Indulge in the soul-soothing embrace of a classic with a modern twist—our Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Gravy. This recipe captures the essence of homestyle comfort, delivering a savory, fork-tender experience that harks back to the warmth of family dinners. Set your slow cooker to work and let the rich flavors of seasoned beef patties meld with a luscious onion-mushroom gravy. Join us as we embark on a journey to rediscover the charm of Salisbury steak, now effortlessly crafted in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
For the Salisbury Steak:
- 2 pounds ground beef, for hearty richness
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, for texture
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, for flavor depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, for robustness
- 2 large eggs, for binding
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for umami
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for searing
For the Onion-Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced, for sweetness
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced, for an earthy note
- 4 cups beef broth, for depth of flavor
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for thickening
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste, for richness
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, for additional depth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley, for a burst of freshness
Instructions:
Crafting the Salisbury Steak:
- Mixing the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Forming Patties:
- Shape the mixture into oval patties, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Searing Patties:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add cooking oil. Sear the patties until they achieve a golden brown crust on both sides.
- Arranging in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the seared patties to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
Creating the Onion-Mushroom Gravy:
- Sautéing Onions and Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Thickening with Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and mushrooms, stirring to create a roux. Allow it to cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Adding Tomato Paste and Broth:
- Stir in tomato paste and gradually add beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue until the mixture thickens.
- Flavoring with Worcestershire Sauce:
- Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper into the gravy. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Pouring Over Patties:
- Pour the rich onion-mushroom gravy over the patties in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Slow Cooking Magic:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the Salisbury steak simmer in the flavorful gravy for 4-6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and infused with the rich sauce.
Optional Garnish:
- Sprinkle Fresh Parsley:
- Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Salisbury steak for a burst of color and freshness.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Bacon Bliss:
- For a smoky twist, wrap each Salisbury steak patty with a slice of bacon before searing.
Cheese-Stuffed Surprise:
- Elevate the patties by adding a cube of your favorite cheese in the center before shaping. The result: a molten, cheesy surprise with every bite.
Vegetable Medley:
- Enhance the gravy with a medley of vegetables like carrots and peas for added color and texture.
Red Wine Infusion:
- Substitute part of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper, complex flavor in the gravy.
Mashed Potato Base:
- Serve the Salisbury steak and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
Keto Versions:
Almond Flour Alchemy:
- Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour in the Salisbury steak mixture for a keto-friendly option.
Vegetable Substitutes:
- Swap traditional onions and mushrooms for low-carb alternatives like shallots and sliced bell peppers.
Cauliflower Mash Companion:
- Serve the Salisbury steak over cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes for a low-carb alternative.
Xanthan Gum Thickening:
- Instead of flour, use a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the gravy for a keto-friendly approach.
As you savor each forkful of this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Gravy, let the nostalgia of classic comfort food wash over you. The marriage of seasoned beef, savory onion-mushroom gravy, and the convenience of slow cooking brings a symphony of flavors to your table. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a reminder that comfort can be both homely and sophisticated. Share it with loved ones, relishing in the warmth it brings to your home. May your slow cooker continue to be a source of culinary enchantment. Bon appétit!
