Ever find yourself craving something hearty, nostalgic, and super simple? This One Pot Salisbury Steak Pasta is your answer. Born from a moment of “what do I have in the freezer?”, this cozy meal brings together classic TV dinners and pantry staples in the most unexpectedly delicious way. Think tender chunks of Salisbury steak, creamy pasta, and a rich mushroom-onion base — all made in a single pot with almost zero effort.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just need a comforting weeknight fix, this dish is quick, satisfying, and surprisingly clever. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours making it… when in reality, it was 20 minutes, tops.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zero stress, full comfort: This is the ultimate lazy-day dinner. You’re using mostly pre-made ingredients, so it’s quick and practically foolproof.
Hearty and nostalgic: If you grew up eating Salisbury steak TV dinners, this will hit all the right comfort-food notes — but upgraded.
One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes, less mess. Everything comes together in one pot, which means more time relaxing and less time cleaning.
Budget-friendly: It uses frozen meals and affordable pantry items, so it won’t hurt your wallet.
Flexible & filling: Stir in mashed potatoes for extra heartiness or serve it on top — either way, it’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
What You’ll Need
3 frozen Salisbury steak dinners – thawed slightly so they’re easier to break apart.
2 boxes of beef pasta dinner kits – like Hamburger Helper-style kits, complete with seasoning packets.
1 jar of mushrooms – drained; adds earthy depth.
1 bag of frozen seasoning blend – typically includes onions, bell peppers, and celery.
1 small container of milk – for creaminess.
Water – as called for by the pasta dinner kits.
A little oil – for sautéing the veggies.
How to Make One Pot Salisbury Steak Pasta
1 – Sauté the veggies:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add half the bag of frozen seasoning blend and the drained mushrooms. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2 – Add the steaks:
Microwave the frozen Salisbury steak dinners just enough to thaw them. Add them to the pot (including the gravy), and break the steaks into chunks with a spoon—like ground beef.
3 – Mix in pasta kits:
Stir in both beef pasta kits, their seasoning packets, the amount of water recommended on the box, and your milk. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4 – Simmer and thicken:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. At the end, stir in the mashed potatoes from the frozen meals to help thicken the sauce.
Looking for more easy one-pot dinner ideas?
One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
One Pot Chicken and Rice
ONE POT Slow Cooked Beef Curry Recipe!
Before You Cook: Read This!
Can I use fresh Salisbury steak instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! Just cook the fresh Salisbury steaks fully before adding them to the pot. Make sure to include some gravy to keep the pasta saucy and flavorful.
What can I use instead of the beef pasta kits?
If you can’t find beef pasta kits, use regular pasta (like rotini or penne), a beef bouillon cube, and a mix of dried Italian herbs. Add some shredded cheese or cream to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
I truly hope this One pot salisbury steak pasta recipe brings warmth and happiness to your table, just like it does to mine every time I make it.
One Pot Salisbury Steak Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot or Deep Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 frozen Salisbury steak dinners slightly thawed for easier handling
- 2 boxes beef pasta dinner kits with seasoning packets
- 1 jar mushrooms drained
- 0.5 bag frozen seasoning blend onion, bell pepper, and celery mix
- 1 small container milk
- water as directed by pasta kit instructions
- oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat a splash of oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium heat. Add half of the frozen seasoning blend and the drained mushrooms. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until aromatic and soft.
- Partially microwave the frozen Salisbury steak meals just enough to soften. Transfer the steaks and gravy into the pot. Use a spoon to crumble the meat into chunks resembling ground beef.
- Incorporate the contents of both beef pasta kits, including seasoning packets. Add the specified amount of water from the box instructions, along with the milk. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Cover the pot and simmer for around 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Stir in the mashed potatoes from the steak dinners at the end to boost creaminess.