Easy Salisbury Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re hunting for the most soul-satisfying, savory pasta dinner that’s equal parts cozy classic and weeknight hero, Salisbury Ground Beef is your one-skillet answer! This recipe brings together juicy ground beef, golden mushrooms, and a silky, richly seasoned gravy all poured over a tangle of pasta—old-school comfort with a modern twist that’ll have everyone racing to the table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salisbury Ground Beef comes together with pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient has its special job—whether that’s deepening the umami, adding savory backbone, or lending a subtle herby finish, nothing is here by accident!

• Canola Oil: Helps brown the beef and keeps everything from sticking to the skillet.
• 90/10 Lean Ground Beef: Delivers rich flavor without excess grease, nailing that steakhouse-style taste in a fraction of the time.
• Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and body to the sauce—finely chopped so it melts right in.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves deliver a punch of savoriness that wakes up the gravy.
• Unsalted Butter: Sautéing mushrooms in butter amps up their flavor and makes your sauce ultra-luxurious.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Meaty, earthy slices soak up the gravy while bringing texture and color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to glossy, perfection—think cozy comfort spooned over pasta.
• Beef Broth: The essential base for an irresistible savory gravy that ties everything together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that familiar “Salisbury” tang, plus a subtle hit of umami depth.
• Dijon Mustard: Infuses a gentle sharpness that rounds out the richness of the beef and mushrooms.
• Fresh Thyme: Just a teaspoon gives the whole dish a garden-fresh, aromatic lift.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A little bit warms up the entire skillet, especially in a peppery gravy.
• Kosher Salt: Season to taste so every bite pops with flavor.
• Pasta (like pappardelle): Wide noodles soak up all the sauce and look extra inviting on the plate.

Variations

One of the best things about classic Salisbury Ground Beef is just how customizable it is! Whether you need to work around dietary needs or just want a fresh twist, here are some fun ways to make this recipe your very own.

• Swirl in Sour Cream: For an extra-creamy gravy, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream during the last minute of cooking—it’s like a beefy stroganoff hybrid!
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Add a handful of chopped spinach or frozen peas with the beef mixture for a pop of green.
• Change up Your Noodles: Try egg noodles, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes in place of pappardelle for new textures and flavors.

How to Make Salisbury Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating the canola oil in a sturdy, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, then break the beef up with a wooden spoon. Let everything sizzle together, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are starting to go translucent—about 4 to 5 minutes. Remember, don’t drain the beef! You want every bit of those savory juices. Scoop the mixture into a bowl and set aside while you move on to the star of the show: mushrooms.

Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms

In the same skillet (no need to wipe—it’s flavor city!), melt your unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and give them an occasional stir. Let them cook undisturbed in between stirs so they brown beautifully and develop a deep, earthy taste. After about 6 to 8 minutes, your mushrooms should be perfectly golden and ready for the next savory upgrade.

Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, sprinkle in the flour, and stir it into the mushrooms for about 2 minutes. You want that raw flour flavor to cook out and a lightly toasted nuttiness to develop. Gradually whisk in your beef broth until the sauce is smooth, then return the reserved beef-onion mixture to the pan along with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Bring it all to a gentle simmer—the magic happens as the flavors mingle and the sauce thickens into glorious, glossy goodness (about 5 to 7 minutes). Taste, and don’t be shy about adding salt until everything sings.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, toss in a generous sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and serve your Salisbury Ground Beef straight over hot, fluffy pasta. Ladle extra gravy over the top and watch as everyone at the table dives in fork-first!

How to Serve Salisbury Ground Beef

Garnishes

Classic fresh thyme leaves are a must—they give a lovely pop of green and a fragrant, earthy lift. For extra panache, a little chopped flat-leaf parsley or even a shaving of Parmesan can take your Salisbury Ground Beef to restaurant status.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for simply steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a big green salad to balance out the savory richness. Buttered peas, glazed carrots, or a hunk of crusty bread to mop up extra sauce are also right at home here.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, scoop your Salisbury Ground Beef and sauce into individual ramekins topped with a handful of crisped onions for mini “Salisbury bowls.” Or, pile it over creamy mashed potatoes for a pub-grub feast—total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Ground Beef keeps like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even more savory as they hang out together overnight.

Freezing

Salisbury Ground Beef freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Salisbury Ground Beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. In a pinch, microwaving in short bursts and stirring in between also works well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving next-level comfort food with nostalgic vibes but fully weeknight-friendly ease, you absolutely have to try this Salisbury Ground Beef. It’s savory, stick-to-your-ribs deliciousness—and odds are, it’s about to become your family’s new favorite, too!

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