Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Salisbury Steak got a healthy upgrade with this Turkey Salisbury Steak with mushroom gravy. Less fat and calories than the beef version but just as good! So delicious served with Buttery Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans. If you’re wanting to stay true to the original beef recipe, try my Salisbury Steak Recipe. Either way, get ready for some classic comfort food!

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (1)

You’ll Love This Healthier Version!

I made Turkey Salisbury Steak. Sacrilege, I know. But, you most likely won’t even notice because I made these the very same way I would do a regular beef Salisbury steak. Just as delicious with less fat and calories than the beef version. Who knows, you might even like this better than the original!

What is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury Steak is one of those classic American TV dinners made from ground beef, onion and bread crumbs, formed into patties and cooked in a brown gravy. Mushrooms are traditionally added in as well.I decided to try and make this classic meal into a healthier version without compromising the flavor that we all know and love. Enter ground turkey! This version is every bit as good as the original, but with less fat and calories, the entire family will love.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (2)

Main Ingredients Needed

You’re going to need a lot of the same ingredients needed for a traditional Salisbury Steak Recipe minus the beef! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • ground turkey breast– the main ingredient here.
  • egg– binds all the ingredients together.
  • bread crumbs– you can use plain, Italian or panko breadcrumbs.
  • ketchup– adds flavor and color. Tomato paste is a good substitute.
  • garlic salt– for flavor seasoning.
  • ground mustard– an aromatic spice to add a little tangy profile.
  • salt & black pepper– seasoning while you go is essential for flavor, so don’t skip out on these two.
  • olive oil– to cook the onions and steaks.
  • onion– adds some subtle onion flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t like onions; you’ll barely notice them.
  • sliced mushrooms– the earthy flavor really lends itself to the gravy mix and is the perfect addition to Salisbury steak. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, omit them.
  • butter– to add flavor and to sauté the mushrooms.
  • all-purpose flour-thickens the gravy. Corn starch is a good substitute.
  • beef broth– contains beef flavor making the gravy really full of flavor. Can also use beef stock as a substitute.
  • Worcestershire sauce– adds savory flavor and moisture.
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (3)

How to Make Turkey Salisbury Steak

Making these turkey salisbury steaks is so easy with mouthwatering results. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here’s step by step directions for how to make it:

Mix Ingredients together + Form into Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, half the diced onion, ketchup and spices together until combined. Form 6-7 patties.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (4)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (5)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (6)

Pro Tip: If you want to make these into salisbury steak meatballs instead you totally can!

Brown the Turkey Patties

In a deep large skillet on medium-high heat, brown both sides of the patties in 1 tablespoons olive oil. Remove from pan and set aside. Patties will not be cooked completely at this point and that’s totally ok!

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (7)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (8)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (9)

Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

Pour in remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and last of the onions until browned and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (10)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (11)

How to Make Mushroom Gravy

The last thing to do is make the Mushroom and onion gravy.Here’s how to make it, and for full details see the printable recipe card below!

Make a Roux

Melt a tablespoon of butter into pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a paste. It might seem to form crumbs because it’s a little dry; that’s ok!

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (12)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (13)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (14)

Whisk in Beef Broth

Slowly whisk in beef broth to avoid lumps. Bring gravy to boil to thicken, then reduce heat to simmer. Pour in Worcestershire sauce.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (15)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (16)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (17)

Slide in the browned partially cooked meat patties and spoon sauce over to coat. Add in cooked mushrooms and onions overtop and cover. Simmer 10 minutes or until gravy thickens even more and turkey steaks and cooked thoroughly. Serve hot along with plenty of gravy.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (18)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (19)
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (20)

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey steaks. You’ll want a temperature reading of 165° F. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on how thick your meat patties are.

Side Dishes to Serve With Salisbury Steak

My family loved this delicious meal! I served this over riced cauliflower, but traditional mashed potatoes would probably be even better. Here are a couple of other tasty ideas:

  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes – this goes along with the comforting aspect of the dish and is perfect to eat with leftover gravy.
  • Famous Butter Rice or Brown Rice- another healthier option.
  • Roasted Asparagus – this is a healthier option that can be baked in the oven while the turkey Salisbury steaks are cooking away. Top with a little parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  • Potato RollsorWhole Wheat Dinner Rolls– consider some carbs to eat alongside this easy dinner. Spread soft butter over warm rolls and scoop up some of the gravy while you’re at it.
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (21)

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.The gravy keeps everything moist so this Turkey Salisbury Steak recipe is perfect for meal prepping or if you wanted to make this ahead.

FAQ About Turkey Salisbury Steak

Can I freeze Salisbury Steak?

Yes! To freeze, allow steak to cool and transfer to a airtight freezer safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months! To reheat, transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat at 325° F for about 30 minutes.

How thick should I be making the patties?

Your steaks’ thickness determines how long cooking them takes. Aim for no more than 1 inch thick.

Why does Salisbury Steak fall apart?

The two main reasons Salisbury Steaks don’t hold their shape are:
They aren’t formed welland/or,
They’ve been overcooked.
If the patties aren’t staying together or firm enough, consider adding another egg. Freezing them for 10 minutes before pan-searing will also help them hold their shape.
The eggs in the Salisbury Steaks help hold them together and keep their shapes. The egg white protein holds all the ingredients together, but overcooking breaks down that protein. So, once they’re done, just keep them warm until serving.

