Mediterranean Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This Mediterranean twist on classic Salisbury steak brings bold, herbaceous flavor to a beloved comfort food. Juicy ground beef patties are infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of sun-dried tomato, then simmered in a rich mushroom gravy laced with olive oil and oregano. Served over mashed potatoes, couscous, or herbed rice, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and new.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Salisbury Steaks:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
For the Mushroom Gravy:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Steak Patties
In a large bowl, mix ground beef with red onion, garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, Worcestershire, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Mix gently until just combined — do not overwork. Shape into 4 oval patties, about ¾-inch thick.
Sear the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the gravy).
Make the Mushroom Gravy
In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until golden and softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add oregano or thyme, salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Simmer Patties in Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet. Cover and simmer in the mushroom gravy for 10–12 minutes over low heat, until fully cooked and flavors meld.
Serve
Serve warm, topped with extra gravy and chopped parsley. Pair with mashed potatoes, couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
Don’t Overwork the Meat
Mix the ground beef just until combined to avoid dense patties.
Use a Hot Pan for a Great Sear
Get the skillet hot before adding patties — this locks in juices and gives a deep golden crust.
Let the Patties Rest in Gravy
Simmering them in the gravy not only finishes the cooking but also infuses them with flavor and keeps them moist.
Thin Out Gravy if Needed
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth while simmering.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor
Use a splash of white wine, sherry, or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the skillet after searing the patties before making the gravy.
Variations
Herb & Spice Twists
Swap oregano for thyme, rosemary, or za’atar.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cinnamon to give it a deeper Mediterranean vibe.
Try Ground Lamb or Turkey
Ground lamb adds rich, savory flavor perfect for this Mediterranean version.
Ground turkey makes it leaner — just be sure not to overcook it.
Add Veggies to the Gravy
Add sautéed spinach, red peppers, or zucchini to the mushroom gravy for a veggie boost.
Make it Vegetarian
Use lentil-mushroom patties or plant-based ground meat.
Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use a non-dairy butter or just olive oil.
Sauce Variations
Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or cream to the gravy at the end for richness.
Stir in a few chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the gravy for extra tang.
Serving Ideas
Serve over herbed couscous, lemon rice, or cauliflower mash.
Pair with a Mediterranean cucumber salad or roasted vegetables like eggplant and zucchini.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The patties and gravy can be made a day in advance. Store them separately or together in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Simply skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative. The olive oil alone is enough for the mushroom gravy.
Q: What can I use instead of mushrooms?
A: Try sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or caramelized onions in the gravy if you’re not a fan of mushrooms.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this?
A: Great options include:
Herbed mashed potatoes or lemon rice
Couscous or bulgur
Grilled or roasted Mediterranean vegetables
A light salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: ~380mg
Iron: ~18% DV
Vitamin B12: High
Note: Nutrition will vary based on meat leanness, broth used, and serving size.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a deliciously modern spin on a comfort food classic. The herb-packed patties and earthy mushroom gravy bring warmth and richness, while Mediterranean touches like sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and olive oil brighten each bite.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering satisfying protein, deep flavor, and flexibility for many dietary preferences. Serve it with grains, mashed potatoes, or seasonal vegetables — and enjoy a flavorful upgrade to your dinner routine.