Salisbury Steak is one of those comforting, nostalgic dishes that seem to have stood the test of time, always finding its way into our kitchens. It’s hearty, flavorful, and-let’s be honest-one of those meals you can’t resist after a long day. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to spend hours cooking a restaurant-quality Salisbury Steak. With a little shortcut using onion soup mix, you can create a version that’s not only delicious but also ridiculously easy to prepare. If you’re looking to whip up a classic, savory meal that’ll make everyone at the dinner table smile, this recipe is for you.
In this article, we’ll go through every step of making this simple yet satisfying Salisbury Steak using onion soup mix, from gathering the ingredients to exploring some great variations. So, grab your apron and let’s dive in!
Easy Salisbury Steak Onion Soup Mix Recipe
This recipe takes the traditional Salisbury Steak and simplifies it with the magic of onion soup mix. It’s a brilliant shortcut that retains all the flavor and comfort but saves you time on prep and cooking. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish will have you looking like a pro in no time. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful Salisbury steak that rivals any homemade version.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80% lean works best for a juicy steak).
- Onion Soup Mix: 1 packet (the magic ingredient for quick flavor infusion!).
- Bread Crumbs: About ½ cup, to help bind the patties together while keeping them tender.
- Egg: 1 large egg to hold everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for that rich, savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for a bit of extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup for simmering the steaks and creating a savory gravy.
- Olive Oil: For searing the steaks before simmering.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, here’s how to make this mouthwatering Salisbury Steak with Onion Soup Mix:
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Prepare The Beef Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval patties. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect; just aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
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Cook The Patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re browned and crisp on the outside. You’re not cooking them all the way through yet, just giving them a nice sear.
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Simmer And Make The Gravy
- Once the patties are browned, pour in the beef broth. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt levels, but regular beef broth adds great flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the patties simmer in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. The broth will thicken slightly as it simmers, creating a delicious gravy to pour over the steaks.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, you’re ready to serve! Spoon some of that savory gravy over the steaks and pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green vegetable for a comforting meal.
Ingredient Insights
- Onion Soup Mix: The secret weapon in this recipe. It’s packed with dehydrated onions, spices, and a touch of salt, which makes it a powerhouse for adding depth and flavor to the meat. Instead of spending time chopping onions and cooking them down, you get all that sweet and savory goodness in one quick packet.
- Ground Beef: It’s the classic choice for Salisbury steak, providing the rich, juicy base that forms the backbone of this dish. For the best texture, you want to go with a slightly fattier ground beef, around 80% lean, to ensure the patties stay moist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed sauce brings a savory, tangy kick to the dish. It balances the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the beef. Just a tablespoon goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
- Beef Broth: The foundation for your gravy. Not only does it cook the patties to perfection, but it also infuses them with flavor as they simmer. Using beef broth instead of water makes a huge difference in taste.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming the patties, be gentle with the mixture. Overworking the ground beef will lead to dense, tough patties. Mix just enough to incorporate everything, and then form your patties.
- Brown the Patties Well: The searing step is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it! Browning the patties before simmering adds that crispy, caramelized exterior that makes the dish so irresistible.
- Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you find the gravy too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the broth. Stir and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Rest the Patties: After the steaks are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even juicier and more flavorful.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Salisbury steak with onion soup mix is delicious, there are a few fun variations you can try depending on your mood or what you have in your pantry:
- Mushroom Salisbury Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when you’re simmering the steaks. The mushrooms will release their juices into the gravy, making it even richer and more flavorful.
- Cheese-Stuffed Patties: For an indulgent twist, stuff the beef patties with shredded cheese. When the patties cook, the cheese will melt inside, creating a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Spicy Salisbury Steak: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture or the gravy.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger) and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
Final Words
This Salisbury Steak with Onion Soup Mix is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients and a little creativity can turn a basic meal into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, impressing guests, or just craving some good comfort food, this dish is a surefire hit.