01 -
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced onion, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. The key here is *gentle* mixing. Overworking the meat makes for tough patties, and we want tender, melt-in-your-mouth Salisbury steaks! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into oval-shaped patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Don't stress if they're not perfectly uniform; mine rarely are!
02 -
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully browned and have a nice crust. This browning, my friends, is where all the flavor starts! Remove the seared patties to a plate and set aside. They won't be cooked through, and that's perfectly fine.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom – that's pure flavor! Once the butter is melted, toss in your sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until they're softened and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes. They'll smell wonderfully earthy at this point. This step is crucial for that deep mushroom flavor.
04 -
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mushrooms and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. You're making a roux here, which thickens the gravy and adds a nutty flavor. It might look a little clumpy, but don't panic! Keep stirring until the flour is fully incorporated and has a slightly golden, toasted smell. This is where I always remind myself to be patient, unlike that one gravy-gate incident!
05 -
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, until smooth. Keep whisking to avoid any lumps. Seriously, whisk like your life depends on it! Then, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it thicken for about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. Taste it here, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This is the magic part where it all comes together!
06 -
Return the seared Salisbury steak patties to the skillet, nestling them into that glorious mushroom gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and have absorbed all that delicious gravy flavor. The smell, oh, the smell will be incredible! Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.