This Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is all about tasty beef patties swimming in a rich gravy. It’s cozy, comforting, and super simple to make—just toss everything in and let it cook!
You’ll love how the meat becomes tender and flavorful while you relax. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind they might be less flavorful.
Bread Crumbs: These help to bind the patties. Instead of store-bought, you can use crushed crackers or make your own from stale bread. Gluten-free bread crumbs work too!
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh, canned mushrooms or even frozen can work well.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. If you prefer a different flavor, vegetable broth could be an alternative.
Ketchup and Soy Sauce: These add depth to the sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, opt for a sugar-free ketchup or use a homemade sauce instead.
How Do I Ensure My Patties Stay Juicy?
To keep the Salisbury steak patties juicy, handle the meat mixture gently. Overmixing can make them tough. After shaping, you can brown them in a skillet for extra flavor, but this step is optional. If you skip it, be sure to season well, as the slow cooking will help enhance those flavors.
- Once in the slow cooker, layering onions and mushrooms will add moisture as they cook.
- Don’t skip the thickening step with flour or cornstarch, as it creates a rich gravy that envelops the patties, keeping them moist.
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- 10 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- ¼ cup water (for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Salisbury steak comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined; don’t overmix as that can make the patties tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Take the mixture and shape it into 6 oval-shaped patties. Set them aside while you prepare to cook.
3. Brown the Patties (Optional):
If you want extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional; you can also place the patties directly into the slow cooker without browning them.
4. Add Onions and Mushrooms:
Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms over and around the patties in the slow cooker. This will infuse great flavor into both the meat and the gravy.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over the patties and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the patties are thoroughly cooked and nice and tender.
7. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the flour (or cornstarch) with the water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker—this will help thicken the delicious gravy.
8. Final Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker again and cook an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
9. Serve:
Serve your Salisbury steak warm, with the rich mushroom gravy spooned over the top. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish!
Enjoy your comforting and easy slow cooker Salisbury steak!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Just remember that the flavor may be slightly different, so consider enhancing the seasoning if you prefer a bolder taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your beef broth and soy sauce are also gluten-free if necessary.
What Can I Serve with Salisbury Steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad also complements the meal nicely!
