If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal effort, this slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with savory flavors and melts in your mouth thanks to slow cooking, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this slow cooker Salisbury steak, and how the tender meat combined with rich mushroom gravy brings back that nostalgic homemade feeling. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
- The slow cooker makes the steak incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
- Rich mushroom gravy adds depth and comfort to every bite.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your slow cooker Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy. Simple pantry staples come together to create this classic comfort dish.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for browning, optional)
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meat.
- Form the mixture into 6 oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick each. If desired, brown the patties in a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
- Place the sliced mushrooms and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the Salisbury steak patties on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, and soy sauce, then pour over the patties and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
- Serve the Salisbury steak smothered in mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, flavorful steak that doesn’t dry out.
- Browning the patties before slow cooking adds extra depth but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Slice mushrooms and onions thinly to ensure they cook evenly and release maximum flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover slow cooker Salisbury steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through to preserve tenderness.
This dish also freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without browning the patties?
Yes, browning is optional. While it adds extra flavor and color, you can skip this step and still have delicious, tender Salisbury steak thanks to the slow cooker.
What can I serve with slow cooker Salisbury steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or steamed vegetables. The rich mushroom gravy complements creamy sides perfectly.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the texture and flavor will be milder. Consider adding extra seasoning or a bit of fat like olive oil to keep the patties moist.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water (typically 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.