Masters of kitchen
There’s something magical about digging into a plate of Salisbury steak—tender, juicy patties swimming in savory brown gravy, usually alongside a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. The Instant Pot Salisbury Steak version of this dish elevates convenience without sacrificing that warmth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
But who has the time to simmer gravy and babysit the stovetop these days? That’s where the Instant Pot swoops in like a dinner-time superhero. With just one pot and a few smart shortcuts, you can recreate this classic diner-style dish in under an hour, with flavor that tastes like it took all day.
Whether you grew up with this retro favorite or you’re discovering it for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This version keeps all the nostalgic goodness, minus the fuss.
Classic comfort food made weeknight-easy. Let’s bring Salisbury steak into the 21st century—deliciously.
What Is Salisbury Steak and Why Make It in the Instant Pot?
Despite its name, Salisbury steak isn’t steak at all—at least not in the traditional sense. It’s made from ground beef, shaped into oval patties, and simmered in rich brown gravy, often with onions and mushrooms. The result? A comforting dish that falls somewhere between meatloaf and a hamburger.
Its roots date back to the 1800s, when American physician Dr. James Salisbury promoted a high-protein diet centered around minced beef. His goal? To create a health-focused, easy-to-digest meal—what we now call Salisbury steak.
Unlike a hamburger, it’s not grilled or served on a bun. And while meatloaf is typically baked, Salisbury steak is pan-seared then cooked in gravy—making it moist, flavorful, and oh-so-tender.
“It’s all about the gravy and those seasoned patties!”
If you love classic comfort food with a nostalgic twist, this is the dish for you.
Why Instant Pot Salisbury Steak Is Better Than the Stovetop Version
You could absolutely make Salisbury steak the old-fashioned way—but why not let the Instant Pot do the hard work for you?
With pressure cooking, the patties become incredibly tender, and the onions and garlic melt into the gravy for layers of flavor in a fraction of the time. What normally takes over an hour on the stove can be done in just 30–40 minutes, start to finish.
And let’s not forget the biggest perk—fewer dishes. No need to use a skillet for browning, a pot for simmering, and another for gravy. The Instant Pot handles it all in one go.
Pro tip: Use the sauté function first to brown the patties before pressure cooking. This locks in flavor and gives you that golden, caramelized surface that takes the gravy to the next level.
It’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights or Sunday meal prep.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Ground Beef Steak & Easy Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. At its core, you’ll need:
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Ground beef – 80/20 for juicy patties. Or go leaner with ground turkey.
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Onion & garlic – Fresh and finely chopped for maximum flavor.
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Breadcrumbs & egg – To bind the patties.
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Worcestershire sauce – A must-have for deep umami notes.
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Beef broth or stock – The gravy base.
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Brown gravy mix (or make your own).
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Mushrooms – Optional, but classic and delicious.
Want to make it healthier or allergen-friendly?
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Low-carb/keto: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
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Dairy-free: Use oil instead of butter and check your gravy mix label.
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Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and certified GF gravy mix.
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Vegetarian: Try mashed lentils, mushrooms, and oats for patties.
Highlight: Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness, especially if using gravy mix.
Egg-free option? Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes—it works like a charm.
This is a meal you can tweak to suit nearly any diet or pantry.
Instant Pot Settings & Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just your trusty Instant Pot, whether it’s the Duo, Ultra, or even a 3-quart Mini.
Key tools:
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The sauté function (for browning the patties).
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Pressure cook/manual mode for the main cooking.
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No trivet needed—everything simmers right in the pot.
Optional but helpful:
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Immersion blender – To smooth out the gravy if desired.
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Wooden spoon or spatula – To deglaze and stir without scratching the insert.
Quick note: No Instant Pot? No problem. You can easily make this in a Dutch oven or large skillet—see stovetop instructions below.
How to Make Salisbury Steak in the Instant Pot (Step-by-Step)
1. Form the Patties
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, finely chopped onions, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into oval patties—about ½-inch thick. Chill for 10–15 minutes if time allows (helps them hold together during browning).
2. Brown Using Sauté Mode
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Add a splash of oil and brown the patties on each side—about 2–3 minutes per side. Do this in batches to avoid crowding. Remove and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot
Add a bit of beef broth to the pot and scrape up all those flavorful browned bits with a wooden spoon.
Bold tip: Don’t skip the deglaze—this avoids the dreaded “burn” warning!
4. Make the Gravy Base
Add sliced mushrooms (if using), the rest of the beef broth, and gravy mix. Stir until combined.
5. Return Patties & Pressure Cook
Place the patties back into the pot, spoon some gravy over them. Seal the lid, set to high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5–10 minutes, then quick release.
