EASY SLOW COOKER SALISBURY STEAK

There’s this specific shade of burnt orange on my grandmother’s old slow cooker that just screams “comfort food,” and every time I see a similar one, I’m instantly transported back to her kitchen, the air thick with the savory aroma of simmering beef. She wasn’t fancy, but man, could she work magic with simple ingredients, especially when making her famous Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Get ready, because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not only incredibly easy but delivers that same nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, guaranteed.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe So Darn Good?

Okay, friend, let’s get real. There are a million Salisbury steak recipes out there, so what sets this one apart? It’s all about flavor layering and utilizing the low and slow cooking method to create unbelievably tender, juicy patties swimming in a rich, savory gravy. We’re talking comfort food to the MAX. This isn’t your average, bland Salisbury steak. This is *next-level* Salisbury steak.

Key Benefits of Slow Cooking

• Tenderizes Tough Cuts: Ground beef is already pretty tender, but the slow cooker transforms it into something truly special.
• Deepens Flavors: The long cooking time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Meal Prep Champion: Make it on the weekend and enjoy it all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list. Most of these are pantry staples, and I’ll even give you some substitution options in case you’re missing something.

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
• Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (plain or Italian seasoned)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for searing)

For the Gravy:

• Beef Broth: 3 cups
• Onion: 1 medium, sliced
• Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Cold Water: 2 tablespoons
• Dried Parsley: 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have *everything* on hand. No worries! Here are some easy swaps:

• Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and ground pork.
• Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs or crushed crackers will work in a pinch.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A little soy sauce with a dash of liquid smoke can mimic the flavor.
• Beef Broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Mushrooms: If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can omit them entirely or substitute with other veggies like chopped bell peppers.
• Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard or a touch of horseradish can be used instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, here’s the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties, about 1 inch thick.

Step 2: Sear the Patties (Optional, but Recommended!)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully sear the patties on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a ton of flavor and helps keep the patties from falling apart in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Gravy in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Arrange the seared Salisbury steak patties on top of the onion and garlic.
3. Scatter the sliced mushrooms around the patties.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the patties and mushrooms.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your slurry.
2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
3. Cover and continue to cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with dried parsley, if desired.
2. Serve the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Salisbury Steak Ever

Want to take your Salisbury steak game to the next level? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: If your slow cooker is too full, the patties won’t cook evenly. Work in batches if needed.
• Sear the patties for maximum flavor: This step is optional, but it really does make a difference. The browned bits add so much depth to the gravy.
• Adjust the gravy consistency: If the gravy is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth.
• Don’t skip the thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Let the flavors meld: The longer you cook it, the more flavorful it will be!

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food dish, so it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have with Salisbury steak. They soak up all that delicious gravy!
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great option.
• Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are a classic accompaniment.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and delicious side.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Salisbury steak.

Variations to Try: Make it Your Own!

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Mushroom Lovers: Add more mushrooms or use a variety of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello.
• Onion Obsessed: Caramelize the onions before adding them to the slow cooker for an even sweeter flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
• Wine Infusion: Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the gravy for a more complex flavor.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is a fantastic option for meal prepping. Simply make the Salisbury steak and gravy on the weekend, then portion it out into containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze it for longer storage. It’s great with Pot Roast With Mashed Potatoes Recipe for another make-ahead meal.

Other Delicious Ground Beef Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for more ways to use ground beef, here are a few of my favorite recipes:

• Farmhouse Hamburger & Potato Bake: A hearty and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a crowd.
• Classic Meatloaf: A timeless comfort food dish that’s always a hit.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs: Another classic that’s easy to make and always delicious.
• Tacos: A quick and easy weeknight meal that everyone will love.
• Chili: A warm and comforting soup that’s perfect for a cold day.

Pair It With These Other Dinner Ideas

If you like this recipe, there are plenty of ways to use your slow cooker. Try making Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken for an easy and healthy meal. If you prefer cooking with an Instant Pot, try Instant Pot Chuck Roast With Gravy for an easy comfort meal.

Different Ways to Enjoy Beef

Beef is a delicious and versatile ingredient. If you prefer a more refined dish, try Steak Tortellini for a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you want a quick and easy dinner, try making Beef Stir Fry. These recipes offer different ways to enjoy beef!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to fix some common Salisbury steak problems:

• Patties are dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking the patties. Also, adding a little more fat (like a tablespoon of butter) to the ground beef mixture can help.
• Gravy is too thin: Add more cornstarch slurry, a little at a time, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
• Gravy is too thick: Add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
• Patties are falling apart: Be gentle when mixing the ground beef mixture and searing the patties. Don’t overcook them.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth or water to the gravy if it has thickened too much.

You can also freeze leftover Salisbury steak for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts: Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Success Awaits!

There you have it! Everything you need to make the most delicious, comforting Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. I’m confident that you’ll create a meal that your family will love. Happy cooking, my friend!

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This Salisbury steak recipe delivers incredibly tender, juicy patties swimming in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a next-level comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply set it and forget it in the slow cooker for a delicious and easy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 cup bread crumbs plain or Italian seasoned
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms cremini or button
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large bowl
• large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• whisk
• small bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties, about 1 inch thick.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully sear the patties on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a ton of flavor and helps keep the patties from falling apart in the slow cooker.
6. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Arrange the seared Salisbury steak patties on top of the onion and garlic.
8. Scatter the sliced mushrooms around the patties.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the patties and mushrooms.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your slurry.
12. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
13. Cover and continue to cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
14. Garnish with dried parsley, if desired.
15. Serve the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Sear the patties for maximum flavor. Adjust the gravy consistency with more cornstarch slurry or beef broth as needed. Thyme adds a great earthy flavor. Leftover Salisbury steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick. Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.