What to Serve With Salisbury Steak

Homemade Salisbury steak if one of our most popular recipes. Our easy Salisbury steak recipe is a hearty and easy dinner that’s a great way to use extra ground meat. When dressed with a rich gravy and accompanied by some delicious sides, it’s a meal that will have the whole family coming back for seconds.

History of the Dish

Make our homemade salisbury steak.

Salisbury steak is a dish made from lean ground beef and other ingredients, similar to a hamburger steak. The main difference is that Salisbury steak typically contains more binder ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. The meat mixture is formed into an oval patty resembling a steak and is usually served with a brown gravy. The dish gets its name from Dr. James Henry Salisbury, a 19th century physician who promoted the health benefits of a meat-based diet.

Although you might be most familiar with this dish from prepackaged TV dinners, there are tons of great recipes for this versatile and classic comfort food. This easy Salisbury Steak Recipe is a favorite in my house and a great one to start with if you’ve never made homemade Salisbury steak before. The rich mushroom gravy makes even picky eaters a fan.

Planning the Sides

One of the best parts about making a Salisbury steak meal is planning the perfect side dish. From a classic cheesy potato side dish to salads to roasted veggies, there are so many different sides to choose from. Get creative with your side dishes and plan a themed meal for a party or fun family dinner. Here are three great meal ideas that will give you plenty of options for the best side dishes to serve with Salisbury steak, along with some simple recipe suggestions.

The Retro TV Dinner

The retro TV dinner is one of our favorite ways to serve classic Salisbury steak. Containing the same side dishes as the frozen meals that everyone remembers, it’s a nod to those retro meals, except these comfort food classics are made with fresh ingredients for a taste that’s about a million times better than anything that comes in a box.

Retro TV Dinner Side Ideas

Mashed Potatoes – Mashed potatoes were a staple in every Salisbury steak TV dinner, so they top our list of the essential sides for this meal. But forget the instant mashed potatoes – we’re making the real thing, with plenty of butter and maybe a touch of garlic and heavy cream. Use your favorite family recipe, or try these incredible Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This warm and creamy side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the hearty steak. 

Mixed Vegetables – You’ll need some veggies to go with your meat and potatoes. Peas, carrots, and sweet corn were popular additions to the TV dinner meals, so you could serve any combination of these veggies roasted with butter or olive oil. Or for a fun twist on the veggie side idea, try this delicious Creamy Bacon Pea Salad.

Egg Noodles – salisbury steak can be served right on top of perfectlly cooked noodles. Spoon some of the rich brown gravy on top of the noodles along with the tender beef patties. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Dessert – For your dessert, go for a classic comfort food. Apple pie and chocolate brownies were the most common desserts in the TV dinner meals, and they’re both crowd-pleasing and  popular treats. Try these Salted Caramel Brownies or this incredible homemade Apple Pie.

The Upscale Steakhouse 

If you’re looking to get a little fancier with your sides, look to an upscale steakhouse for inspiration. Steak houses have the best and most indulgent side dishes, and all of these will pair wonderfully with your Salisbury Steak.

Upscale Steakhouse Sides

Potatoes – There are usually several options for potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy French fries, or our favorite – classic Scalloped Potatoes. Thinly sliced potatoes baked with heavy cream, onions and spices, this dish will definitely add an upscale touch to your steakhouse meal.

Macaroni and Cheese – This classic comfort food would be great in place of (or in addition to) the potato side dish. Skip the powdered cheese and try a blend of real cheeses. You can add some bacon for a delicious smoky flavor, or try some freshly cracked black pepper. This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese would be a great choice.

Vegetables – Simple ingredients and fresh seasonal vegetables are the keys to making veggie side dishes that taste like they came from a fancy steak house. Sauteed mushrooms are a great choice, and would also be perfect to pair with a mushroom and onion gravy for your Salisbury steak. Roasted green beans or carrots would also be delicious and add great color to your meal. Try these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots for a super easy and impressive side dish.

Dessert – Decadent desserts are the perfect ending to your steakhouse meal. Think Creme brulee, rich chocolate cake, or creamy cheesecake. Try this Dark Chocolate Cake with Mocha Frosting when you’re looking for a show stopping sweet treat.

The Surf and Turf

Beef and seafood are always great together, so why not pair your Salisbury steak with some fresh seafood for a delicious surf and turf dinner? Try some simple grilled shrimp skewers, crab cakes, or sauteed scallops. Here’s an easy Shrimp Scampi recipe that would be perfect.

Surf and Turf Sides

Salad – Since you’ve already got so much filling protein in this meal, keep it simple with the sides, and serve a fresh garden or Caesar salad. Add some warm and crusty sourdough bread or try these Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks.

Dessert – We love a lighter dessert with this meal. Something fruit-based like a key lime pie would be perfect, or a light and fluffy mousse. For a fun twist on a traditional key lime pie, try this Creamy Lemon Pie.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to try making your own Salisbury Steak. It’s a nice change from the traditional hamburger patties or steaks and can easily be made into a delicious and creative meal. Perfect for a dinner party or an easy family favorite dinner, Salisbury steak deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Easy Side Dishes

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Mac and Cheese
• Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
• Scalloped Potatoes