This drool-worthy Gluten Free Salisbury Steak is classic comfort food. Seasoned ground beef patties simmer in a savory mushroom gravy—perfect served over mashed potatoes to soak up every drop. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a simple family favorite.
What is Salisbury steak? It’s essentially a seasoned ground beef patty smothered in mushroom gravy. Built from inexpensive ingredients like ground beef, onions, beef broth, and pantry seasonings, this dish is budget-friendly and comforting. The meat is flavored throughout, then finished in a rich, gluten-free gravy that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredient Notes:
For exact amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Ground beef – lean or low-fat works well.
- Gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs – use store-bought or homemade gluten-free crumbs.
- Onion – yellow or Vidalia, diced small.
- Egg – large egg to bind the patties.
- Milk or non-dairy milk – helps create a tender patty and smooth gravy.
- Worcestershire or tamari – check labels for gluten-free Worcestershire; tamari or gluten-free soy sauce are good substitutes.
- Beef broth – low-sodium or regular both work.
- Potato starch – creates a lump-free gravy. Cornstarch or tapioca starch may be substituted.
- Mushrooms – cremini or button mushrooms are ideal.
Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream or dairy-free cream alternatives.
- Swap button mushrooms for shiitake, maitake, or other varieties for more depth.
- If you prefer a subtler onion flavor, use sliced leeks instead of onions.
Hamburger Cooking Techniques
You can cook the patties several ways: on a grill, in a skillet on the stove, baked in the oven, or in an air fryer. For best results finish the gravy and combine everything in a large pan on the stovetop so the patties absorb the sauce.
How to Make Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: In a large bowl combine ground beef, diced onion, gluten-free breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire (or tamari), ketchup, and salt.
Step 2: Mix with a fork until the ingredients are evenly incorporated so every bite is seasoned.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into patties. Press a small dimple or “divot” in each patty so it cooks flat without bulging in the center.
Step 4: Cook the patties using your preferred method until fully cooked through. Aim for medium to well done (internal temperature around 160-165°F for ground beef). If grilling, you’ll get attractive grill marks; if using a skillet, sear until browned on both sides.
Step 5: Heat cooking oil in a large pan. Add diced onion and sauté briefly, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and soften.
Step 6: Make a slurry to thicken the gravy and avoid lumps. In a small bowl mash together potato starch, ketchup, tamari (or Worcestershire), Dijon mustard, and brown sugar into a paste.
Step 7: Add beef broth to the paste and whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pan with the mushrooms and onions and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Step 8: Simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens and flavors meld.
Step 9: Return the cooked patties to the pan and spoon gravy over them to coat. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use other types of ground meat?
Yes. Ground bison, ground pork, or a mix of meats all work well.
What’s the difference between hamburgers and Salisbury steak?
Salisbury steak is seasoned and prepared to be served with gravy; a hamburger is typically seasoned more simply and served on a bun.
How do you store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Salisbury steak?
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Serve with these side dishes
- Creamy mashed potatoes—great for soaking up the gravy.
- Roasted or sautéed green beans.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
This dish freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep. If you enjoy easy gluten-free dinners, try other comforting recipes like gluten-free meatloaf, Swedish meatballs, or creamy pasta dishes.
Recipe Card (summary)
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 6 patties
- Calories: approx. 226 kcal per serving
Ingredients (high-level)
- Burgers: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup diced onion, 2 tbsp Worcestershire or tamari, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 large egg, 1/4 tsp salt.
- Gravy: 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1/3 cup diced onion, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tsp Worcestershire or tamari, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cooking oil, 2 tbsp potato starch.
Method (condensed)
- Mix burger ingredients, form patties, and press a small dimple into each.
- Cook patties until done and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms in a pan until soft.
- Make a slurry with potato starch, ketchup, tamari, mustard (optional), brown sugar, and milk; whisk in beef broth.
- Pour into pan, simmer until thickened, then return patties to coat with gravy. Serve hot.
Notes: You can substitute other ground meats, replace onions with leeks for a milder flavor, and use tamari if you need a gluten-free alternative to Worcestershire. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.