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (22)

More Turkey Recipes to Try!

If you loved Turkey Salisbury Steak you’ll love my other turkey recipes too!

  • Homemade Freezer Turkey Meatballs
  • Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
  • Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
  • Turkey Taco Meat Recipe

Like I mentioned above, we loved this easy salisbury stake recipe! Here’s the printable recipe card. Give this a whirl this week! Have a lovely day, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

PrintPrint Pin ItPin It

4.95 from 54 votes

Turkey Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak got a healthy upgrade with this Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe. Less fat and calories than the beef version but just as good!

servings 4 servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/2 cup diced onion divided
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all purpose flour heaping tablespoon
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • dash Worcestershire

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, stir turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, half the diced onion, ketchup and spices together until combined. Form 6-7 patties and brown both sides in 1 tablespoons olive oil in large, deep skillet. Remove from pan and set aside. Patties will not be cooked completely and that's totally ok!

    Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (24)

  • Pour in remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into skillet. Saute last of the onions and mushrooms until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

    Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (25)

  • Melt tablespoon of butter into pan. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a paste. It might seem to form crumbs because it's a little dry; that's ok! Slowly whisk in beef broth to avoid lumps. Bring to boil to thicken, then reduce heat to simmer. Pour in Worcestershire sauce. Slide in browned turkey steaks and spoon sauce over to coat. Add in cooked mushrooms and onions overtop and cover. Simmer 10 minutes or until gravy thickens even more and turkey steaks and cooked thoroughly.

    Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (26)

  • Serve over mashed potatoes, if desired.

    Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (27)

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1291mg | Potassium: 829mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2.8mg

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Turkey Salisbury Steak

Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is Salisbury steak? ›

In its traditional form, Salisbury steak can be high in fat, calories, and sodium. However, there are ways to make Salisbury steak lean more on the healthier side, such as sauteing mushrooms and onions in olive oil rather than butter, making homemade low-sodium gravy, and substituting lean meat for full-fat meat.

How do you keep Salisbury steak from falling apart? ›

Another helpful hint is to tightly pack the meat mixture when forming the patties. This ensures that the ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a cohesive mixture that can withstand the heat of the pan and the action of flipping without falling apart.

What is Dr Salisbury steak diet? ›

Salisbury saw beef as an excellent defense against many different physical problems. He suggested that Salisbury steak should be eaten three times a day, with much hot water to cleanse the digestive system.

Why is turkey healthier than beef? ›

Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss. However, if your main goal is flavor, ground beef may outshine turkey in some dishes.

Why is Salisbury steak so good? ›

The classic flavors of tender beef, or a blend of pork and beef is rich and satisfying. When combined with the American favorite side-dish of mashed potatoes and gravy? You have the perfect comfort food, and Salisbury steak fits on just about any scratch or fast-casual menu.

What is the difference between hamburger and Salisbury steak? ›

Salisbury steak traditionally calls for ground sirloin, which is a lean cut of beef known for its tenderness. On the other hand, hamburger steak can be made with pretty much any cut of beef, including chuck, round, or a bit of both. Ideally, cuts with slightly more fat content are used to retain moisture while cooking.

What is Salisbury steak sauce made of? ›

Whisk in the beef broth, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has just thickened.

Why is my Salisbury steak tough? ›

Ground beef needs seasoning to be good. It needs tenderness to be exceptional. Adding bread and egg can make a hamburger patty more tender, and it does the same trick for these Salisbury steaks.

What was the original Salisbury steak? ›

The steak is named after Dr. J.H. Salisbury, who promoted a meat-based diet as the means to optimal health in the mid-1800s. His original recipe called for “the muscle pulp of lean beef (to be) made into cakes and broiled,” and it was served with Worcester sauce, mustard, horseradish or lemon juice.

What is the steak diet called? ›

The carnivore diet consists entirely of meat and animal products, excluding all other foods. It's claimed to aid weight loss, mood issues, and blood sugar regulation, among other health issues.

What animal is Salisbury steak? ›

A cross between meatloaf and a hamburger, Salisbury steak is made from seasoned ground beef patties served with a simple mushroom and onion gravy.

Is it okay to eat turkey every day? ›

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that your body needs a lot of it. Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin.

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

Which is healthier, turkey or chicken? ›

Both chicken and turkey provide healthy protein. Generally, chicken tends to be higher in vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, and turkey tends to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium while having more zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12.

Is Salisbury steak a lean meat? ›

While it's easy to find ratios ranging from the relatively fatty 70/30 to the ultra-lean 95/5, a perfect Salisbury steak requires meat roughly in the middle of that range.

Is Salisbury steak processed? ›

United States Department of Agriculture standards for processed, packaged "Salisbury steak" require a minimum content of 65% meat, of which up to 25% can be pork, except if de-fatted beef or pork is used, the limit is 12% combined. No more than 30% may be fat.

How many calories are in Salisbury steak? ›

Salisbury steak with gravy (1 steak - with gravy) contains 12.2g total carbs, 10.8g net carbs, 18.2g fat, 23.1g protein, and 310 calories.

What kind of meat is Salisbury steak made of? ›

What Kind of Meat Is Salisbury Steak Made Of? Like we said, Salisbury steak isn't really steak at all—it's made from ground beef. You can think of it sort of like a hamburger patty without the bun, or like a pan-fried single-serving meatloaf, or, think of it as rather meatball-like.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5453

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.