6. Simmer to Thicken (Optional)
Turn sauté back on and simmer the gravy for a few minutes. Stir in a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Salisbury steak is all about comfort, so pair it with classic sides that soak up every drop of that rich gravy. The top pick? Creamy mashed potatoes—the ultimate gravy vessel. If you’re looking for alternatives, buttered egg noodles or a velvety cauliflower mash make excellent pairings too.
For vegetables, go with timeless favorites like steamed green beans, buttered corn, or roasted carrots. Their mild sweetness balances the savory richness of the steak.
Got leftovers? Salisbury steak makes a fantastic freezer meal. Store extra servings in airtight containers for up to three months. Or take it a step further with the tip below:
Meal prep tip: Make extra patties and freeze uncooked! Stack with parchment paper in freezer bags for easy weeknight meals—just thaw, brown, and cook as usual.
It’s the kind of hearty dish you’ll want to make in double batches!
Salisbury Steak Recipe Variations – Keto, Gluten-Free & More
The classic version is delicious, but here’s how to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs:
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Mushroom Gravy Version: Sauté sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms before pressure cooking. Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the rich beef.
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Turkey Patties: Use ground turkey for a lighter twist—add a splash of olive oil to prevent dryness.
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Vegetarian Option: Try mashed lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, and oats as a hearty meat-free base.
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Keto-Friendly: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as binders. Stick to low-carb gravy options.
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Gluten-Free: Use certified GF breadcrumbs and gluten-free gravy mix or cornstarch-thickened broth.
Feel free to get creative—this recipe is more flexible than it looks!
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, health-conscious guests, or just switching things up, Salisbury steak has range.
Expert Cooking Tips
Want perfect Salisbury steak every time? Keep these pro tips in mind:
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Chill the Patties: After shaping, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. It helps them stay intact during browning.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Sear the patties in batches. If you cram them in, they’ll steam instead of brown.
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Fresh is Best: Use freshly minced garlic and onion rather than powders. It really deepens the flavor.
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Deglaze Well: Scrape up every browned bit after searing. That’s liquid gold for your gravy.
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Use a Cornstarch Slurry: If the gravy needs thickening, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the final simmer.
Bonus tip: Let the cooked patties sit in the gravy for a few minutes before serving—this lets the flavors soak in even more.
These little steps make a big difference!
Storage, Reheating & Freezing Guide
Leftovers are a gift when it comes to Salisbury steak! Here’s how to store and reheat for best results:
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Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap or foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Microwave on 70% power with a splash of broth, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Bonus tip: Store the gravy separately if freezing. This prevents the patties from becoming soggy and lets you thicken the gravy fresh when reheating.
Meal prep-friendly and even better the next day—this is comfort food that keeps on giving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple dish, a few missteps can throw things off. Avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overmixing the meat: This can make the patties dense or rubbery. Mix until just combined.
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Skipping the deglazing step: All those browned bits stuck to the pot? That’s flavor. Don’t leave it behind.
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Using quick release: Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 5 minutes—this keeps the patties tender and juicy.
A little patience = restaurant-quality results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you make Salisbury steak without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), mashed potato, or even mayonnaise as a binder.
Can I use frozen patties in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but thaw them first for best results. Cooking from frozen can cause uneven cooking or rubbery texture.
How do I thicken the gravy in the Instant Pot?
Use a cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking. Turn on sauté and stir in until the gravy thickens.
Can I double the recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Brown in batches and stack the patties in layers. Just make sure the pot isn’t overfilled past the max line.
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Optional: Immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for keto
- 1 egg or flax egg for egg-free
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for browning
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 packet brown gravy mix or 2 tbsp homemade mix
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Form Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4–5 oval-shaped patties and chill for 10–15 minutes.
- Sauté Patties: Turn Instant Pot to Sauté, add oil, and brown patties on each side (2–3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze: Add a splash of beef broth to the pot and scrape up brown bits with a wooden spoon.
- Add Gravy Base: Stir in remaining broth, gravy mix, and mushrooms (if using).
- Pressure Cook: Return patties to the pot, layering gently. Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Thicken Gravy: Optional – turn back to Sauté, stir in cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Spoon gravy over patties and serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Notes
- For gluten-free: use GF breadcrumbs and check gravy mix label.
- For dairy-free: ensure your gravy mix is dairy-free and use oil instead of butter.
- For keto: skip breadcrumbs, use almond flour or pork rinds.
- Patties freeze well raw or cooked.
Nutrition
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Salisbury steak—it’s cozy, nostalgic, and endlessly satisfying. And thanks to the Instant Pot, this beloved comfort food is now easier and faster than ever.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a low-carb or vegetarian version, this meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on how simple, hearty, and crave-worthy it is.
Don’t forget to share your creations, tag us, and check out more Instant Pot comfort meals on the blog. Your next favorite might just be a pressure cook away!
