Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Slow cooker recipes have a magical ability to transform simple ingredients into comforting dishes that satisfy the entire family. One of my favorite easy meals is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. This classic American dish comes together with ease in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Imagine juicy, tender beef patties smothered in rich brown gravy, all while you tackle your day. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and once you make it, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in so many hearts.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s the convenience and affordability that make it truly special. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can serve a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. The blend of ground beef, flavorful beef broth, and mushrooms creates a savory sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is sure to please. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

“This dish is a game changer! I can prepare it in the morning, and by dinner, I have a delicious meal waiting for me. My kids absolutely love it!” – Satisfied Home Cook

How this recipe comes together

Let’s break down the process to give you an idea of how this recipe works. It starts with a simple mixture of ground beef, bread crumbs, and eggs, formed into patties. Then these patties are browned to lock in flavor before being submerged in a rich gravy mix in the slow cooker. Set it and forget it! With cooking times ranging from 3 to 8 hours, you have the flexibility to plan your day around it.

What you’ll need

To create this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use gluten-free bread crumbs to cater to dietary needs.

Directions to follow

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into patties.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties on both sides. This step adds flavor and texture.
3. In the slow cooker, whisk together the beef broth and brown gravy mix until fully dissolved.
4. Gently add the browned patties and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, presentation matters! For a cozy family dinner, pile the juicy patties and gravy on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Alternatively, serve over a pile of fluffy rice with steamed green vegetables on the side. For those feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese on top just before serving.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that delicious flavor. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the Salisbury Steak for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Helpful cooking tips

To enhance your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, consider these pro tips:

• For added flavor, sauté your onions before combining them with the beef mixture; this will enhance their sweetness.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy during the final cooking hour.
• Don’t hesitate to experiment with adding spices like garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? There are many ways you can enjoy Salisbury Steak. Try swapping mushrooms for sautéed bell peppers or adding a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you could use lean ground beef or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, plus cooking time in the slow cooker, which can vary between 3 to 8 hours depending on your setting.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for beef if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for a day before cooking. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since they will be cold when added to the slow cooker.

How do I store leftovers safely?
Make sure to cool the dish completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge to make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, gather your ingredients and get started. You won’t just create a cozy meal; you’ll create a dish that brings everyone to the table!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

A classic American dish that turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal, featuring juicy beef patties smothered in rich brown gravy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the patties

• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs Use gluten-free bread crumbs for dietary needs.
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped Sauté for added flavor.
• 1 piece egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Can be replaced with sautéed bell peppers.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into patties.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties on both sides.

Cooking

• In the slow cooker, whisk together the beef broth and brown gravy mix until fully dissolved.
• Gently add the browned patties and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is cooked through and tender.

Serving

• Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

For best flavor, consider sautéing onions before adding them to the beef mixture. To thicken gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last hour of cooking.

Keyword beef patties, comfort food, Easy Meal, Salisbury Steak, Slow Cooker