This Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks recipe is a warm and comforting dish made with beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. It cooks slowly until tender and flavorful!
What’s not to love? Just mix the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. I like to serve it over mashed potatoes—comfort food at its finest!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 for a juicy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can work too, but they will have a different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Any type of breadcrumbs works, but panko gives a nice crunch. You can swap with crushed crackers or oats if you’re gluten-free.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with almond milk or broth for a dairy-free version. Just remember the flavor might change slightly.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, canned mushrooms or a different veggie like bell peppers can be a nice twist.
Beef Broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth if beef is unavailable. Homemade broth would add great depth of flavor if you have some!
How Do You Cook the Patties Perfectly in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking the patties correctly is key to keeping them juicy. Start by browning them in a skillet; this not only adds flavor but also seals in moisture. Aim for a golden brown crust, about 3 minutes per side.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- After browning, let them rest briefly before adding to the slow cooker; this keeps them juicy.
- Make sure the gravy is simmering before pouring it over the patties; this ensures they start cooking right away.
Taking these steps will help you achieve perfectly cooked Salisbury steaks with rich flavors that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (plus 1 medium onion sliced for gravy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for browning patties)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 2.5-6 hours in the slow cooker. Whether you choose low or high heat, the result will be a flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your patties may become tough.
2. Shape and Brown the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, making them about 1/2 inch thick. In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and brown them for about 3 minutes on each side until nicely seared but not fully cooked. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, and stir to coat. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Create the Gravy:
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and tomato paste until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Slow Cook the Patties:
Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker. Pour the mushroom and onion gravy over the patties, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the patties are cooked through and tender. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the Salisbury steaks with chopped fresh parsley before serving. These delicious patties pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Enjoy your comforting homemade meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that the flavor may be lighter, and you may want to add some extra seasonings to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef patties the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This way, they’ll be ready to brown and cook the next day, making dinner preparation even easier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.
