This Cowboy Salisbury Steak takes my Poor Man’s Salisbury Steak in a more bold, smoky direction. It still has that classic, budget-friendly comfort food feel, but with bacon, jalapeño, and a rich BBQ onion gravy that adds a deeper, more savory flavor. I also have Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms that you may want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: I used 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juicy patties. You can use leaner beef if you prefer, but the patties may be a little less tender.
- Eggs: Help hold the patties together so they don’t fall apart while cooking.
- Potato Chips: Crushed plain or lightly salted potato chips help keep the patties tender and juicy. You can use breadcrumbs instead, but the flavor will be a little different.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds smoky flavor right into the patties. It also gives a little extra richness in every bite. Check out how to bake bacon for perfectly crisp bacon every time with easy clean-up!
- Dry Mustard: Adds a little tang and depth. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out or use a small spoonful of Dijon mustard instead.
- Garlic Powder: Adds simple savory flavor without needing fresh garlic.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Used together to cook the patties. The butter adds flavor, and the oil helps keep it from burning.
- Onion: A sliced yellow onion cooks down and adds sweetness to the gravy base.
- Jalapeño: Adds a little heat. You can use more or less depending on how spicy you want it, or leave it out completely.
- Beef Broth: This is the base of the gravy. A good-quality broth will give you the best flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy so it coats the patties nicely.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet flavor and gives the gravy its cowboy-style taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory flavor that makes the gravy taste richer and more balanced.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes. You can use lean ground beef if you want. Just know the patties may not be quite as juicy as when using 80/20 beef.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of potato chips?
Yes, you can swap in breadcrumbs if needed. The patties will still hold together, but potato chips add a little more flavor and a softer texture.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. You can leave out the jalapeños completely or just use a small amount. The gravy will still have lots of flavor from the BBQ sauce and onions.
Can I make cowboy Salisbury steak ahead of time?
Yes. You can form the patties ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the gravy ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze cowboy Salisbury steak?
Yes. Cook the patties and gravy, let everything cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a lighter option. The flavor will be a little milder, so you may want to season a bit more or keep the bacon in for extra flavor.
Do I have to use BBQ sauce in the gravy?
Yes, it’s a key part of the cowboy flavor. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can mix a little ketchup with a touch of brown sugar and smoked paprika as a quick substitute.
Serving Ideas
This cowboy Salisbury steak is hearty and filling on its own, but it’s even better with simple sides that soak up the gravy.
- Serve it over mashed potatoes (or cauliflower mashed) for the classic comfort food plate.
- Spoon it over rice or egg noodles if you want something easy and filling.
- Add a simple veggie like roasted parmesan green beans, roasted carrots, or corn on the cob on the side to balance out the rich gravy.
- If you want a full comfort-style dinner, pair it with warm, easy dinner rolls or butter swim biscuits to scoop up extra sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Salisbury Steak
Refrigerator: Store leftover cowboy Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the patties and gravy together so they stay moist and flavorful.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for later. Let it cool completely, then place the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up while reheating.
Cowboy Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
Cowboy Patties
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup potato chips, plain or lightly salted, crushed
- 5 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled (about ¼ cup)
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Onion Gravy
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, seeded, finely diced
- 2 cups (16 ounces) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup (70 g) BBQ sauce
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, crushed potato chips, crumbled bacon, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until fully combined; do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties (about ½-inch thick). Set aside.
- In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove patties to a plate and carefully drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Add the sliced onion and diced jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour in the beef broth mixture, then stir in the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the gravy starts to thicken. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little extra broth, or add more BBQ sauce for a stronger flavor.
- Return the cooked patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon gravy over the tops. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and let the flavors develop.
- Serve hot, spooning extra cowboy gravy over each patty.
Did you make this recipe?
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