One-Pan Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet: Easy Weeknight Meal

Craving a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and surprisingly easy to make? This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skilletbrings all the nostalgic flavors of tender beef patties and rich gravy, perfectly paired with savory potatoes, all cooked in a single pan. It’s the ultimate fuss-free dinner solution for busy weeknights, delivering deep, satisfying flavors with minimal cleanup.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet is a true champion in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its simplicity and comforting depth of flavor. It takes the beloved elements of Salisbury steak – juicy, well-seasoned beef patties and a savory, thick gravy – and combines them with tender, flavorful potatoes, all in one glorious skillet. The process of browning the beef and then building the rich gravy in the same pan ensures every bit of flavor is captured. The pre-microwaving trick for the potatoes is genius, cutting down on overall cooking time and making this a genuinely quick weeknight meal. It’s a complete, satisfying dinner that feels wholesome and tastes amazing, making it a regular rotation for my family!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
  • 1 white onion, halved and sliced
  • 4-6 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth, divided
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Swaps and Notes

  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to keep the patties from being overly greasy. You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape after cooking. Other waxy potatoes like red potatoes can also be used. Cutting them into consistent 1 1/2-inch pieces ensures even cooking.
  • White Onion: Sliced white onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the gravy.
  • Beef Broth: Use a good quality beef broth or stock. Low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Essential for that classic savory, umami flavor in both the patties and the gravy.
  • Garlic Powder & Dried Thyme: These dry seasonings add classic flavor notes. You can also add a pinch of onion powder to the patties.
  • Cornstarch: This is the thickener for the rich gravy. Ensure you whisk it thoroughly with the cold liquid to prevent lumps.
  • Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the gravy.
  • Optional Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (8oz, like cremini or button) can be added with the onions for extra earthiness.

Instructions

Let’s get this delicious Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet cooking!

  1. Prepare Beef Patties: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined (do not over-mix, as this can make the patties tough). Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.
  2. Brown Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (a 12-inch skillet or a Dutch oven works well) over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the beef patties into the hot skillet. Brown them aggressively on each side for about 3-4 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms. The patties don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the browned patties to a plate and set aside.
  3. Pre-Cook Potatoes: While the beef browns, pierce each of the 4-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes with a fork a few times. Microwave them for 5 minutes. This step significantly lessens the cooking time needed in the skillet. Once cool enough to handle, chop the potatoes into roughly 1 1/2-inch pieces.
  4. Sauté Onions & Potatoes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet (where you browned the beef). Add the sliced white onion, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 6 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chopped, pre-cooked potatoes to the skillet with the onions and 2 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 6 minutes.
  5. Prepare Gravy Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons ketchup, the remaining 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps.
  6. Thicken Gravy: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering skillet with the onions and potatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens into a rich gravy consistency. This should take 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return Patties & Finish: Reduce the heat to low. Return the browned beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy and potatoes. Let everything cook together for another 5-7 minutes, gently simmering, until the patties are hot and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for ground beef).
  8. Season & Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the Salisbury steak patties and gravy with the tender potatoes directly from the skillet.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix Beef: Overmixing the ground beef mixture can make the patties tough. Mix just until combined.
  • Sear Aggressively: Browning the patties well on each side develops a rich, savory flavor that’s crucial for the gravy.
  • Pre-Cook Potatoes: Microwaving the potatoes first is a brilliant shortcut, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.
  • Whisk Cornstarch Well: Ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the cold liquid before adding it to the hot skillet to prevent lumps in the gravy.
  • Scrape the Fond: Those browned bits at the bottom of the skillet after browning the beef and onions are packed with flavor; make sure to scrape them up when adding liquids for the gravy.
  • Resting Not Required: Because the patties return to the gravy, a separate resting period isn’t necessary.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:


Storage and Leftover Tips

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!

  • Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken considerably as it cools.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly. You can also reheat in the microwave.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this one-pan meal, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:


Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a skillet full of rich, savory, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy.

Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite one-pan meal when you need something quick and satisfying? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!