Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?

Absolutely! Russets will work fine, though they may break down a bit more during cooking, creating a slightly different texture in the finished dish. Reduce the microwave pre-cooking time by a minute since russets are typically starchier.

How do I know when the Salisbury steak patties are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer - the internal temperature should reach 160°F for ground beef. Visually, the patties should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain malt vinegar, which isn't gluten-free) and make sure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. The cornstarch used for thickening is already gluten-free.

My gravy is lumpy - how can I fix it?

If you end up with lumps in your gravy, don't worry! Either whisk vigorously to break them up, or for stubborn lumps, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, then return it to the pan before adding the patties back in.

Salisbury Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe

This hearty Salisbury Steak and Potato Skillet is a complete dinner solution that brings together juicy beef patties, tender potatoes, and rich gravy all in one pan. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The savory beef patties nestled in a silky gravy alongside perfectly cooked potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
Family-Friendly Comfort Food: This dish hits all the right notes – it’s hearty, satisfying, and appeals to even picky eaters. The combination of beef patties and potatoes is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef stretches your dollar further than expensive cuts, and potatoes are one of the most economical sides you can make.
Make-Ahead Potential: The components can be prepped ahead of time, making dinner assembly lightning-fast when you need it most.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of traditional Salisbury steak, providing richness and protein. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness in your patties.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have the perfect balance of starch and moisture, allowing them to hold their shape while becoming creamy when cooked. The golden color adds visual appeal to the dish.
Onions: Sliced white onions add sweetness as they caramelize in the pan, creating a flavor foundation for the gravy.
Beef Broth: Forms the base of the luscious gravy, infusing everything with savory depth. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient is non-negotiable! It adds complexity and that distinctive tangy depth that makes Salisbury steak so memorable.
Ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and tomato flavor that balances the savory elements. Trust me, it’s subtle but important!
Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic. It infuses both the patties and the gravy.
Dried Thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef, adding an earthy, slightly floral note to the gravy.
Cornstarch: The secret to a silky, thickened gravy that coats every bite perfectly. Don’t skip this!
Olive Oil: Used for browning the patties and sautéing the onions, adding a subtle fruity undertone.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch Up The Meat

Try using half ground beef and half ground pork for a different flavor profile, or even ground turkey for a lighter version (though you may want to add a touch more Worcestershire to compensate for turkey’s milder flavor).

Veggie Additions

Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions for an earthy flavor boost. Bell peppers, carrots, or peas can also be great additions that complement the existing flavors.

Herb Upgrades

Fresh herbs make a world of difference – try finishing with chopped parsley or chives. Rosemary is another excellent option if you want to switch out the thyme.

Cheese Please

For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese over the top in the last few minutes of cooking. The melted cheese adds incredible richness.

How to Make Salisbury Steak and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing will make tough patties! Shape into four equal-sized patties about 1/2-inch thick, creating a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing up during cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the patties and cook until deeply browned on the first side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and brown the second side for another 2-3 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Jumpstart the Potatoes

While the patties are browning, prepare your potatoes. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times, then microwave for 5 minutes. This partial cooking is a game-changer for skillet meals! Once cool enough to handle, chop them into 1 1/2 inch pieces.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

Add sliced onions to the same skillet, taking advantage of all those flavorful beef bits left behind. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft and starting to caramelize at the edges, about 5 minutes. The moisture from the onions will help deglaze the pan naturally.

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes and 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet with the onions. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 5 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly as the potatoes absorb some of the liquid and flavor.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of beef broth, ketchup, remaining Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a glossy gravy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Reduce heat to low, then nestle the browned patties back into the skillet among the potatoes and onions. Let everything simmer together until the patties are cooked through to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes. Season the gravy to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the patties properly creates flavor through the Maillard reaction. Make sure your pan is hot enough to get a good sear.
Potato Shortcut: The microwave pre-cooking method for potatoes is brilliant – it cuts down cooking time significantly while ensuring they’re perfectly tender in the finished dish.
Deglaze Like a Pro: After removing the patties, if there are lots of browned bits stuck to the pan, add a splash of broth before cooking the onions to help release all that flavor.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy gets too thick, thin it with a little more broth. Too thin? Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in.

How to Serve

This Salisbury Steak and Potato Skillet is essentially a complete meal in one pan, but there are plenty of ways to serve it:

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich skillet. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also work wonderfully.

Bread Accompaniments

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for sopping up that delicious gravy – honestly, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Dinner Party Presentation

For guests, serve directly from the skillet for rustic charm, or transfer to a serving platter with the patties on top of the potatoes and gravy spooned over everything. Garnish with fresh herbs for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Components

You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The potato and onion prep can also be done ahead of time – just store the pre-microwaved, chopped potatoes in cold water to prevent browning.

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld together during storage.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to revive the gravy. Alternatively, microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Freezing

While the complete dish can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately from the potatoes, for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?

Absolutely! Russets will work fine, though they may break down a bit more during cooking, creating a slightly different texture in the finished dish. Reduce the microwave pre-cooking time by a minute since russets are typically starchier.
How do I know when the Salisbury steak patties are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 160°F for ground beef. Visually, the patties should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain malt vinegar, which isn’t gluten-free) and make sure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. The cornstarch used for thickening is already gluten-free.
My gravy is lumpy – how can I fix it?

If you end up with lumps in your gravy, don’t worry! Either whisk vigorously to break them up, or for stubborn lumps, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, then return it to the pan before adding the patties back in.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak and Potato Skillet brings old-fashioned comfort food to your table with modern convenience. There’s something magical about a meal that combines tender beef, creamy potatoes, and rich gravy – it’s like a hug on a plate! Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or looking for something hearty to serve guests, this skillet dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something satisfying and watch how quickly it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!