Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: 15 Minute Prep

Slow cooker Salisbury steak has been my go-to for a comforting weeknight meal, especially when I need something fuss-free. I remember the first time I made this easy slow cooker Salisbury steak; the aroma of savory mushrooms and tender beef filled my kitchen, promising a delicious dinner with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave hearty flavor without the fuss. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly satisfying dish everyone will love, making it a fantastic Salisbury steak slow cooker dinner idea. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This easy slow cooker Salisbury steak is a winner for so many reasons:

• Incredibly tender beef patties that melt in your mouth.
• A rich, savory mushroom gravy that’s pure comfort food.
• Minimal prep time – just 15 minutes to get dinner started!
• Perfect for busy weeknights; the slow cooker does all the work.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that make a satisfying meal.
• A family-favorite recipe that’s always a hit.
• This easy slow cooker Salisbury steak is incredibly versatile, pairing well with many side dishes.
• It’s a classic American comfort food that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Gathering your slow cooker Salisbury steak ingredients is the first step to this incredibly satisfying meal. I love that it uses pantry staples and common produce.

• 1 pound ground beef – I usually opt for 80/20 for the best flavor and tenderness.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Panko or regular work well; they help bind the patties.
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped – This adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the patties.
• 1 egg – Our binder to keep those patties perfectly formed.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – A little goes a long way for that umami kick.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a foundational savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This is the base for our rich, dreamy gravy.
• 1 cup beef broth – Adds liquid for the gravy and enhances the beef flavor.
• 1 onion, sliced – These soften beautifully in the slow cooker, adding sweetness to the gravy.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – They absorb all those delicious flavors, making them a must-have.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – If you like a thicker gravy, this is your secret weapon.
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening) – Mix with cornstarch to create a slurry.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Follow these simple Salisbury steak slow cooker instructions for a meal that’s practically magic. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to achieve such delicious results!

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so be tender!
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick. I like to make them slightly smaller than the base of my slow cooker so they don’t shrink too much.
3. Step 3: (Optional but recommended!) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. This step really adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape.
4. Step 4: Carefully place the browned patties into your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup beef broth until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the patties in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Scatter the 1 onion, sliced, and 1 cup mushrooms, sliced over the top of the patties and gravy mixture. They’ll soften and become incredibly flavorful as they cook.
7. Step 7: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The patties should be cooked through and wonderfully tender. These Salisbury steak slow cooker instructions are so forgiving!
8. Step 8: If you prefer a thicker, richer gravy, prepare a slurry. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook, uncovered if needed, until thickened.
9. Step 9: Serve your delicious slow cooker Salisbury steak hot, spooning the savory mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles for a complete and comforting meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Elevate your slow cooker Salisbury steak from good to absolutely amazing with these simple tricks. I’ve learned a few things over the years that make a big difference!

• Don’t skip browning the patties! While optional, searing them before they go into the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor and a better texture.
• Use good quality beef broth for the gravy; it truly enhances the overall savory taste of this dish.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker. Older models might cook hotter or cooler, so keep an eye on it.
• For an extra rich gravy, add a splash of red wine along with the beef broth in Step 5.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

The key to a truly tender slow cooker Salisbury steak is not overworking the ground beef mixture when forming the patties. Gently combine the ingredients, and remember that browning them before slow cooking adds a fantastic layer of flavor. For more tips on cooking with beef, check out this beef guide.

Can I make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and cooking in the slow cooker. Just add them to the slow cooker as directed, and you’ll still have a delicious meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

A common pitfall is overmixing the meat mixture, which can lead to tough patties. Also, make sure your slow cooker lid seals properly to maintain consistent heat for optimal cooking and gravy consistency. Learn more about onions, a key ingredient here.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This wonderfully savory slow cooker Salisbury steak is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with so many classic comfort food sides. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is spooned over creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes. The rich mushroom gravy just soaks into them beautifully, creating pure deliciousness. Another fantastic option is serving it alongside fluffy white rice or tender egg noodles, which are also excellent for soaking up all that amazing gravy. For a lighter touch, a simple side salad or some steamed green beans also complements the richness of the Salisbury steak wonderfully.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This recipe is a hearty and satisfying choice for dinner. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This delicious slow cooker Salisbury steak comfort food is fantastic for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze. Once the Salisbury steak has cooled down slightly, transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigeration, it should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this delightful dish for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to pack it well to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is just as simple. You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or even in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. Whichever method you choose, you’ll get to enjoy that wonderful, savory flavor all over again! For more ideas on meal prep, consider these recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

What is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

Essentially, slow cooker Salisbury steak is a simplified, hands-off version of the classic comfort food. It involves forming seasoned ground beef patties and slow-cooking them in a rich mushroom gravy. This method ensures the patties are incredibly tender and infused with flavor, making it a favorite Salisbury steak slow cooker dinner idea.

How to make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?

To make slow cooker Salisbury steak, you’ll typically mix ground beef with seasonings and breadcrumbs, form patties, and then brown them (optional but recommended). These patties go into the slow cooker with a gravy base made from cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, plus sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s straightforward and yields fantastic results! For a similar pasta dish, try this spaghetti with mushroom sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this a gluten-free slow cooker Salisbury steak! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free, and you’re all set for a delicious, dietary-friendly meal. You might also enjoy this mediterranean chickpea salad for a gluten-free option.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?

For a thicker, more luscious gravy, I recommend using a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. It’s a simple trick for a perfect finish! You can find more tips on thickening sauces in this article about homemade tomato sauce.

Variations of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak You Can Try

While this classic recipe is amazing as is, I love experimenting with variations to keep things exciting! You can easily adapt this dish to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a lighter option, consider making a healthy slow cooker Salisbury steak by using leaner ground turkey or even finely chopped extra-lean beef and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you’re looking for a gluten-free slow cooker Salisbury steak, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and cream of mushroom soup are certified gluten-free. You can also boost the flavor by adding a splash of red wine to the gravy or incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the patties.

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