There’s something incredibly nostalgic about Salisbury steak—the kind that brings back memories of cozy dinners around the kitchen table and that rich, savory aroma wafting through the house. It’s a dish that combines the heartiness of seasoned beef patties with a flavorful gravy, typically loaded with onions and mushrooms. Now, thanks to the slow cooker, this old-school favorite is easier than ever to prepare and perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.
This version doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. You still get juicy, tender patties that soak up a deeply savory gravy while simmering gently for hours. The best part? You don’t have to babysit the stove. Whether you’re working, wrangling kids, or just want to put your feet up, your dinner is simmering away in the background.
You can serve this Salisbury steak with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making this more than once a month.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine all patty ingredients and shape the mixture into patties about ¾-inch thick.
- Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the patties on both sides for extra flavor. Then, place them gently over the onions and mushrooms. (If you’re short on time, placing the raw patties directly in the slow cooker still works.)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, and mustard if using. Pour the mixture over the patties.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- Carefully remove the patties and turn the slow cooker to high. Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the gravy. Cook until it thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
- Return the patties to the slow cooker, spoon gravy over the top, and serve hot.
Nutritional and Dietary Insights
This meal provides a good source of protein and iron from the beef, along with antioxidants and nutrients from onions and mushrooms. Using lean ground beef can reduce fat content, and swapping breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option makes it celiac-friendly. While rich and hearty, the sodium in gravy mix and broth can be high—consider using low-sodium versions if needed. This dish is naturally dairy-free.
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