Step into the warmth of classic comfort food with this Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet recipe. This dish reimagines the beloved Salisbury steak by cooking it alongside tender potatoes and sweet onions, all brought together in a rich, savory gravy, right in one pan. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that evokes nostalgic flavors while offering the convenience of a simple, streamlined cooking process. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this skillet meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. What I particularly love about it is its incredible efficiency – a complete meal cooked in a single skillet means less cleanup and more time enjoying delicious food. The flavors are wonderfully balanced: the savory beef patties, the tender, earthy potatoes, and the slightly sweet caramelized onions, all coated in that deeply flavorful, thick gravy. It’s a taste of home-cooked goodness that satisfies that craving for a substantial, comforting meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. The technique of pre-cooking the potatoes slightly is a brilliant time-saver, ensuring everything finishes cooking together perfectly.

List of Ingredients

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

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (e.g., 85% or 90% lean)
• 1 white onion, halved and sliced
• 4-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
• 3 cups beef broth, divided (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for patties as it holds shape well and reduces excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for a slightly different flavor.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for their creamy texture and how well they hold their shape, but red potatoes or even small new potatoes would also work. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they might break down too much.
• Onion: A white onion is classic, but a yellow onion or even a red onion would provide a good flavor.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt content. If using regular broth, adjust added salt accordingly.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Essential for that signature umami depth in Salisbury steak. Don’t skip it!
• Garlic Powder: Adds a consistent garlic flavor throughout. If you prefer fresh garlic, mince 1-2 cloves and add them to the onions in the skillet.
• Dried Thyme: Provides an earthy, aromatic note. A pinch of dried rosemary or sage could also be used.
• Cornstarch: This is the thickening agent for the gravy. For a gluten-free option, ensure your cornstarch is certified GF. If you prefer a flour-based gravy, you would use about 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch, whisking it into the hot liquid (after sautéing the beef and onions) to create a roux before adding the rest of the broth.
• Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the gravy, characteristic of Salisbury steak.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the 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.
• Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
• Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round or oval patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent them from bulging while cooking.

2. Brown the Patties:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or another heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the beef patties to the hot skillet. Brown them for 3-4 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
• Remove the browned patties from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Potatoes:

• While the patties are browning, prepare the potatoes. Pierce each of the 4-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes several times with a fork.
• Microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes. This pre-cooking step significantly reduces the skillet cooking time.
• Once cool enough to handle, chop the partially cooked potatoes into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces.

4. Sauté Onions and Cook Potatoes:

• Add the sliced white onion to the same skillet where you browned the beef (don’t drain the beef drippings, as they add flavor!). If the skillet seems dry, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
• Season the onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent, about 6 minutes.
• Add the chopped potatoes and 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet with the onions.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Make the Gravy:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons ketchup, the remaining 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 3 tablespoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
• Pour this cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the potatoes and onions.
• Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens into a rich gravy. This should only take a few minutes.

6. Finish the Dish:

• Reduce the heat to low.
• Carefully return the browned beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy and potatoes.
• Let everything cook together for another 5-7 minutes, or until the beef patties are hot and cooked through, and the flavors have melded.
• Taste the gravy and season with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

7. Serve:

• Serve hot directly from the skillet, or transfer to individual plates.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix Beef: Overmixing ground beef can result in tough patties. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Microwave Potatoes Properly: The microwave step is critical for even cooking and reduced skillet time. Ensure they are tender-crisp, not fully cooked, as they will finish in the gravy.
• Whisk Cornstarch Thoroughly: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold broth before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps in your gravy.
• Constant Stirring for Gravy: Stirring frequently once the cornstarch mixture is added prevents the gravy from clumping and ensures even thickening.
• Season in Layers: Season the beef, onions, and finally the gravy. This builds depth of flavor.
• Rest the Patties (Optional): While not strictly necessary in a skillet meal, letting the cooked patties rest for a few minutes off heat (before returning to the gravy) can help them stay juicier.
• Adjust Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more beef broth. If it’s too thin, you can make a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir it into the simmering gravy and cook until thickened.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with simple additions:

• Green Vegetable: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad add freshness and balance.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Relish: A side of dill pickles or pickled onions can offer a nice tangy contrast to the richness.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Zinfandel would complement the savory beef and rich gravy.
• Beer Pairing: A hearty amber ale or a brown ale would also be a great choice.

Nutritional Information

(Approximation per serving, based on 4 servings. Varies significantly based on specific ingredients, beef lean percentage, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 35-45 g
• Fat: Approximately 25-35 g (depends on beef lean percentage and oil used)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 g
• Fiber: Approximately 5-7 g
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1100 mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and controlling added salt)
• Cholesterol: Approximately 100-130 mg

Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and exact portion sizes.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy if it’s too thick.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute or so, until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that potatoes can sometimes become slightly mealy after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be excellent.

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet recipe is a heartwarming tribute to classic comfort food, made accessible for today’s busy cooks. It’s a satisfying, flavorful, and complete meal all in one pan, delivering that deeply rich gravy and tender ingredients everyone loves. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something truly comforting and homemade without a lot of fuss. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious taste of nostalgia!

We’d love to hear how your Salisbury Steak & Potato Skillet turned out! Share your experience or any favorite side dishes in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us for more easy and comforting recipes!