Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food that’s been a favorite in homes across America for generations. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile, offering an easy way to turn everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. When paired with creamy mushroom soup, it becomes a rich, flavorful dish that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
The combination of savory, juicy beef patties topped with a luscious, velvety mushroom sauce is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to please. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy, full, and completely content.
Let’s dive into a Cream of Mushroom Soup Salisbury Steak recipe that’s going to elevate this classic dish to new levels of deliciousness!
Cream Of Mushroom Soup Salisbury Steak Recipe
This version of Salisbury steak takes the traditional recipe and adds a rich, creamy twist with the inclusion of cream of mushroom soup. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the tender beef make for a wonderfully comforting and hearty meal. The sauce is the star, providing a smooth, creamy texture that soaks into the juicy steaks. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of steamed vegetables, it’s the ultimate in homestyle cooking.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to make this dish. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor they create is anything but basic.
For The Salisbury Steaks
- Ground Beef (1 pound) – This is the base of the dish. A lean-to-fat ratio of about 80/20 is ideal for juicy steaks with enough flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) – Breadcrumbs help hold the steaks together and give them a nice texture. You can use regular or Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Egg (1 large) – The egg acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs and beef to stick together.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor of the beef.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) – For that little bit of tangy, savory kick that enhances the flavor of the beef.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Provides an extra layer of flavor to the beef patties.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Simple seasonings that elevate the meat’s natural flavor.
For The Mushroom Sauce
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces) – This is the key ingredient for a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s quick and gives a deep, rich flavor without much effort.
- Beef Broth (1/2 cup) – Adds extra savory depth and helps to thin out the cream of mushroom soup just enough to make a silky, smooth gravy.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – An additional hit of garlic flavor that complements the mushrooms and beef beautifully.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Used to cook the steaks and sauté the onions.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing the mushrooms, adding richness and flavor to the sauce.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make the Cream of Mushroom Soup Salisbury Steak:
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Prepare The Salisbury Steaks
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together gently. You want to combine the ingredients thoroughly, but you don’t want to overwork the meat, as that can make the steaks tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty.
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Cook The Steaks
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the patties to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef is recommended).
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
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Make The Mushroom Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder and stir it in to coat the mushrooms.
- Pour in the can of cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any bits of flavor from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing the patties to soak up the sauce and the flavors to meld together.
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Serve
- Once the Salisbury steaks are fully cooked and covered in the creamy mushroom sauce, it’s time to serve! You can spoon some of the mushroom gravy over the steaks, ensuring every bite is coated in that delicious sauce.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish, ground beef brings richness and flavor. Using a mix with a decent fat content (80/20) ensures the steaks remain juicy and tender.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Often considered a shortcut ingredient, it’s more than just a convenience-it imparts a smooth, rich texture and earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to work with and always reliable.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This classic condiment is an essential ingredient in many meat-based dishes. It adds complexity with its sweet, tangy, and umami qualities, making your Salisbury steaks even more delicious.
- Mushrooms: They’re earthy and slightly nutty, and when cooked in butter, they become wonderfully soft and juicy. Their presence in the sauce adds layers of flavor and makes the dish feel luxurious without a lot of effort.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When forming the patties, be sure not to overmix. Overworking the meat can result in dense, tough patties instead of the light, tender texture you want.
- Let the Patties Rest: After you’ve browned the patties, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley on hand, chop some up and sprinkle it over the steaks for a fresh, fragrant finish.
- Customize the Sauce: If you want to take the sauce to the next level, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms give a deeper flavor than canned or frozen ones. If you’re short on time, though, canned mushrooms can still work in a pinch.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up:
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, on top of the steaks just before serving. The melted cheese will add a rich, gooey element.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or hearty lentils for a vegetarian version that still delivers all the flavor.
- Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, like cremini, shiitake, or portobello, to add more depth to the sauce.
- Spicy Salisbury Steaks: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat and smokiness.
Final Words
Salisbury steak is one of those meals that makes you feel right at home. The combination of juicy beef patties and creamy mushroom sauce is simply irresistible, and it’s the type of dish that’s perfect for both casual nights and special occasions. With the added cream of mushroom soup, this recipe offers ease without compromising on flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy meal for two, or preparing something that feels like a special treat, this Cream of Mushroom Soup Salisbury Steak recipe is a surefire hit. The depth of flavor, combined with the simplicity of the ingredients, ensures that this dish is not just delicious but also attainable for cooks of all skill levels.