Prepare to elevate your dinner routine with this incredible **Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe**! It’s the perfect blend of savory ground beef patties and a rich, deeply flavored mushroom-onion gravy, all effortlessly cooked in your crockpot. If you’re searching for a hearty, filling, and undeniably delicious meal that practically makes itself, look no further. This recipe has quickly become a new favorite in our household, promising comforting flavors with minimal fuss, making it ideal for those busy weeknights.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?
There’s a reason Salisbury steak remains a beloved classic, and when prepared in a slow cooker, its comforting qualities are truly amplified. This method allows the ground beef patties to become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the flavors of the rich gravy, savory mushrooms, and sweet onions meld together over hours. The result is a profoundly satisfying dish with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
For our family, especially for John who appreciates a hearty meal featuring meat, gravy, and potatoes, this recipe hits all the right notes. It shares the same comforting essence as our favorite Crock Pot Porter Stroganoff, showcasing just how transformative the slow cooker can be for creating deeply flavorful, fork-tender dishes that taste like they’ve been simmering all day – because they have!
The Unbeatable Convenience of Crockpot Cooking
One of the greatest joys of using a slow cooker is the sheer convenience it offers. Imagine walking through your front door after a long day to the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal, knowing that dinner is already prepared and waiting for you. That’s the magic of this Crockpot Salisbury Steak. It frees up your evening, allowing you to focus on family, hobbies, or simply relaxing, rather than rushing to get a meal on the table. The hands-off cooking process ensures consistent results every time, delivering tender, flavorful Salisbury steak without constant supervision.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Salisbury Steak
Crafting a truly memorable Salisbury steak begins with a selection of quality ingredients. This recipe combines classic components to build layers of flavor that make every bite a delight. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting slow cooker masterpiece:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using a lean-to-medium ground beef (e.g., 80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture in your patties.
- Onion, chopped: Freshly chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic base and a subtle sweetness to the patties and gravy.
- Mushrooms, stems, and pieces: Canned mushrooms (stems and pieces are perfect for convenience) add an earthy depth to the rich gravy. Feel free to use fresh sliced mushrooms if you prefer.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup, condensed: This pantry staple is the secret to a creamy, robust gravy, providing a quick and easy base.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the ground beef patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Adds structure to the patties and helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay tender.
- Garlic Powder: A versatile seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the beef.
- Onion Soup Mix: A flavor powerhouse! This mix contributes intense umami, onion flavor, and a perfect seasoning blend to the gravy.
- Brown Gravy Mix: Another fantastic shortcut that ensures a rich, flavorful, and perfectly colored gravy without extra fuss.
- Water: Used to thin out the gravy to the desired consistency.
- Cornstarch: Essential for creating a smooth, thick gravy at the end of the cooking process.
Recommended Equipment for Effortless Cooking
While the ingredients are key, having the right tools makes the cooking process even smoother. For this recipe, your slow cooker is undoubtedly the star:
A Crockpot (or any brand of slow cooker) is indispensable. We highly recommend using a model that features a digital timer and an automatic “keep warm” function. This ensures your meal cooks to perfection and then safely maintains a serving temperature without overcooking, giving you peace of mind and flexibility in your schedule. A 6-quart slow cooker is usually ideal for this recipe’s serving size.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Salisbury Steak
Follow these simple instructions to create a mouthwatering Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak that your whole family will adore:
- Prepare the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, half of the onion soup mix packet, and about half of the chopped onions. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix, which can make the patties tough.
- Form and Brown Patties: Divide the meat mixture into approximately ½ cup portions and carefully shape them into oval or round patties, about ¾-inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Brown the patties on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory crust and locking in flavor, though they don’t need to be cooked through.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Carefully arrange the browned patties in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If you have too many to fit in one layer, you can stack them, but try to ensure good gravy coverage.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a separate bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, the remaining onion soup mix, the brown gravy mix, the water, and the canned mushrooms (undrained, if preferred, for extra flavor). Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the patties in the slow cooker. Ensure the patties are mostly submerged in the gravy. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Cooking on low heat for an extended period allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked Salisbury steak patties from the slow cooker and set them aside. In a small bowl, create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker and mix well with a whisk.
