There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a delicious meal ready and waiting for you in the slow cooker. Today, we’re bringing you a timeless favorite with a twist – Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. This comforting dish combines tender ground beef patties with rich, savory gravy for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, dinner practically prepares itself while you go about your day. So, dust off your Crock-Pot and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort required.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1 (1 ounce) packet dry au jus mix
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, and all-purpose flour. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
2. Brown the Patties:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef patties on both sides until they are evenly golden brown. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor to the final dish.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the browned beef patties to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Prepare the Gravy:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, water, dry onion soup mix, and dry au jus mix until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the beef patties in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are fully covered.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the beef patties are cooked through and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the Salisbury steak is cooked, serve it hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Spoon the rich gravy over the patties before serving for extra flavor.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Mushroom Addition: For a classic twist, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Onion Variation: Swap out the dry onion soup mix for caramelized onions for a sweeter, more savory taste.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the beef mixture for added aroma and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if desired. However, keep in mind that ground turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to beef.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the beef patties and gravy mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. When you’re ready, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.
Q: How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin? A: If the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Coconut Milk Substitute: Replace the condensed cream of chicken soup with coconut milk to reduce the carb content of the dish while adding a creamy texture.
Low-Carb:
- Almond Flour Coating: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to coat the beef patties for a low-carb alternative.
- Vegetable Swap: Serve the Salisbury steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches for a lower-carb option.
With its hearty beef patties smothered in savory gravy, Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of home-cooked goodness, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Plus, with its keto and low-carb variations, it’s adaptable to a variety of dietary preferences. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort required. Happy cooking!
