Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Ah, the slow cooker. The culinary appliance that turns a busy weeknight into a relaxing evening with delicious aromas wafting through the house. After a long day, few things are more comforting than a hearty meal waiting for you. Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. It’s simple and satisfying, perfect for serving after a long day.

Before I dive into the details of this dish, let’s talk about what you can pair with it. This Salisbury steak harmonizes beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a side of steamed green beans. You could also serve it on a bed of rice or alongside a fresh garden salad. Each option brings its own flair, making this meal customizable according to your tastes.

What is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

This dish hails from mid-20th century America and is beloved for its simplicity and flavor. Imagine tender beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy made from beef broth, mushroom, and spices. It’s comfort food at its finest, and when you cook it low and slow, the flavors meld together beautifully.

Usually made on the stovetop, this version is adapted for the slow cooker, making it a hands-off meal. You simply prepare the ingredients, toss them in, and let the slow cooker do the magic. It’s the kind of dish that beckons you home after a long day, inviting you to enjoy a warm plate of savory goodness.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe lies in its balance of basic ingredients that turn into an extraordinary meal. The key components—lean beef, flavorful broth, and mushrooms—combine to create a dish that feels indulgent yet is quite straightforward.

The lean ground beef provides a good source of protein while the addition of mushrooms adds depth to the dish. The gravy, made with brown gravy mix, beef broth, and seasoning, ensures every bite is rich and flavorful. Finally, cooking it in the slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld perfectly, making the beef tender and the flavors deep.

What You'll Need to Make This Dish

Here's a simple shopping list for the ingredients you will need:

• 1 ounce packet of brown gravy mix
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• 6 ounces sliced cremini or button mushrooms
• 1 ½ cups beef broth or reduced-sodium beef stock
• 4 tablespoons cool water
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Beef Patties

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg yolk
• ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This process is so easy that you might just want to start it tonight! Let’s jump straight into the step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg yolk, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the patties tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, approximately ½ inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking. Place the patties on a plate and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.

Step 3: Create the Gravy Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, beef broth, ketchup, whole grain Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cool water. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. This will be the foundation of your sauce that brings everything together.

Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the sliced mushrooms at the bottom, creating a nice bed for the patties.

Next, gently place the beef patties on top of the mushrooms. Finally, pour the gravy mixture over everything, ensuring all patties are covered.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, low-temperature cooking allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

When the cooking time is up, check the patties for doneness. They should be tender and juicy. If you want a thicker gravy, remove the patties and whisk some additional cornstarch in water, then stir it into the gravy and let it cook on high for another 20-30 minutes.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your Salisbury steak perfect every time:

• Use Lean Meat: Ground sirloin is a great option for this recipe, as it balances flavor and health.
• Don’t Skip the Mushrooms: They add a wonderful umami flavor that enhances the dish.
• Mix it Gently: Overmixing the beef can result in tough patties, so handle the mixture with care.
• Leftovers are Gold: This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
• Serve with Style: Set up a toppings bar with fresh herbs or crispy fried onions for added flavor and texture.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any remnants after dinner, don’t fret! Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak stores well. Let the dish cool completely. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just remember to label them with the date!

Nutrition Information

slow cooker salisbury steak recipe nutrition facts

How Would I Recommend Serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

When it comes to serving this dish, you have flexibility. Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The gravy from the Salisbury steak seeps into the potatoes, creating a rich and hearty meal. You could make the potatoes with a bit of garlic for an extra punch.
• With Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles provide a delightful base, making it a comforting experience. The sauce clings to the noodles beautifully, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• On a Bed of Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the delicious gravy well. This option can lighten the dish while still making it filling.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with crunchy vegetables offers a nice contrast to the richness of the steak, balancing the flavors on the plate.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

If you find yourself in a pinch, here are some great substitutes:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you're looking for a leaner meat option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef. Just season them well, as they can be milder in flavor.
• Any Type of Mushroom: Don’t have cremini? Button mushrooms will work great. You can even try adding dried mushrooms for a more intense flavor, just be sure to rehydrate them first.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: If you need a gluten-free option, switch out Panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Homemade Gravy: If you prefer to make your own gravy, create a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in beef broth to thicken. Season it to taste!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dining table. With its easy preparation and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. You can customize it based on your preferences and serve it with your choice of sides, making it versatile and delicious.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for some comforting home-cooked goodness, pull out your slow cooker and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your meal!

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