Description
Cheesy Salisbury Steak with Gravy
Ingredients:
For the Salisbury Steak:
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Toppings:
4 slices of cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Salisbury Steaks:
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
Cook the Steaks:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until softened.
Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
Return the cooked patties to the skillet with the gravy. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve:
Serve the Salisbury steaks hot with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
This Cheesy Salisbury Steak with Gravy is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a hearty dinner. The rich gravy and melted cheddar cheese make it an indulgent treat for the whole family!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, gently combine the Salisbury steak ingredients, being careful not to overwork the beef, which can make patties tough. When shaping, create oval patties about 3/4-inch thick and make a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent doming during cooking. For the gravy, ensure you scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the skillet after cooking the patties, as this is key for depth of flavor. When adding the cornstarch slurry, whisk it in gradually and let the gravy simmer for a full 2-3 minutes to activate the starch and achieve the proper thickness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with classic, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are ideal for soaking up the rich gravy. For a lighter option, serve with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad. A crusty dinner roll is also a welcome addition for cleaning the plate.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves three main phases: 1) Mix and form seasoned beef patties, then pan-sear until cooked through. 2) In the same pan, create a savory onion gravy using butter, beef broth, and a cornstarch slurry. 3) Return the patties to the gravy, top with cheddar cheese, cover to melt, and garnish before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties and gravy separately, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the gravy gently in a skillet, add the patties to warm through, then proceed with the cheese melting step.
- What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? Crushed saltine crackers, panko, or even rolled oats make suitable substitutes for traditional breadcrumbs.
- How do I know when the Salisbury steaks are fully cooked? The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a kick would all work wonderfully.
- My gravy is too thin/thick. How can I fix it? If too thin, create a small additional cornstarch slurry and whisk it in while simmering. If too thick, simply stir in a little more beef broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the beef mixture, which leads to dense, tough patties.
- Not letting the gravy simmer long enough after adding cornstarch, resulting in a thin sauce or a starchy taste.
- Using high heat to cook the patties, causing them to burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Skipping the step of deglazing the pan and incorporating the flavorful browned bits into the gravy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Salisbury Steak with Gravy transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a deeply satisfying and family-friendly meal. The combination of savory beef patties, rich onion gravy, and melted cheddar is classic comfort food at its best. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can easily master this dish and make it a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the delicious results!