Certainly! Salisbury Steaks is a classic comfort food dish that combines seasoned ground beef patties with a savory mushroom and onion gravy, making it perfect for a hearty dinner. Below, I’ll delve into a detailed explanation and expansion of the Salisbury Steaks recipe, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for best results, and suggestions for serving and variations.
Salisbury Steaks Recipe
Description
This Salisbury Steaks recipe is praised for its balanced flavor, featuring just enough zing to excite your taste buds. The recipe includes a creamy mushroom gravy that enhances the savory beef patties. This dish is versatile and can be served over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes, making it a comforting and filling meal. Additionally, it freezes well, allowing for convenient meal prep.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
- Servings: 6 Steaks
- Calories per Serving: 388.8 kcal
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Fat: 25.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.2 g
- Cholesterol: 134.8 mg
- Sodium: 834.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.9 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Sugars: 2.2 g
- Protein: 28.5 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: Sliced onions for additional flavor and texture
Instructions
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Prepare the Gravy Base:
- In a medium bowl, blend the cream of mushroom soup, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared horseradish. This mixture will serve as the base for the gravy.
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Mix the Beef Patties:
- In a separate large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Add 1/4 cup of the soup mixture from step 1.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
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Form the Patties:
- Shape the beef mixture into 6 equally-sized patties. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
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Brown the Patties:
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef patties and brown them on both sides, turning only once to ensure they hold their shape. This step should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
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Prepare the Gravy:
- Mix the remaining soup mixture with 1/2 cup of water. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the browned patties. If using, add sliced onions on top of the patties at this stage.
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Simmer the Patties:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the patties should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
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Serve:
- Once cooked, serve the Salisbury Steaks hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Spoon the gravy generously over the top.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose Quality Beef: Using ground beef with an 80-85% lean ratio provides the best balance between flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef might result in drier patties.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: When combining the ingredients for the patties, mix just until combined to avoid toughening the meat.
- Even Thickness: Form patties of even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Monitor Simmering: Keep the heat low while simmering to avoid burning the gravy and to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice or Potatoes: Salisbury Steaks are traditionally served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice. The starch helps soak up the delicious gravy.
- Vegetable Side Dishes: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas to add color and balance to the meal.
- With Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the extra gravy.
Variations and Additions
- Onions and Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Cheesy Twist: For a richer flavor, sprinkle shredded cheese over the patties before serving.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the dish by adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy or patty mixture.
- Healthier Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Salisbury Steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the steaks and gravy to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
This expanded recipe and additional information should provide a comprehensive guide to preparing Salisbury Steaks, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the process of cooking this classic dish and the comforting flavors it brings to your table!
