Easy Salisbury Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ah, Salisbury steak—the unsung hero of cozy comfort food! I still remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was cozied up with my family, playing board games while Mom was in the kitchen, whipping up something that gradually filled the house with rich, savory scents. That aromatic blend of sautéing onions and mushrooms combined with the unmistakable smell of beef sizzling on the stove filled my heart (and stomach) with joy. I can still feel the warmth of that moment every time I make it.
Now, whenever I prepare Salisbury steak with garlic mashed potatoes and mushroom & onion gravy, it brings back those nostalgic vibes. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. The way the zipper-like steak patties ooze flavor, the creamy mashed potatoes with that garlicky twist, and the umami-rich gravy—honestly, can you think of a better combination for an easy weeknight dinner?
Before you roll your eyes at what may sound like a simple dish, let me tell you—it’s deceptively easy to make yet incredibly rewarding. It’s a dish that makes the heart happy and the belly full, all while being a budget-friendly recipe that your whole family will love. For those nights when you crave some comforting, wholesome food but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen—this is it. Trust me; this Salisbury steak will have you saying, “Why didn’t I make this sooner?”
So buckle up, grab your aprons, and let’s dive into one of the best high protein meals you’ll add to your dinner repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for quick family meals. You can whip it up in less than an hour—just what you need after a long day!
- Comfort Food Galore: It feels like a warm hug after a chilly day. Seriously, the first bite alone will have you sighing with contentment.
- Picky-Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike will love these juicy patties. It’s a sneaky way to entice even the most discerning eaters at your table.
- Leftovers Galore: Let’s be real; the leftovers are almost better than the first meal. High protein ready meals just got a new definition!
- Meal Prep Winner: Perfect for meal planning chicken or even freezing for the future—this works so well for weeknight dinners!
- Family Bonding: Cooking is about bringing people together, and this dish is pinging your grandma’s recipes and family traditions. It’s a perfect way to ease into culinary storytelling.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Salisbury steak apart is the depth of flavors—from the savory ground beef to the earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions. We’re taking a classic recipe and adding a dash of creativity with a garlic twist in the mashed potatoes. Plus, the optional cornstarch thickening gives you a gravy that’s rich enough to spoon over everything on your plate!
I remember once—I was racing against the clock, trying to get everything done before my guests arrived. In my haste, I added red wine to the gravy instead of beef broth. Talk about mixing signals! I didn’t expect that taste at all. As a result, my guests got an Oops! Vino Mistake version. But hey, they loved it and told me it did have a certain kick to it! Life in the kitchen is always an adventure.
Frankly, this meal is about sharing, cooking with intention, and the warm atmosphere that comes with a bustling kitchen. So, let’s make some magic!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: The star of our show! It’s packed with protein. I usually lean toward an 80/20 blend for a juicy steak.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and give them texture. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor!
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Fresh onion brings a sweetness to each bite. Make sure to chop it finely so it melts nicely into the patties.
- 1 egg: Another binding agent that also adds moisture to the patties.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This is your secret weapon for umami goodness. I love the depth it adds to the flavors!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic, yet essential. Don’t skimp; seasoning is everything!
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered: Use a starchy kind like Russets for creamy mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk: For that silky smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Because butter makes everything better! You could experiment with garlic butter for a bonus twist.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Great for sautéing; it adds a lovely richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: For that earthy flavor that balances the beef—mushrooms are the perfect complement!
- 1 cup onion, sliced: These will soften and caramelize, adding sweetness to your gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: This is the foundation of the dish, giving your gravy flavor. Feel free to use low sodium!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Use this if you like a thicker gravy. Just mix it with water before adding it in!
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Fresh greens to brighten up your dish!
Don’t worry, you can substitute ground turkey if you want to lower calorie intake or even try a plant-based alternative if you’re considering a healthy meal plan for two. The essence of this recipe lies in the heart of home cooking, so feel free to improvise!
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to bring this dish together. Remember, cooking is about exploration—don’t stress about perfection!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, gather all those lovely ingredients! Chopping onions and garlic can get a bit emotional (thank you, tears), but it’s all part of the experience. Prep your potatoes, get your ground beef ready, and slice those mushrooms. Having everything in place makes the cooking process way smoother—seriously, it reduces the chance of chaos.
Step 2: Make the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. To be real, the aroma here is going to grab your attention! Get in there with your hands and mix it all up.
I won’t lie; this part can get a little gooey. But don’t fret; that’s a good sign! Shape the mixture into oval patties. You can make them thick or thin—just remember they will shrink a bit as they cook.
Step 3: Sear the Patties
Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and allow them to sear without crowding the pan. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned. Oops, don’t forget to flip them!
