Imagine everything you love about French onion soup—the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, the savoriness of rich beef broth, and the irresistible pull of melted Gruyère—brought together with the hearty satisfaction of a classic Salisbury steak. This recipe transforms those beloved flavors into a one-skillet masterpiece: juicy, well-seasoned beef patties simmered in a silky onion gravy, then topped with a toasted slice of baguette and a blanket of bubbling, golden cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet comes together in about 30 minutes, making it just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for serving guests. Comforting, flavorful, and beautifully rustic, it delivers warmth in every bite—especially on days when you need something a little extra satisfying.
To make it, you’ll shape ground beef (85/15 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness) with breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into tender patties. These are seared in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish until browned and juicy. The magic continues with the French onion gravy: thinly sliced onions slowly caramelized until deeply golden, then simmered in beef broth to create a luscious, savory sauce that coats every bite. Once the patties are nestled back into the gravy, each one is crowned with a slice of crusty baguette and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère, then baked until melted and bubbly. The result is rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress without stretching your budget.