Introduction
Transform humble ground beef into a restaurant-quality Salisbury steak in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, proving that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it balances ease and flavor. The simple ingredients come together beautifully, creating a savory and satisfying meal without any fancy techniques. It’s all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss – ideal for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🍞 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 🥚 1 large egg, beaten
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 💧 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough steaks.
2️⃣ Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
3️⃣ Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4️⃣ Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5️⃣ Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Don’t press down on the patties while they’re cooking; this will release their juices and make them dry.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-made mashed potatoes.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is used initially to brown the patties nicely, sealing in the juices. Lowering the heat to low for simmering ensures the sauce thickens gently without burning. Careful heat control is key to achieving perfectly cooked Salisbury steaks with a flavorful, creamy sauce.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a tender, juicy steak, the breadcrumbs add a subtle textural contrast. The slight crunch from the breadcrumbs provides a nice counterpoint to the soft, tender meat.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use a grill pan for extra browning and faster cooking time.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Use pre-chopped onions to save even more time.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These Salisbury steaks make a fantastic homemade gift! Package individual portions in attractive disposable containers, adding a handwritten card with reheating instructions. A small jar of your favorite homemade gravy would make a thoughtful addition.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Salisbury Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
🌟 Mushroom & Swiss: Top each patty with sliced mushrooms and Swiss cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and an extra clove of minced garlic to the meat mixture.
🌟 BBQ Salisbury Steak: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Salisbury Steaks: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t press down on the patties while cooking. Ensure the sauce simmers gently to keep them moist.
- Overcooked Patties: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Reduce cooking time if needed.
- Thin Sauce: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I freeze these Salisbury steaks? Yes, cooked or uncooked Salisbury steaks can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
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What sides pair well with Salisbury steak? Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, and green beans are all excellent choices.
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How long does it take to make this recipe? The entire recipe takes approximately 45-60 minutes from start to finish.
Conclusion
This Speedy Salisbury Steak recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s delicious, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and share your results with us – we can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed it! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Salisbury Steak: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and hearty Salisbury steak recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into 4 oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the ketchup and return the patties to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the patties are cooked through.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the skillet to thicken the gravy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks with the mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the beef mixture.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.