This Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a hearty dish with tasty beef patties simmered in a rich gravy. It’s comfort food that fills the house with a savory aroma!
Cooking it in the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! I love serving it over mashed potatoes or noodles for a warm and cozy meal any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for rich flavor without too much grease. If you prefer a leaner choice, ground turkey is a good alternative, though it may be a bit less juicy.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help hold the patties together. You can use crushed crackers or even oats if you’re looking for a gluten-free swap. Both work well!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring great flavor. For a shortcut, you could use dried onion flakes and garlic powder, but fresh adds the best taste and aroma.
Mushrooms: Optional but highly recommended! They enhance the gravy’s flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or substitute with diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice tang. If you’re out, soy sauce can work too. Just remember to cut back on additional salt since soy sauce is saltier.
How Can I Ensure My Salisbury Steaks Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret lies in how you combine your ingredients. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture; just mix until everything is combined. This keeps the patties tender.
- Mix all the ingredients gently in a bowl, so they are just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, about ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
Browning the patties before placing them in the slow cooker boosts their flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, don’t skip this step. It makes a big difference!
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just mix, shape, brown (if you want), and let the slow cooker do the work! You’ll come home to a warm and delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined, but don’t overwork it
2. Shape the Patties:
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into 4-6 oval patties. Make sure they are about ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
3. Brown the Patties (Optional):
If you have a few extra minutes, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the patties in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it!
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Place the browned patties in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and ketchup. Pour this flavorful sauce over the patties. If you’re using mushrooms, sprinkle them on top now.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Your house will smell amazing!
6. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Stir gently and keep the lid off for the last half-hour of cooking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When ready, gently spoon the Salisbury steaks onto plates with gravy poured over them. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! However, keep in mind that turkey has less fat, which may result in a slightly drier patty. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil or using a mix of dark and light turkey meat can help keep them moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them from drying out.
Can I Freeze Salisbury Steaks?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties and the gravy separately or together. Just ensure they’re well covered in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Salisbury steaks gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Always check other ingredients, like soy sauce, and look for gluten-free options as well!
