Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy (Salisbury Steak Recipe)

Smothered hamburger steaks & gravy, aka Salisbury steak, is an easy throw-together dish that is made with ground meat, bread crumbs, and condensed soup simmered in rich mushroom gravy, ready in less than 30 minutes.

This dish is believed to have originated in the early 1900s when working-class families would often stretch their ground beef by adding it to stews and casseroles. It’s commonly found in restaurants throughout the Southern United States.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and works with cheaper ground meat.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Can be made with beef, turkey, or venison, and mushrooms are optional.
• Comfort Food Classic: Rich mushroom gravy over hearty meat patties for a satisfying meal.

🛒 Ingredient Notes

This smothered hamburger steaks recipe is a wonderful way to use cheaper ground meat such as 73% lean vs 90% lean beef, it also works with ground turkey or venison as well. When it comes to frugal recipes, Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy is a dish that definitely delivers on flavor without breaking the bank.

This hearty meal is perfect for any time of year, and leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day. What makes this recipe so budget-friendly is that it calls for ingredients that are typically very inexpensive, such as ground beef, onions, and mushrooms.

In addition, the gravy can be made with either beef or vegetable broth, whichever you happen to have on hand. So if you’re looking for a delicious and economical way to feed your family, smothered hamburger steaks & gravy is definitely worth a try.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy

You’ll Need:

• 1 (10.5 ounces) can of condensed French onion soup
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, turkey, or venison
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2–1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

1. In a medium-sized bowl combine the ground meat of your choice with one-third cup of condensed French onion soup, bread crumbs, salt and pepper, and one egg, mixing well.

   If your family really enjoys onion, you can finely dice a small onion and add that as well.



2. Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to divide it and form four to six large patties.



3. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is sufficiently hot, add the patties and brown on both sides, draining off any excess fat, as desired.



4. While the hamburger steaks are cooking in the skillet, combine the flour and remaining condensed soup in a small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Add ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder, mixing well.

5. Pour the mixture over the browned hamburger patties, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for about 14–17 minutes. Stir the gravy occasionally to prevent scorching. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the mushrooms to the top.



6. As you can see, smothered hamburger steaks and gravy is a hearty and comforting dish that has remained popular for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a forgiving dish to fill you up affordably, smothered hamburger steaks and gravy is sure to hit the spot.

7. One of our favorite ways to serve this dish is over hot buttered noodles or with garlic-smashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a quick, nearly effortless dinner.

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Main Dish Only – Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy

Side Dish Options

Mashed Garlic Potatoes

Buttered Noodles

Steamed Broccoli

❓ Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy FAQ

Does Salisbury steak freeze well?
Yes, this recipe freezes very well, simply place the leftover cooked steaks and gravy into a vacuum seal bag and remove the air, sealing them tight. They will last up to one year in the freezer if properly vacuum sealed.

Do I have to add mushrooms?
Absolutely not, mushrooms are completely optional, but add a depth of flavor and also help extend the meat to provide more robust servings.

How long does Salisbury steak last in the fridge?
Salisbury steak can last in the fridge for up to four days.

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💡 Expert Tips

• For richer flavor, brown the patties well before adding the gravy mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• Make it ahead and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

• Patties Falling Apart: If your hamburger steaks won’t hold their shape, try chilling the formed patties in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This firms them up and helps the egg and bread crumbs bind the meat together.
• Gravy Too Thin: Simmer uncovered for the last 5–7 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate, or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and stir until thickened.
• Gravy Too Thick: Stir in a few tablespoons of beef broth or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• Burning on the Bottom: Lower the heat and stir the gravy occasionally. Cast iron skillets hold heat well and can cause scorching if not monitored.
• Too Salty: Use low-sodium condensed soup or broth, and if it’s still salty after cooking, stir in a splash of cream or unsalted butter to mellow the flavor.

🎨 Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Swap condensed French onion soup for cream of mushroom or beef consommé for a different flavor profile.
• Use ground pork, chicken, or a blend for variety.
• Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
• From Scratch Gravy: Skip the condensed soup and make a homemade gravy by sautéing onions in butter, adding flour to make a roux, then whisking in beef broth and seasonings.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free bread crumbs and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use heavy cream in place of milk in mashed potatoes.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Mix finely diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers into the meat mixture for extra flavor, fiber, and color.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir shredded cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella into the gravy just before serving for a creamy, indulgent twist.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the patties first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the gravy mixture. Cook on low for 4–5 hours for ultra-tender results.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Pair with roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad.
• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread make great sides to soak up the gravy.

📦 Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Vacuum-seal or wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 year.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

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🖨️ Print-Friendly Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy Recipe

Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy

Budget101.com by Melissa 'Liss' Burnell

Introducing Smothered Hamburger Steaks & Gravy, your new go-to dish for an easy, delicious meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Also known as Salisbury steak, this dish is made with ground meat, bread crumbs, and condensed soup simmered in rich mushroom gravy. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy any time of day or night. So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

0 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 562 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  1 medium-sized mixing bowl
• ▢
  1 heavy skillet
• ▢
  Mushroom slicer optional

Ingredients

 

USMetric

 

.5x1x2x3x

• ▢ 10.5 oz French onion soup (condensed)
• ▢ 1 ½ pounds ground beef (turkey, or venison)
• ▢ ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ▢ ¼ cup ketchup
• ▢ ¼ cup water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ▢ 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef or turkey, 1/3 c. condensed soup, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and egg mixing well.
  10.5 oz French onion soup

  1 ½ pounds ground beef

  ½ cup dry bread crumbs

  1 large egg

  ½ teaspoon salt

  ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Form mixture into 4-6 large patties.
• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When the skillet is sufficiently hot, add the patties and brown on both sides, draining off any excess fat.
• While the patties are browning, combine the flour and the remaining condensed soup in a small bowl. Add ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder, mixing well.
  10.5 oz French onion soup

  1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  ¼ cup ketchup

  ¼ cup water

  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Pour the sauce mixture over the browned patties, reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for about 14-17 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the mushrooms to the top.
  1 cup sliced mushrooms

Equipment

1 medium-sized mixing bowl

1 heavy skillet

Mushroom slicer optional

Recipe Size Alteration Note

If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 562kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 35gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 1099mgPotassium: 991mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 149IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 5mgNet Carbs: 19g

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