Posted on 07/02/2025 7:40:41 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Ever wondered why exactly a Salisbury steak tastes so different from a hamburger patty, even though they kind of appear to be the same thing? While each of these classic dishes can be delicious in their own right, typically, a hamburger patty is simply a formed patty made of beef. Depending on the cook, a hamburger patty may be seasoned with a little salt and pepper, or might just be a straight-up, unseasoned piece of formed ground beef. Salisbury steak, however, is more than just a bun-less hamburger. Created by Dr. James H. Salisbury at the end of the 19th century, the now-beloved comfort food was designed to support the gut health of Civil War soldiers, many of whom were dying in droves due to digestive illnesses. Salisbury theorized that a diet rich in beef and coffee could lessen the stomach problems soldiers were having in the field. While Dr. Salisbury's theories didn't hold up over time, his namesake steak has remained a staple in the diets of many Americans.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, products sold as Salisbury steak have to contain at least 65% meat, with up to 25% of a Salisbury steak's meat content coming from pork. The remaining ingredients may include bread crumbs, rolled oats, oat flakes, tomato purée, gravy, and more. While a Salisbury steak certainly does contain beef, its typical ingredient profile is closer to a slice of meatloaf than it is to a plain hamburger patty.
How to make your Salisbury steak distinct from hamburger patties
Whether you already have a classic Salisbury steak recipe you know and love or you're considering making the comfort food at home for the first time, you've got options. The dish is highly customizable, and with a little experimenting, you can find the perfect method for creating a Salisbury steak to come back to time and again.
Play around with seasonings in your recipe. Try going beyond the standard brown sugar, salt, and pepper blend by adding cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika (or try smoked paprika to create a different, more savory flavor profile). Binding agents also leave room for customization, as does gravy. While Salisbury steak is traditionally served with mushroom gravy, caffeinated red-eye gravy is a fun twist (and gives a nod to Dr. Salisbury's theory that a coffee-heavy diet was ideal next to Salisbury steak). In the mood for something a bit more indulgent? Dredging your Salisbury steaks in seasoned flour before frying in a pan with a bit of oil can add an unexpected bit of crunch that elevates your recipe. This tip also works super-well if you're working with frozen Salisbury steaks and want to transform them into a hearty family dinner.
Sounds like a miniature meat loaf.
Now I’m hungry.
“Salisbury theorized that a diet rich in beef and coffee could lessen the stomach problems soldiers were having in the field. While Dr. Salisbury’s theories didn’t hold up over time, his namesake steak has remained a staple in the diets of many Americans.”
Maybe not in that clown’s world, but both coffee and beef are about the HEALTHIEST food available these days, healthier than vegetables and FAR HEALTHIER than anything carb-loaded.
I have not thought about Salisbury steak since school days.
Although everyone complained about cafeteria food, Salisbury steak was actually kind of tasty.
I make miniature meat loaves...stove top. Then I slice them to fit my bread...then I freeze the slices for sandwiches. What’s better than a meatloaf sandwich...besides a BLT.
nitrates
News to me. Thanks for sharing!
True; meat loaf sandwiches are savory heaven.
Cold meatloaf sandwich with mustard on sourdough bread.
“healthier than vegetables”
I love beef and coffee.
But that’s nonsense.
I’m eating italian meatloaf/pizza burgers this week.
So a Salisbury steak is less than 50% beef (48.75% beef, 16.25% pork, and 35% other stuff.
I think I'll stick with hamburger. Or better yet, a Hebrew National hot dog.
I have always loved a meatloaf sandwich (cold meatloaf) on white bread with ketchup. That is about the only thing I would make using white bread.
As for salisbury steaks, not sure this qualifies, but: I take a couple 8 oz “pub burgers” from the HyVee meat case, season with your favorite burger/steak seasoning. Brown in a skillet with a lid, then add sliced onions and mushrooms (even canned mushrooms are okay, best prices on a multi-can pack from Sam’s Club). Sprinkle with flour then add 2 cups of hot water in which you’ve dissolved 2 beef bouillon cubes and add 2-3 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce. Mix all until the gravy is smooth, cover to cook the burgers through about 20 minutes on medium low. Serve with mashed potatoes.
Try a baked bean sandwich some time. Heat up Bush's baked beans. Butter (real butter, not hydrogenated vegetable oil) a single slice of bread. Fold in half, stuff with the baked beans, and eat.
Or, there's always the working man's lunch - RC Cola and a Moon Pie.
Rich folks just don't know how to eat good.
Too much co2....
“I love beef and coffee. But that’s nonsense.”
I thought the same...10 years ago. I’ve done research since then.
A bit different. We have Salisbury steak when we are tired of meatloaf. We just had it yesterday. Meatloaf is standard recipe, always the same if I remember everything. Salisbury steak depends on the ingredients I have. Sometimes peppers, usually ritz crackers, some steak sauce, onions, & mushrooms are important but sadly I don’t always have them.
It goes good in the freezer and all I have to do is make fresh gravy!
I stopped eating beef a couple of years ago when I discovered that cattle get MRNA shots. Amazingly easy to do without beef, don’t miss it at all.```
Stopped eating pork too when I read a book that said pigs have higher IQ’s than dogs. I’d never eat your Corgi.
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