Hello everyone! Today we’re making Bobby Flay’s famous Salisbury steak – a true comfort food classic that brings back wonderful memories of family dinners. This hearty dish features tender beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 generous portions
What You’ll Need
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Your Beef Patties
Step 1: Take a large mixing bowl and gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until just combined – don’t overmix as this can make the patties tough.
Step 2: With gentle hands, shape the mixture into 4 oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
Cooking the Patties
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly.
Step 4: Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Flip them gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
Step 5: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on a plate. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through yet – they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
Creating the Perfect Gravy
Step 6: In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits add wonderful flavor!), add your sliced onion. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 7: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 8: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bringing It All Together
Step 9: Gently return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes. The patties will finish cooking through and the gravy will thicken beautifully.
Step 10: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This classic Salisbury steak is absolutely divine served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that wonderful gravy. You can also serve it with buttered egg noodles, rice, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
Bobby Flay’s version creates incredibly tender, flavorful patties by using the perfect combination of ingredients. The breadcrumbs keep the meat moist, while the onions add sweetness and depth. The gravy, made right in the same pan, captures all those delicious flavors from browning the meat.
Helpful Tips
- Let the meat come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking
- Don’t press down on the patties while they’re cooking – this squeezes out the juices
- If your gravy seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth
Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
