Turkey Salisbury Steak

Turkey Salisbury Steak

with ground turkey

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 10m
Cook Time: 25m
Total Time: 35m
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
4.8 (16 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

274
calories
12g
fat
14g
carbohydrates
47g
protein
120mg
cholesterol
1271mg
sodium
Turkey Salisbury Steak

Why This Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is a Favorite

I have to say, this healthy salisbury steak recipe has become my go to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty without the faff. It is cozy like your favorite jumper, but lighter, so you do not need to unbutton your jeans afterwards. I keep making it because it feels familiar but with a little twist that keeps dinner interesting.

Ground turkey steps in here, lean and honest, and the mushroom gravy does the heavy lifting on flavor. The patties come together fast, and the whole thing cooks in one skillet, which is a lifesaver when you have a toddler underfoot. Really.

It reminds me of those Sunday pizzas back in Norwich when my mum would say, “There is no wrong combo if you melt cheese on top.” We used whatever was left in the fridge and somehow it always felt like a treat. I love that this recipe gives you comfort food without the guilt, and yes, it works as a low carb dinner if you swap the mash for cauliflower mash.

Ingredients for Turkey Salisbury Steak

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Steps to make

  1. 1

    Combine ingredients

    2 min
    Step 1 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    In a large bowl, stir together 1 ½ pounds ground turkey, 1 egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup diced onion, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and salt and black pepper to taste until combined.

  2. 2

    Form into patties

    3 min
    Step 2 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    Shape into 8 patties.

  3. 3

    Brown patties

    5 min
    Step 3 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the patties and brown on both sides. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside. Patties will not be cooked through, but that's OK!

  4. 4

    Cook onions and mushrooms

    5 min
    Step 4 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet. Add the remaining ¼ cup diced onions and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  5. 5

    Prepare sauce

    3 min
    Step 5 - Turkey Salisbury SteakStep 5 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle in 1 heaping tablespoon flour and whisk to form a paste. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil to thicken, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

  6. 6

    Add Worcestershire sauce and browned patties

    10 min
    Step 6 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    Pour in ⅛ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Carefully add in the browned turkey steaks and spoon the sauce over to coat. Add in the cooked mushrooms and onions on top and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens and the turkey steaks are cooked through.

  7. 7

    Serve

    Step 7 - Turkey Salisbury Steak

    Serve immediately over mashed potatoes if you wish. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

274
calories
12g
fat
14g
carbohydrates
47g
protein
120mg
cholesterol
1271mg
sodium

What You’ll Need: Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Start with a large mixing bowl to combine the turkey and seasonings. I use a sturdy bowl because it does not slide around when I have one hand free and one hand holding a sippy cup. You will want a sharp knife for the onions and a good cutting board that stays put.

A large deep skillet is essential to contain splatters and to give you room to brown the patties and make the gravy. Cast iron is my go to because it gives a better crust, but a nonstick pan works if you prefer easier cleanup. A spatula or tongs are handy for flipping, and a whisk keeps the gravy smooth. Measuring cups and spoons help, though I confess I sometimes eyeball the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce when I am rushed.

Secrets and Tips: Making Your Turkey Salisbury Steak Truly Special

About browning the meat: use medium heat. Turkey cooks quicker than beef so you want color without drying it out. That five minutes per side gives you a nice crust and bits in the pan that make the gravy taste richer. Overmix the meat and you will get tough patties. Been there. The trick is to fold ingredients together until they are just combined and then shape gently.

For the mushrooms and onions, let them sizzle until they are golden and have given off their juices. This step unlocks a sweet, earthy flavor that lifts the whole gravy. Whisk the flour into the melted butter until it forms a paste, then slowly add the beef broth to avoid lumps. This is how you get a gravy that clings to the patties.

If you are wondering how to make turkey patties that do not fall apart, use an egg and breadcrumbs for binding and chill the mixture for ten minutes before shaping. If one test patty breaks when you fry it, add a touch more crumbs and try again.

Playing Around: Possible Variations for Your Turkey Salisbury Steak

Spice Infused Turkey Delight: Add smoked paprika or cumin to the patties for a gentle warmth. This comfort food makeover keeps the mushroom gravy but gives the meat a little kick. I did this once while Ellie napped and it brightened the whole dish.

Veggie Packed Patty Adventure: Swap the turkey for cooked lentils or a plant based crumble and add grated carrot or zucchini. It becomes an easy ground turkey dinner style dish even without the turkey, with mushrooms taking center stage.

Cheesy Gravy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end for a gooey sauce that clings even more to the patties. Delicious, though a bit richer.

Serving Ideas and Perfect Pairings for Your Turkey Salisbury Steak

I often serve this over mashed potatoes because they soak up the gravy so well. For a low carb dinner option, try cauliflower mash instead. Simple steamed greens, a crisp salad, or roasted carrots round it out nicely.

If you are asking what to serve with salisbury steak, crusty bread or egg noodles are great choices to mop up any sauce. Garnish with parsley or chives for a bright finish and add a dollop of sour cream if you like a tangy lift.

Got Questions? FAQ for Your Turkey Salisbury Steak

How to make turkey patties that do not fall apart?

Binding and chilling are your friends. Use one egg and about half a cup of breadcrumbs for 1 1 2 pounds of ground turkey. Mix gently, shape, then chill for ten minutes. Fry one test patty to check and adjust the crumbs if needed.

Can I prepare this as an easy ground turkey dinner ahead of time?

Yes. Form the patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day, then brown and simmer when you are ready. The flavors often taste better after a little time together.

What if I want a thicker gravy?

Simmer it uncovered to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end until it reaches the texture you like. That prevents a watery result when serving over mash.

Is this suitable for a comfort food makeover on a budget?

Definitely. Ground turkey is budget friendly and pantry staples like flour and broth do a lot of work. Good broth lifts the whole thing, so shop smart for sales.

How do I adjust for a low carb dinner?

Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep the patties together while cutting carbs. Watch the salt if you use pork rinds because they can be quite salty.

This Turkey Salisbury Steak recipe elevates the beloved classic with the use of ground turkey, which makes this dish healthier than other versions without compromising on taste and flavor. Try them out and come back here soon to leave a review!

Lilly Mathuse

About the author

Lilly Mathuse

Lilly is an enthusiastic and cheerful young mom. She knows as well as any parent that children can be really picky when it comes to food. And she’s had plenty of experience trying to cook meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and able to satisfy the tastes of a fussy kid right away! To save you some precious time, Lilly's going to share with you all the tricks she learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! She has a wealth of recipes for quick and easy meals for kids and families on a budget.

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4.8 out of 5 (16 reviews)
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April 8, 2025
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