If you’re craving classic comfort food with a lighter twist, turkey Salisbury steak with gravy is the perfect answer. Juicy, well-seasoned patties are simmered in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to feel like a special treat. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of that flavorful gravy!
I always try to make healthy decisions when it comes to the meals I prepare. But eating healthier doesn’t have to mean giving up the hearty, comforting meals I love. This turkey Salisbury steak with gravy is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to make a better-for-you choice. Using lean ground turkey instead of beef keeps it lower in fat and calories, but thanks to the savory seasonings and luscious homemade gravy, it’s just as indulgent as the classic version.
Honestly, you probably won't even notice the difference! This turkey Salisbury steak recipe delivers the same tender, juicy bites and deep, savory flavors as the traditional dish. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a rich beefy gravy makes every bite feel like pure comfort food all while enjoying a wholesome, satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- Ground Turkey – Choose lean ground turkey (85-93% lean) for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. Avoid extra-lean if you want a juicier texture. If using frozen ground turkey, follow these tips for 3 Ways to Safely Defrost Ground Turkey.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Plain panko provides texture, binds the patties and keeps them tender. You can substitute regular plain breadcrumbs.
- Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together. Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle garlicky depth without the need for fresh garlic.
- Salt – Use kosher salt or sea salt and adjust according to your personal preferences.
- Mushrooms – Evenly slice white or cremini mushrooms.
- Onion – Yellow or white onions are best for a slightly sweet, savory base. Finely chop for even cooking.
- Olive Oil – Use you favorite light, neutral-flavored oil.
- Butter – A little bit of butter adds richness to the gravy. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If using salted butter, lower the amount of additional salt you add to the recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour – Used to thicken the gravy.
- Beef Broth – Gives the gravy a deep, savory flavor. You can also use chicken broth.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine ground turkey, half of the Worcestershire sauce, the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder and salt in a bowl.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 5 patties. Cook in a skillet with olive oil for 5 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Saute the mushrooms then prepare the gravy by cooking butter and flour and slowly adding beef broth.
- Step 4: Return the patties to the skillet. Coat with the gravy and top with mushrooms and onions. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes.
Hint: Ground turkey should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees F. The patties may not fully cook during the initial browning so always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Protein - instead of turkey, use lean ground beef or ground chicken.
- Gluten-Free - Use gluten free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe gluten free.
- Mushrooms - If you prefer, you can omit the mushrooms. If you are like me, you can double the mushrooms!
- Spicy - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture for a little heat.
Storage
Refrigerate: Let the turkey Salisbury steak with gravy cool completely, then store in an airtight container with the gravy. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy. Cover and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Top Tips
- Avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix the turkey mixture just until combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Cook the patties over medium heat until nicely browned for extra flavor before simmering in the gravy. This step helps with even cooking and adds flavor.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- If you love extra sauce, make a little more—it’s great for leftovers!
FAQ
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. The gravy can also be made ahead and reheated when needed.
Ground turkey can be softer than beef. If your mixture feels too wet, try chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking, or add a little more panko to help bind them. Just be cautious as too much panko can dry out the patties.
Yes! Simply leave them out, or replace them with finely chopped bell peppers or extra onions for a slightly different flavor.
What to Serve Salisbury Steaks with
This turkey Salisbury steak with gravy is a cozy, satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of delicious sides. For a classic pairing, serve it over these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes—they’re creamy, easy to make, and require no draining! If you prefer rice, this Instant Pot Long Grain Rice is a simple and fluffy option.
For a boost of veggies, try Air Fryer Broccoli or Air Fried Cauliflower for crispy, flavorful bites. Roasted options like Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes or Air Fryer Carrots add a deliciously caramelized touch, while Air Fryer Green Beans provide a light and crisp contrast. No matter which sides you choose, this dish is sure to be a comforting, satisfying meal!
Related
Looking for more ground turkey recipes? Try these:
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RECIPE
Turkey Salisbury Steaks with Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce divided
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, half of the Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon), the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder and salt.
- Form 5 even size patties. Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat and add patties to the pan. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until browned then flip. Cover the pan with a lid then cook on low heat for 5 more minutes. Remove the turkey patties to a plate.
- Add the mushrooms and chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until wilted , stirring occasionally. Remove to a plate or bowl.
- Melt butter on medium heat in the skillet then add flour. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to dissolve any lumps. simmer on low heat for a few minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Return the patties to the skillet, placing them in the sauce. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 -15 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta or bread.
Notes
Nutrition
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