If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this Salisbury Ground Beef recipe is always my failsafe solution. Juicy ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a silky gravy wrap around wide pasta ribbons for a meal that’s hearty, nostalgic, and—best of all—ready in just 30 minutes. Every bite is pure, cozy bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Tender beef, rich gravy, and pasta make every forkful reminiscent of cozy dinners at home.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, keeping cleanup a breeze for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combo of mushrooms, onions, and Worcestershire gets everyone at the table asking for seconds.
- Quick and Satisfying: You’re only 30 minutes and a handful of staple ingredients away from a hearty, homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need for anything fancy—just a few humble ingredients make this Salisbury Ground Beef shine! Every component, from buttery cremini mushrooms to a splash of Worcestershire, brings a boost of flavor, texture, or color to the finished dish.
- Canola Oil: Kickstarts browning, adding subtle crispness to the beef and onions without overpowering the gravy.
- 90/10 Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show—lean, juicy, and quick-cooking, perfect for soaking in all those savory flavors.
- Yellow Onion: Sweet, fragrant onions blend into the sauce, bringing balance and depth to every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic punches up the flavor, making the whole kitchen smell incredible.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and gives those mushrooms a golden, caramelized finish.
- Cremni Mushrooms: Sliced creminis deliver a meaty bite and earthy backbone to the sauce (no need to wash extra pans, either!).
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy so it clings to each noodle and morsel of beef.
- Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory base for the sauce—choose low-sodium and adjust salt as needed.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this classic umami booster brings out the best in the beef.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and complexity, keeping the sauce from tasting flat or heavy.
- Fresh Thyme: Infuses each bite with a subtle herbaceous note, and makes a pretty garnish!
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For perfect seasoning—taste as you go!
- Pappardelle Pasta (or your favorite wide noodle): The ultimate vehicle for silky gravy and hearty toppings!
Variations
This Salisbury Ground Beef recipe is wonderfully flexible! Personalize it with your favorite swaps, dietary tweaks, or whatever you have on hand—it’s nearly impossible to mess up, and every adjustment can make it your own signature meal.
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner twist with all the same cozy spirit.
- Gluten-Free: Use your go-to gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to keep things saucy and safe.
- Cheesy Boost: Stir in a handful of shredded Gruyère or Parmesan just before serving for a creamy finish.
- No Mushrooms? Sauté bell peppers or zucchini alongside the onions for a tasty veggie alternative—no one will miss a thing.
How to Make Salisbury Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating the canola oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Add the beef, onion, and garlic all at once—no need to wait! Break up the beef as you cook, letting it get nicely browned while the onions turn translucent. This combo infuses the Salisbury Ground Beef with rich, savory flavor right from the beginning. Once browned, scoop everything into a bowl (don’t drain away those tasty juices!).
Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms
Leave that skillet just as it is—don’t clean it! Melt the butter over medium-high and add the mushrooms. Let them sizzle until they’re deep golden and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. As they cook, scrape up any browned bits left from the beef, layering even more flavor into your Salisbury Ground Beef base. The mushrooms should be fragrant and slightly crispy around the edges.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly. Let the mixture cook, stirring, until the flour’s nutty and just golden—about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef broth to create a smooth gravy. Add back the beef mixture, Worcestershire, Dijon, thyme, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Let the skillet bubble gently over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld—5 to 7 minutes is all it takes! Taste and add salt as needed, keeping in mind the beef broth and Worcestershire already pack some punch.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat, then scatter fresh thyme leaves on top for a pop of color and herbal fragrance. Pile the luscious Salisbury Ground Beef over hot, al dente pasta and get ready for rave reviews. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of that irresistible gravy over every serving!
Pro Tips for Making Salisbury Ground Beef
- Lean Beef, Big Flavor: Even lean ground beef will stay juicy and flavorful if you don’t drain the pan after browning. Those little bits are flavor gold!
- Let Mushrooms Sit: Resist stirring the mushrooms constantly; let them sit untouched for a minute or two at a time so they caramelize and become extra savory.
- Gradual Broth Addition: Add beef broth slowly, whisking after each splash, to ensure your gravy is lump-free and velvety smooth.
- Balance Your Seasonings: Taste before adding more salt—the broth and Worcestershire sauce are already plenty savory!
How to Serve Salisbury Ground Beef
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh thyme leaves is classic, but feel free to add chopped parsley for brightness or a dusting of cracked black pepper. For an extra-special touch, a drizzle of cream or a few shavings of Parmesan can really make your Salisbury Ground Beef pop!
Side Dishes
This dish is pure comfort served over buttery pappardelle, but mashed potatoes, rice, or even a toasted slice of sourdough will happily soak up all that luscious gravy. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans make the perfect fresh contrast alongside Salisbury Ground Beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Salisbury Ground Beef into individual bowls over pasta for a cozy “stew” experience, or serve it family-style in a big platter for a festive, help-yourself dinner. Leftovers make fantastic open-faced sandwiches or savory pot pie fillings—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Salisbury Ground Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers can be even more crave-worthy the next day!
Freezing
Let the finished dish cool completely, then freeze portions of Salisbury Ground Beef (without pasta for best texture) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything stays creamy and delicious.
Reheating
Warm Salisbury Ground Beef gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water stirred in to loosen the sauce. Give it a quick taste and add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or cracked pepper before serving to revive those just-cooked vibes!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Salisbury Ground Beef?
Absolutely! While pappardelle is perfect for catching that creamy gravy, Salisbury Ground Beef is just as amazing over egg noodles, spaghetti, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Use whatever you have in your pantry and enjoy!
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Can I make Salisbury Ground Beef ahead of time?
You sure can. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a great recipe to make a day in advance. Store the beef and sauce separately from the pasta for the best texture. Reheat gently and serve fresh noodles for a “just cooked” experience.
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Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or even olive oil. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you won’t lose that delicious, cozy flavor.
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What can I use instead of mushrooms in Salisbury Ground Beef?
No mushrooms, no problem! Try diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even chopped carrots for a different but equally tasty twist. Sauté them just as you would mushrooms for great results.
Final Thoughts
If hearty comfort and big flavor are calling your name, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Salisbury Ground Beef. It’s a hands-down favorite at my table—easy enough for Tuesday, special enough for company, and guaranteed to become a go-to in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and let it work its homey magic!
Print
Salisbury Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Ground Beef Dinners recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family meal. Tender ground beef in a savory mushroom sauce served over pasta – it’s comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (8-ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus leaves for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
For Serving:
- 12 ounces pasta (like pappardelle), cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Brown the beef, onion, and garlic: Heat the oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high. Add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Brown the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and cook mushrooms until golden brown.
- Make the sauce: Add flour to the skillet, then gradually whisk in beef broth. Stir in beef mixture, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with thyme, and serve over cooked pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 418
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 30g
