Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: A Comfort Food Classic

Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food that brings nostalgia to the table. It’s a hearty and savory dish that combines ground beef patties with a rich onion and mushroom gravy. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this classic dish even more convenient by using your slow cooker. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.

Ingredients:

For the Salisbury Steak Patties:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Gravy:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salisbury Steak Patties:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

2. Shape the Patties:

• Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into oval or round patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Brown the Patties:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Brown the beef patties on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a nice sear. You’re not trying to cook them through; this step is to enhance flavor. Transfer the patties to your slow cooker.

4. Prepare the Gravy:

• In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté them until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.

5. Thicken the Gravy:

• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms. Stir to combine, allowing the flour to cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

6. Combine Ingredients:

• Transfer the onion and mushroom mixture to the slow cooker with the beef patties. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything together.

7. Slow Cook:

• Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The Salisbury steaks are ready when they are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.

8. Serve:

• Serve the Salisbury steak patties and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the gravy along with the beef broth.
• If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can use an immersion blender to puree the onion and mushroom mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Variation:

Crockpot Freezer Meal:

Prepare the Salisbury steak patties and gravy as instructed up to the point of transferring everything to the slow cooker. Instead of cooking immediately, place all ingredients in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy this meal, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then cook in the slow cooker as directed.

With this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe, you can savor the comforting flavors of a classic dish with minimal effort. It’s the perfect meal for a busy day when you want the taste of homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the deliciousness and the convenience!