If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. This timeless dish features tender ground beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Let’s dive into this classic recipe, along with some tips, variations, and keto-friendly options!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we begin, let’s address some common questions about Salisbury Steak:
Q: What is Salisbury Steak? A: Salisbury Steak is a dish made from ground beef patties mixed with seasonings and breadcrumbs, then simmered in a flavorful gravy. It’s often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Q: Can I make Salisbury Steak in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Making Salisbury Steak in a slow cooker is convenient and allows the flavors to develop slowly over time, resulting in tender and juicy patties.
Q: What is the difference between Salisbury Steak and meatloaf? A: While both dishes feature ground meat mixed with seasonings, the main difference is in the shape and cooking method. Salisbury Steak is typically formed into oval-shaped patties and cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, whereas meatloaf is shaped into a loaf and baked in the oven.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 package brown gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, minced onion, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Brown the patties on both sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Cook until softened and lightly browned.
- Transfer the cooked onions and mushrooms to the slow cooker with the patties.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup, and Dijon mustard (if using). Pour the mixture over the patties in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Salisbury Steak patties with the mushroom gravy spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the gravy by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gravy mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keto Version:
To make this Salisbury Steak recipe keto-friendly, simply omit the breadcrumbs and thicken the gravy with a keto-friendly thickener such as xanthan gum or guar gum. Serve the patties with low-carb sides such as cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With tender beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re following a keto diet or looking for a hearty dinner option, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for home-cooked goodness. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite!
