These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks are tender and juicy, swimming in a rich, tasty gravy. Perfect for busy days when you want a cozy, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
Who can resist meat patties that melt in your mouth? I love serving them over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious gravy. Comfort food at its finest! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a great balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but be aware they might be a bit drier. I like to stick with beef for its rich taste.
Bread Crumbs: Regular or seasoned bread crumbs add texture. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can serve as a substitute. I often use panko for extra crunch.
Onion: Both finely chopped and sliced onions are used. Yellow onions are sweet and flavorful, but white or red onions are also fine. If you want to go easy on your eyes, consider using shallots instead.
Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms add a lovely earthiness. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can skip them or try sautéed bell peppers instead for some color and sweetness.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is a great choice to control saltiness. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a good alternative, but it will change the flavor profile of the dish.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Patties?
Searing the patties is a vital step for creating a delicious crust that locks in flavors. Here are ways to achieve the perfect sear:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat, and add olive oil when it’s hot.
- Shape your patties gently, without overworking the meat, to keep them tender.
- Don’t crowd the pan! This allows even cooking and a good sear without steaming the patties.
- Cook without moving them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth it if you can wait!
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steaks:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 6-8 hours in the slow cooker if cooking on low, or 3-4 hours on high. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a fantastic meal to set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the delicious base for your Salisbury steaks!
2. Shape the Steaks:
Once the meat is mixed, shape it into 4 oval patties (steaks). Make sure they are about the same size so they cook evenly. Lay them aside while you prepare for the next step.
3. Sear the Patties (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the pan and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned. Searing adds extra flavor, but if you are in a hurry, you can skip this step and put the patties straight into the slow cooker.
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
At the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the sliced onions and mushrooms. Then, place the browned patties on top of the veggie layer. This will help everything cook evenly and infuse the flavors!
5. Add the Liquid:
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth and soy sauce. Carefully pour this mixture over the patties and vegetables in the slow cooker. This will create a rich, savory sauce!
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the patties are cooked through and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker gravy, here’s a quick trick: about 30 minutes before you plan to serve your meal, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of water in a small bowl until smooth. Then, stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. It will make your dish even more delightful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, serve your Salisbury steaks hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. These steaks are fantastic over mashed potatoes or served with rice, soaking up all that yummy gravy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey may require slightly less seasoning due to its milder flavor, so you might want to adjust the salt and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you want to enhance the beef flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a little tomato paste for depth.
Can I Make Salisbury Steaks Without Searing Them First?
Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time! The steaks will still be flavorful as they’ll cook in the slow cooker with the broth and vegetables. Just be careful to form the patties well so they hold together during cooking.
How to Store Leftover Salisbury Steaks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added beef broth to keep them moist. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
