gives the steaks a beautiful brown crust and extra flavor.
Deglaze the pan: Those browned bits after searing are flavor gold—scrape them up when making the gravy.
Season in layers: Lightly salt the onions and mushrooms as they cook to build depth.
Let it simmer gently: Don’t rush the gravy phase—slow simmering helps the flavors meld and the patties soak up the sauce.
Make ahead: You can prep the patties in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
Mash those potatoes creamy: Use warm milk and butter when mashing, and don’t overwork them to keep them fluffy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a classic comfort dish like this can go sideways if you’re not paying attention to a few small details. Here are the most common slip-ups to avoid:

Overworking the meat – This is the #1 culprit behind dense, rubbery patties. Mix until just combined.
Skipping the sear – Browning the steaks adds flavor you simply can’t replicate later. Don’t rush this step.
Burning the flour – When making the gravy, give the flour just a minute or two to cook. Too long and it’ll taste bitter.
Thin or watery gravy – Always allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly. If it’s too loose, let it reduce uncovered.
Under-seasoning – Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper. Mushrooms soak up seasoning fast.
Cold mashed potatoes – If you’re making them ahead, warm them thoroughly so they’re just as comforting as the steak.

What to Serve With Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy?

Salisbury steak is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some delicious pairing ideas:

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

A simple, fresh side to balance the richness of the dish.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with the savory mushroom gravy.

Garlic Sautéed Green Beans

Crisp and garlicky, they add a pop of freshness to your plate.

Classic Garden Salad

Light, crunchy, and refreshing — especially with a tangy vinaigrette.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for sopping up every last drop of gravy.

Creamed Spinach

If you’re going for extra indulgent, this silky side works wonders.

Skillet Corn

Sweet, buttery corn (especially with a little kick of chili) balances the savory notes of the steak.

Pickled Veggies or Cucumber Salad

A bright and tangy contrast to cut through the richness of the meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? You’re in luck — this dish stores and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store the Salisbury steaks and mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the gravy in a separate container if possible to prevent the potatoes from getting soggy.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked patties with gravy for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered, until heated through.

Avoid freezing mashed potatoes if they’re made with dairy — the texture can turn grainy. If you must, consider whipping them with cream cheese or sour cream beforehand to help them hold up better.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Yield: 4 servings (includes steak, gravy, and mashed potatoes)
Note: Actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Calories: ~620
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 115mg

This dish is hearty and satisfying, offering a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats — perfect for a comfort meal that fuels you for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak?

They’re very similar, but Salisbury steak usually includes binders like egg and breadcrumbs and is served with gravy, while hamburger steak tends to be just seasoned beef patties.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the all-purpose flour in the gravy with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. Store-bought or leftover mashed potatoes work just fine—just reheat them until hot and fluffy.

What mushrooms are best for the gravy?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer great flavor and texture. White button mushrooms work too if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the patties and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours, or fully cook the dish and reheat before serving.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very much so! The rich gravy and tender beef are usually a hit with kids. You can even make mini patties for smaller appetites.

Can I make this in the oven or slow cooker?

You can brown the patties first, then finish cooking everything together in a covered baking dish or slow cooker. Just make sure the internal temp hits 160°F.

How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?

Simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes, or mix a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water to stir in and thicken it up quickly.

Conclusion

Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy is everything you want in a comfort meal — rich, savory, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite. With pantry staples and a straightforward process, it’s no wonder this has become one of my go-to recipes. Try it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.