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French Onion Salisbury Steak Skillet

French Onion Salisbury Steak Skillet - featured image

This French Onion Salisbury Steak Skillet combines juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, rich gravy, and melty cheese in one easy, comforting pan. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and tenderness)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred, or substitute gluten-free/almond flour as needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large yellow onions (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free/lighter version)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water for slurry)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese (about 4 oz; provolone or cheddar as alternatives)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions and set aside.
  2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sprinkle with 1 tsp sugar. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until onions are soft, golden, and fragrant (20-25 minutes). Stir in thyme, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Remove onions and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into thick oval patties.
  4. Heat the skillet over medium-high. Add patties and sear 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned (not cooked through). Transfer steaks to a plate. Pour off excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.
  5. Add caramelized onions back to the skillet. Stir in beef broth and 1 tbsp Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then slowly whisk into the gravy. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
  7. Return the steaks to the skillet, nestling them in the onion gravy. Cover and simmer over low heat 8-10 minutes, until steaks are cooked through (internal temp 160°F). If the gravy gets too thick, add a splash more broth.
  8. Preheat your broiler. Lay a slice of cheese over each steak. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and golden. (If no broiler, cover skillet and cook a few more minutes to melt cheese.)
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check broth/Worcestershire for hidden gluten. For dairy-free, use olive oil and plant-based cheese or omit cheese. Caramelize onions slowly for best flavor. Taste and adjust salt at the end. Patties can be made with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat. Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion, Salisbury steak, skillet dinner, one-pan, comfort food, beef, caramelized onions, cheesy, easy dinner, family meal