- Final Simmer: Return the patties to the thickened gravy mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW. This extra time allows the gravy to fully thicken to a luscious consistency and for the patties to absorb even more flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is now ready to be served!
Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the beef patties, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher patties.
- Browning is Key: While optional, browning the patties before slow cooking adds a significant layer of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little extra water or beef broth at the thickening stage. For a thicker gravy, you can add slightly more cornstarch slurry (mixed with water) or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
- Fresh vs. Canned Mushrooms: While canned mushrooms are convenient, fresh sliced mushrooms (sautéed briefly before adding to the slow cooker) can offer a more robust flavor and texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste the gravy before the final simmer and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can really enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides. Here are some of our favorites:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate pairing for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Egg Noodles: A classic choice that offers a comforting texture.
- White Rice: Simple and effective for absorbing the rich sauce.
- Green Beans or Asparagus: Adds a touch of freshness and color to balance the meal.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into any leftover gravy.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to get creative with your Salisbury steak! Here are a few ideas:
- Different Ground Meats: While ground beef is traditional, you could experiment with ground turkey or a beef/pork blend for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even frozen peas can be added to the slow cooker along with the gravy for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give the gravy a subtle kick.
- Homemade Gravy: If you prefer to make gravy from scratch, you can use beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a roux instead of the canned soup and gravy mixes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different ground meat for Salisbury steak?
While traditional Salisbury steak uses ground beef, you can certainly experiment! Ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and pork can also work. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require a little extra oil when browning to prevent sticking.
Do I have to brown the patties before putting them in the slow cooker?
Browning the patties is highly recommended. It creates a beautiful caramelized crust and locks in a deeper, more complex flavor that you wouldn’t get from just putting raw patties into the slow cooker. While technically optional, it significantly enhances the final taste of the dish.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
If your gravy is too thin after the cornstarch slurry, you can make a second small slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water) and add it, cooking for another 15-20 minutes. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a small amount of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I freeze leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?
Yes, Salisbury steak freezes beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Dinners
If you’re a fan of the convenience and incredible flavors that slow cooker meals bring, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes. They’re perfect for stress-free dinners!
- Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Crockpot Camp Stew
- Crockpot Mushroom Pasta
- Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
And don’t stop there! Explore all our copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and our extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes.
Stay connected for more recipe inspiration! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures.
The Complete Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Recipe Card
Here’s the full, easy-to-follow recipe to make your own delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak at home.
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Recipe
This Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Recipe is so good! The perfect blend of steak and mushrooms to make a hearty, filling, delicious crock pot meal.
Rating: 2.48 from 17 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 476 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- ½ Onion, chopped
- 1 can Mushrooms, stems and pieces
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup, condensed
- 1 egg
- ¼ c Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 packet Onion Soup Mix
- 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix
- 1 C Water
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion soup mix, and onions. Mix together until incorporated.
- Measure the mixture in ½ C amounts, and form into patties. Fry in a pan until browned on both sides.
- Carefully stack the browned patties in the slow cooker. In a separate container, mix the gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, water, and mushrooms. Pour this mixture on top of the patties and cover.
- Cook on low for 5 – 6 hours.
- After cook time is complete, remove the patties from the cooker, and make a slurry of the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Pour this slurry into the gravy in the cooker and mix well.
- Return patties to the mixture and cook for an extra ½ hour for the sauce to thicken completely.
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet for browning
- Whisk
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Calories from Fat: 288
- Total Fat: 32g (49% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (75% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 136mg (45% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 886mg (39% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 817mg (23% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g (5% Daily Value)
- Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Sugar: 1g (1% Daily Value)
- Protein: 29g (58% Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 50IU (1% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 0.9mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 93mg (9% Daily Value)
- Iron: 3.4mg (19% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared on March 26, 2016. Updated January 2021. This content has been re-edited and expanded for clarity, SEO, and user experience.