This one’s for those nights when you want something hearty without waiting forever.
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak is everything we like in a comfort meal: tender beef patties, rich onion gravy, and a classic meat-and-potatoes vibe that hits the spot every time. And thanks to the pressure cooker, it’s all ready in under an hour.
You start with simple ground beef patties seasoned with pantry staples, then brown them right in the pot. From there, the onions and mushrooms soak up all the good bits, and the broth turns into a savory gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything. It’s like diner food, but way better—and you control exactly what goes in it.
This isn’t fancy, but it is solid. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you in the best way.
Why This Recipe Works for Weeknights
We’re big fans of classic meals that don’t take a ton of hands-on time, and this one fits the bill.
Instead of simmering patties on the stove forever, the Instant Pot speeds things up without sacrificing any flavor. You still get juicy beef, soft onions, and that glossy, thick gravy, but in half the time.
- Fast pressure cook time – Just 10 minutes under pressure
- Deep flavor payoff – Browning the patties first adds serious umami
- Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep or freezing
- Budget-friendly – Uses basic ingredients and ground beef
- Comfort food classic – Feels like home without being heavy-handed
It’s cozy, filling, and low-effort. We keep this one in the rotation for nights we need a little comfort.
What You’ll Need to Make Salisbury Steak
The ingredients here are simple, but they come together to make something seriously satisfying.
You’re building flavor in layers, starting with well-seasoned patties and finishing with a rich gravy that soaks right into mashed potatoes or rice.
- Ground Beef (80/20) – Gives you the right balance of flavor and fat
- Breadcrumbs & Egg – Helps hold the patties together
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Worcestershire Sauce – Brings in that nostalgic steakhouse taste
- Beef Broth – The base for the gravy
- Yellow Onion & Mushrooms – Adds sweetness and earthy depth
- Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce after cooking
- Salt & Pepper – Season every step of the way
No tricky steps. Just solid ingredients cooked well.
How to Make Salisbury Steak in the Instant Pot
The process is straightforward and mostly hands-off after the initial sauté.
You’ll brown the patties, deglaze the pot, and then let pressure cooking work its magic.
- Shape the patties – Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Form into oval patties.
- Sauté the patties – Use the “Sauté” setting on your Instant Pot to brown both sides. Set the browned patties aside.
- Cook the onions and mushrooms – In the same pot, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they soften and get a little color.
- Deglaze the pot – Pour in a splash of broth to loosen up any browned bits. That’s where all the flavor is.
- Add everything back – Return the patties to the pot, then pour in the rest of the beef broth.
- Pressure cook – Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for another 10 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce – Remove the patties, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and let it simmer on “Sauté” until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot – Ladle the sauce over each patty and serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
The gravy is rich enough to make plain sides taste incredible.
What to Serve with Salisbury Steak
This is comfort food at its core, so pick sides that soak up that gravy and bring balance to the plate.
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Mashed Potatoes | Classic pairing that holds the gravy beautifully |
Steamed Green Beans | Light crunch that balances the richness |
Buttered Egg Noodles | Twirls of noodles soak up every drop of sauce |
Roasted Carrots | Sweet and soft, plays well with the savory beef |
Garlic Herb Rice | Absorbs the gravy while adding a subtle base |
Sautéed Spinach | Adds greens without overpowering the dish |
Dinner Rolls | Great for mopping up the last of the sauce |
It’s the kind of meal that makes seconds hard to resist.
How to Store and Reheat It
This dish gets even better after a night in the fridge, so it’s ideal for leftovers or prepping ahead.
Storing Tips
Let everything cool, then store the patties and gravy in an airtight container.
It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Reheat in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy loose
- Stovetop: Simmer gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat
- Instant Pot (Reheat mode): Works well if you’ve got a larger batch to warm
The gravy may thicken overnight, so just add a bit of liquid as needed when reheating.
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes, just be sure to use less broth so the patties don’t fall apart. You might also want to add a little extra seasoning for flavor.
Can I skip the mushrooms?
Totally. You can leave them out or replace them with extra onions or carrots if you want a similar texture.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari will work in a pinch. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be savory and rich.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your broth and Worcestershire are labeled GF.
Does this freeze well?
Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers with some gravy. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the patties from drying out.
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak
Equipment
- Instant Pot To cook and pressure-seal the meal
- Mixing bowl For forming patties
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms white or cremini
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water to mix with cornstarch
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval patties.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and brown patties on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set browned patties aside.
- Add onions and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up brown bits. Return patties to pot and pour in remaining broth.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.
- Remove patties. Set to sauté and stir in a cornstarch-water slurry. Simmer until gravy thickens, 2–3 minutes.
- Return patties to coat in gravy or serve separately. Garnish with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes
- Swap mushrooms for extra onions or carrots if preferred.
- Double the patties but cook in batches if needed.
- Gravy thickens more as it cools—adjust with broth when reheating.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.