Ever had one of those days where you just crave something hearty and comforting? Well, that’s how I stumbled upon the magic of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. I mean, the first time I tried making it, I was honestly a bit skeptical. Could a slow cooker really deliver that classic savory flavor and tender texture? Spoiler alert: it totally can, and I’m here to show you how to nail it every time.
The kids love when I whip up this dish—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. And my secret? It’s all in the slow simmer. The rich gravy, the melt-in-your-mouth beef patties; it’s the kind of meal that turns a mundane Tuesday into something special. So, tie on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy—just good, honest pantry staples. But trust me, get quality ground beef; it makes all the difference.
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 mix hits the spot)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (I’ve used almond milk in a pinch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (a must for that deep flavor)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (the backbone of the gravy)
- 1 can beef broth (low sodium, because you can always add, but you can’t take away)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (a little zing never hurt)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (it’s not just for fries)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (yes, again!)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if you like your gravy on the thicker side)
Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. I’ve learned (the hard way) that the order of operations really does matter, so follow these steps closely.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Shape into 8 patties.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown both sides of the patties. (Don’t skip this! It’s where the flavor starts.) Transfer to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, whisk together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, flour, water, mustard powder, ketchup, and additional Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the gravy over the patties in the slow cooker. Set to low and cook for 5 hours. If you’re in a rush, high for 3 hours works too, but low and slow is the game changer.
- If you want an even thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the gravy during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles, and watch it disappear!
Tips & Tricks
Now, about those ingredients… I’ve made my fair share of substitutions over the years. Ground turkey can stand in for beef if you’re looking to lighten things up. And honestly, if you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, toast some bread and sprinkle on your favorite herbs—works like a charm.
(Learned this the hard way) Don’t skip the browning step. It locks in flavors and gives that beautiful caramelization. And here’s a storage tip: Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) keep in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for a month. Just make sure to store them in gravy to keep the patties moist.
FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers! And don’t worry, these are all questions I asked myself at some point.
Q: Can I make Salisbury steak ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Just prepare the patties and gravy, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble in the slow cooker when you’re ready.
Q: What are some good sides for Salisbury steak?
A: Mashed potatoes are classic, but rice or steamed vegetables are great for soaking up that gravy, too.
Q: How do I avoid dry patties?
A: Don’t overmix the meat, and make sure your slow cooker is set to low. Patience is your friend here.
Salisbury steak in the slow cooker might not be the fastest meal, but it’s a testament to the magic of low and slow cooking. I remember my mom always saying, “Good things come to those who wait,” and this dish is the perfect example.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or you’re just craving some good ol’ comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. And the best part? It’s actually pretty simple to make. So give it a try, and let the slow cooker do its thing while you kick back and anticipate the delicious meal to come. Bon appétit!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can beef broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings, and shape into 8 patties.
- Brown patties in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together soup mix, mushroom soup, beef broth, flour, water, mustard powder, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in the skillet; simmer until thickened.
- Pour the gravy over the patties in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours.
- For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.
