Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that’s simple yet packed with flavor. This version is extra special, made with French onion soup and a tangy sauce that gives the dish a rich, savory depth. The tender beef patties paired with a smooth, flavorful gravy create a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being difficult to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Salisbury steak recipe because it’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and can easily be made with pantry staples. The French onion soup gives the beef patties a deep, savory taste, while the homemade gravy is rich and comforting. It’s a dish I make time and time again, especially when I’m craving hearty, home-cooked food without a lot of fuss.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
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1 1/2 lbs ground beef
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1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1–3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
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1/4 cup water
directions
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In a large bowl, I mix together 1/3 cup of the condensed French onion soup with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper.
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I shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, making sure they’re uniform in size.
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In a large skillet, I heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown both sides of the patties until they’re nicely seared.
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I pour off any excess fat from the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium.
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In a small bowl, I blend the remaining French onion soup, flour, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and water until smooth.
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I pour this mixture into the skillet with the patties, spooning it over them to coat.
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I let the patties simmer in the gravy for about 10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
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I serve the Salisbury steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies and drizzle the gravy over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 20 minutes, so the total time is around 30 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra flavor.
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If I want a richer sauce, I use heavy cream or milk instead of water.
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For a spicier version, I add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
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I’ve also tried using turkey or chicken for the patties for a lighter version.
storage/reheating
I store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a little extra water or broth to prevent the gravy from thickening too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, I’ve used ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option. The flavor is still great, though it’s a bit milder.
How do I know when the patties are done cooking?
I use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. The patties should also be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes make the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I just cook the patties and pour the pre-made gravy over them.
Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?
If I don’t have Worcestershire sauce, I substitute with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What should I serve with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles are classic sides. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also pair wonderfully with this dish.
Conclusion
One of the very best Salisbury steak recipes is all about the perfect blend of juicy beef patties, rich gravy, and savory flavors that come together in just a short time. I love how this dish makes me feel like I’m indulging, but it’s simple enough to whip up on any weeknight. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or special occasion, Salisbury steak always delivers satisfying comfort in every bite.

One of THE VERY BEST Salisbury Steak
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
One of the very best Salisbury steak recipes, featuring tender beef patties in a savory French onion soup gravy, making for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1–3 tsp Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of the French onion soup, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, ensuring they are uniform in size.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown both sides of the patties until nicely seared.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- In a small bowl, blend the remaining French onion soup, flour, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and water until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture into the skillet with the patties and spoon it over the top.
- Let the patties simmer in the gravy for 10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies, and drizzle the gravy over the top.
Notes
- This recipe serves about 6 people.
- For added flavor, sauté mushrooms or onions to mix into the gravy.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream or milk instead of water.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the gravy.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version of the patties.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg