Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

When I’m craving a hearty and comforting meal, Salisbury Steak is a dish that think of. It’s an American classic that features seasoned ground beef patties, served with a rich, flavorful gravy. This Instant Pot Salisbury Steak With Mashed Potatoes cuts out half of the usual cook time. Using the Instant Pot produces a tender, juicy steak-like patty in a hearty, flavorful gravy. Plus, I’m showing you how to make mashed potatoes at the same time. Dinner is complete and never tasted so good.

What Makes Salisbury Steak A Flavorful Classic

Even though Salisbury Steak is a basic and comforting dinner, it has a great depth of flavor. The natural taste of beef is enhanced by seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. The gravy with mushrooms is my favorite and the mashed potatoes soak up the gravy a tad. I always add extra gravy to my plate.

Fun fact: the dish is named after Dr. James H. Salisbury who was an American physician in the 19th century. Dr. Salisbury believed that a diet consisting primarily of lean beef would improve health and encouraged beef steaks to cure various ailments.

I can’t say that Salisbury Steak is considered a healthy dish today, but I do know I feel comfort and joy when I eat it! Even our kids enjoy this dinner recipe and I love how easy it is to throw together.

Instant Pot Salisbury Steak Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Use whatever potatoes you’d like the most. I’ve used Yukon Gold and Russet Potatoes in this dish.
• Butter: Salted is my preference.
• Ground Beef: I use at least an 80% lean blend.
• Crushed Crackers: I used Ritz Cracker brand
• Whole Milk
• Worcestershire
• Garlic: fresh and minced
• Fresh Mushrooms: White Mushrooms or Baby Bella
• Onion: White or Sweet works
• Dijon Mustard: It just adds depth and flavor
• Salt and Pepper
• Optional Thickening Ingredients: Cornstarch dissolved in water (standard for thickening gravy)

Salisbury Steak Recipe Variations

This is a classic version of Salisbury Steak. If you want to add a twist to the recipe, throw in a few baby carrots with the mushrooms. Or consider adding a touch of red wine to the gravy. Fresh thyme is also a great addition. Each of those twists add a different depth of flavor to the dish.

How To Store Leftovers

Transfer the leftovers to an airtight food storage container. For best freshness, keep the leftovers refrigerated and enjoy within 4-6 days of cooking. I like to reheat my leftovers in the microwave. Sometimes the mashed potatoes don’t heat well. Consider adding a tablespoon of milk and stirring them, as needed.

This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Store the leftovers in the back of the freezer where the temperature is more stable. Let the Salisbury Steak thaw overnight before heating again.

Instant Pot Tips For Beginners

1. Always Check the Sealing Ring

Before using your Instant Pot, make sure the silicone sealing ring is properly in place. It ensures a tight seal, which is crucial for pressure cooking. If the ring is not securely seated, steam can escape, and the pot won’t reach the required pressure. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean and inspect the ring to prevent odors or residue buildup.

2. Use the Right Amount of Liquid

The Instant Pot relies on steam to build pressure, so always add enough liquid. Follow this recipe exactly and you’ll be fine!

3. Don’t Overfill the Pot

The Instant Pot should never be filled past the 2/3 mark (or 1/2 mark for foods that expand like rice or beans). Overfilling can interfere with proper pressure cooking and may result in unevenly cooked food or a safety issue.

4. Use the Right Setting

The Instant Pot has different settings for different types of cooking (Pressure Cook, Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, etc.). Follow the recipe settings, which are different for the meat vs. potatoes and you will be fine.

5. Quick Release vs. Natural Release

After the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot will take some time to release the pressure. Quick release (turning the valve to venting) releases pressure immediately, which is great for delicate foods like vegetables or seafood. Natural release (letting the pressure come down slowly on its own) is better for meats or dishes that you want to continue cooking in the residual heat. Follow the recipe instructions below.

If you love your Instant Pot as much as I love mine, try these other great Instant Pot recipes: Instant Pot Gumbo, Instant Pot Pork Carnitas and Instant Pot Taco Pasta. Those are all great dinner recipes!

How To Make Instant Pot Salisbury Steak With Mashed Potatoes

Place trivet into the Instant Pot and place potatoes on top of trivet. Add 2 cups of water and close the lid of the instant pot. Lock it. Close the pressure release valve. Set the Instant Pot to Steam for 10 minutes.

Once cooking is done, quick release the steam and carefully remove the potatoes from the pot with tongs. Transfer to a large bowl to mash. Add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm. Cover with aluminum.

Empty the Instant Pot and rinse. In a small bowl, mix ground beef, crackers, milk, Worcestershire sauce and garlic together. Patty the burger into 4 burgers, using a burger mold.

Season with salt and pepper. Place 1 patty into the Instant Pot and set to sautee. Brown each side of each patty, about 2 minutes each, removing each patty from the pan once it’s browned on both sides.

Return all 4 patties to the Instant Pot and add mushrooms and onions on top of the patties. Mix broth and mustard and pour into pot. Season with salt and pepper.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set to manual, high pressure for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let set for 10 minutes. Release steam and quickly stir in cornstarch (if using) to thicken gravy. Serve hot.