Once they’re pleasingly golden, get them off the heat and set aside on a plate. Oh man, the sizzling sound is just music to my ears.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions
In that same skillet (don’t waste those delicious drippings!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté them for a good 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. The smell is going to have you questioning how you can pack all this deliciousness into your mouth ASAP!
Step 5: Build the Gravy
Time to pour in the beef broth! Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then, return the patties to the pan, cover, and let everything slowly bubble together for about 10-15 minutes. This really melds all those wonderful flavors.
If you want a thicker gravy at this point, mix the cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the broth. Watch it transform into velvety goodness!
Step 6: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
While your patties are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quartered potatoes. Pro tip: Boil them until they’re fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes. Drain those bad boys and return them to the pot.
Now, throw in your milk, butter, and a dash of salt and get mashing! I love a good chunky mashed potato, but if you’re feeling fancy, whip them until silky smooth. Add garlic if you want to jazz things up!
Step 7: Serve It Up
It’s party time! To serve, place a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes on your plate, topped with a warm Salisbury steak. Drizzle that rich mushroom and onion gravy all over. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color. Grab your favorite fork and dig in—your comforting masterpiece awaits!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the patties to develop a nice crust for maximum flavor. Perfection takes a little time.
- Season as you go: Taste while you’re cooking! Adjust seasoning of both the patties and the gravy, as flavors deepen during cooking.
- Use a potato ricer: If you want the creamiest mashed potatoes, invest in a ricer. Trust me; the difference is phenomenal!
- Get creative with spices: Feeling adventurous? Add some dried thyme or even a splash of soy sauce into your beef mixture for a fun twist.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Ground beef: You can swap it for ground turkey or lean chicken for a leaner version. Or try crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Broth: Using mushroom broth instead of beef can give you an excellent vegetarian option!
- Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthy twist or even go for cauliflower for a keto meal plan.
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into oval patties.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook patties until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, mushrooms, and onions. Sauté until softened.
- Add beef broth to the skillet, bring to a simmer, then return patties to the pan. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter. Season with salt to taste.
- Optionally, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the gravy to thicken. Stir well.
- Serve patties over garlic mashed potatoes with mushroom and onion gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Now let’s get to the fun part—what else to enjoy with this meal! Pair it with an easy salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for freshness or a side of steamed veggies. Want drinks? A sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or even a glass of red grape juice would work wonders. And let’s not forget about dessert—a warm chocolate brownie or a slice of apple pie would be perfection!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt that will happen!), store them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They should be good for about three days. When you reheat, use a skillet over low heat to warm everything through gently; this keeps the patties juicy. A little extra gravy on top won’t hurt, right?
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
To make it ahead of time, form the patties and freeze them. When you’re ready to cook, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual. For the gravy, you can make it in advance too. Just rewarm on the stove with a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Beef: This will lead to tough patties. Just mix until combined!
- Not Letting Gravy Simmer: Skipping this step results in bland gravy. Let it hang out with the patties for the best results!
- Skipping the Taste Test: Always taste your gravy! It could need a little extra seasoning to hit the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or finely crushed gluten-free crackers.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option.
4. What sides go well with Salisbury steak?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a loaf of crusty bread can make excellent companions!
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet: Essential for sautéing and searing.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Potato Masher/Ricer: To achieve that perfect mashed potato consistency.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision counts even in comfort food!
Final Thoughts
Making Salisbury steak with garlic mashed potatoes is not just about feeding your family; it’s about creating memories, rekindling connections, and sharing good food through the ages. This dish speaks of tradition, warmth, and home. It’s comforting, delicious, and reminiscent of simpler times spent with loved ones.
So, as you cook this dish, remember that it’s not about perfection. Embrace the chaos, sprinkle laughter in between, and enjoy the process. Since food is always better shared, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!
Easy Salisbury Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Salisbury Steak
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for juiciness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use seasoned for extra flavor if desired.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped Provides sweetness to the patties.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the patties together.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for flavoring the patties.
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Adds earthy flavor.
- 1 cup onion, sliced Sweetness when caramelized.
- 2 cups beef broth Low sodium if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) For thickening the gravy.
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered Russet potatoes work best.
- 1/2 cup milk For smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter Add garlic for extra flavor, if desired.
- fresh parsley for garnish Brightens up the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and prep by chopping onions, slicing mushrooms, and quartering potatoes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into oval patties.
Cooking the Patties
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Making the Gravy
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the sliced mushrooms and onions until softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the patties back to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Optionally stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
Cooking the Potatoes
- In a pot of salted water, boil the quartered potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with milk and butter, seasoning with salt to taste.
Serving
- Serve the patties over garlic mashed potatoes, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with fresh parsley.
