Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

When I was a kid, and by kid I mean twenty, one of my favorite meals was a frozen meatloaf or salisbury steak sharing an aluminum tray with mashed potatoes.  Those were leaner times and these little meals were about a buck each.  And yummy.  While I would be hard pressed to pick up a similar frozen meal today, I still love salisbury steak.

I came up with this recipe one evening when I found myself missing the can of condensed soup the salisbury steak recipe I had used for years called for.  Initially I began looking for something else to cook when I said to myself, "Seriously, you can't come up with a substitute?  Not only a substitute, but something better?"  Anyone else talk to themselves in their pantry?  This little pep talk was just what I needed.  I made salisbury steak that evening and it was leagues better than the recipe I had been using.

After tweaking this each time I make it, I think I've got it down.  The steaks get injected with all kinds of flavor including Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and one of my favorite ingredients, umami paste.  Onions are cooked for a few minutes and then become a bed for the steaks.  This allows the onions to absorb beefy flavor before everything is covered in a ketchup based mixture.  Toss a lid over the skillet, stir every few minutes.  Place a steak over a puddle of mashed potatoes and generously ladle the lovely gravy all over.  

Homey, simple, and delicious.  Every time I make this I am reminded of my younger days and the many frozen meals I consumed.  Nice memories, but this is so much better.

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I prefer ground round)
1 14 ounce can low-sodium beef stock, divided
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (I use panko)
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons umami paste, divided (optional)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced thinly

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, 1/3 cup beef stock, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of umami paste, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning until combined.  Shape mixture into 4 patties.  Set aside.

Mix remaining broth, 1 teaspoon umami paste, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, flour, and ketchup in medium bowl until combined.  Set aside.

Melt butter and olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add onions, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until onions have started to soften. Place steak patties over onions and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.  Pour off excess fat if needed.

Pour gravy mixture over meat.  Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until meat is cooked through. Stir frequently.