Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

What is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is a popular American seasoned ground beef patty developed in the 1800s.

It’s a version of Germany’s Hamburg steak, mostly made with a mixture of ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and onion. It’s somewhat a bit similar to meatballs or meatloaf.

Salisbury steak is often served as an entree with brown gravy (onion gravy or mushroom gravy).

Salisbury Steak vs Hamburger Steak?

Though Salisbury steak is quite similar to Hamburger steak (sometimes people use the names interchangeably), they are 2 different beef patties.

Hamburger steak patties are more simple, mostly made with ground beef, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. They’re mostly enjoyed in a Hamburger sandwich.

While Salisbury steak patties are made with more ingredients including egg, breadcrumbs, and onions. They’re mostly enjoyed as an entree served with gravy.

P.S. You’re gonna love this Salisbury steak recipe’s flavorful mushroom gravy!! 😀

Time for cooking Salisbury Steak in Instant Pot!

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

Here are the ingredients for cooking Salisbury Steak in Instant Pot:

*Pro Tip: Make sure to finely mince the onions as this helps form the Salisbury steak patties. You can substitute the minced onion with 1 tsp onion powder.

Tools for Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
• Wooden Spoon
• Pyrex Measuring Cups
• Mixing Bowl
• Kitchen Tongs

Mix Salisbury Steak Ingredients

First, in a large mixing bowl, add in 1 lb (454g) ground beef.

*Note: We used regular ground beef for this Salisbury steak recipe, but you can also use lean ground beef. 

Now, add in ½ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs, finely minced onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, ½ tsp (2.5ml) Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp (2.5ml) toasted sesame oil (optional), and 1 tbsp (12g) cornstarch (optional).

Season with a small pinch of salt and ground black pepper.

Then, fold and mix all the Salisbury steak ingredients into the ground beef with your hand.

Continue to turn and knead the ground beef to thoroughly incorporate the beef patties ingredients.

*Note: If you don’t like to touch meat with your bare hands, you can wear gloves to make these Salisbury steaks.

Finally, pick up the Salisbury steak mixture and throw it against the large mixing bowl 4 – 5 times to add bounciness to the beef patties. 

Test Seasoning & Form Salisbury Beef Patties

To test the seasoning, you can add some oil to a preheated pan, then cook a small bit of the Salisbury steak mixture.

Taste the cooked small beef patty bite and see if it’s well seasoned or not. Add in more salt if necessary.

Now, firmly shape and form your Salisbury beef patties to your liking.

*Note: For reference, with this Salisbury steak recipe, we were able to make 4 large thick Salisbury steaks with our beef mixture. You can adjust and make smaller or thinner beef patties if you like.

Brown Salisbury Steak in Instant Pot

Press “Saute” button to “Sauté More” function to heat up Instant Pot. It will switch to “ON” on the screen.

Wait until it says “HOT” on the screen (takes roughly 8 minutes).

*Pro Tip: Make sure Instant Pot is as hot as it can be in order to induce a Maillard reaction.

Now, add 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter or olive oil in the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Ensure the whole bottom is coated with oil.

If you like, lightly season one side of the beef patties with kosher salt and black pepper.

Now, place the Salisbury steaks in Instant Pot (seasoned side face down).

Lightly season the other side of beef patties with salt and black pepper.

Brown each side for 3 minutes. 

Then, set aside the browned Salisbury steaks.

Saute Mushrooms & Onion

*Note: Sauteeing the mushrooms is an optional flavor-enhancing step. This adds a bit of flavor but will take roughly 9 – 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can skip and proceed to sauteeing onion.

First, add sliced mushrooms in the Instant Pot, then saute until lightly brown (roughly 9 – 10 minutes).

Then, add in sliced onions, and saute for 4 minutes.

Finally, add in minced garlic, then saute for another 30 – 45 seconds until fragrant.

Deglaze Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup (250ml) unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot, then deglaze by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.

Pressure Cook Salisbury Steak

Add in 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp (15g) dijon mustard. Give it a quick mix.

*Note: Add in the mushroom slices here if you skipped the previous mushroom sauteeing step. 

Add the browned Salisbury steaks in Instant Pot.

*Pro Tip: Give the Salisbury steaks a few wiggles and try to get them as close to the bottom of the inner pot as possible, so that they’re partially submerged in the cooking liquid.

Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.

• Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 3 minutes + 10 minutes Natural Release

After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning Venting Knob to Venting Position.

When Floating Valve drops, open the lid carefully.

Then, measure the Salisbury steaks’ temperature with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be over 160℉.

Make Salisbury Steak Gravy

With a kitchen tong, place Instant Pot Salisbury steaks on a serving plate.

*Note: The Salisbury steak gravy will look a bit foamy with the butter.

Now, bring the mushroom gravy to a simmering with the “Saute” function.

Mix 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour with 3 tbsp (45ml) water. 

Then, mix flour mixture into the Salisbury steak gravy in Instant Pot one third at a time until your desired thickness.

Finally, taste and adjust mushroom gravy seasoning with more salt and black pepper if necessary.

Turn off the heat or switch to Keep Warm mode.

Serve Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

*Note: You can place the Salisbury steaks in Instant Pot to keep warm.

Ta da! Drizzle the deliciously flavorful mushroom gravy on your Instant Pot Salisbury Steak, then serve with your favorite side dishes.

Side Dish Recommendation: You gotta try our Buttery Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!

Enjoy these tasty Instant Pot Salisbury Steak!

More Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

• Instant Pot Umami Chili
• Instant Pot Spaghetti
• Instant Pot Meatballs