Salisbury steak is one of those classic, nostalgic dishes that reminds us of home-cooked meals from childhood. Originally popularized as a budget-friendly option, Salisbury steak has evolved into a much-loved comfort food. It consists of savory beef patties covered in a rich, flavorful gravy, often served alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. With the invention of the slow cooker, preparing this dish has never been easier. The slow cooker version of Salisbury steak allows you to effortlessly cook the patties to perfection while they soak up the flavors of the sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What’s great about Salisbury steak is its versatility. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out. Want to boost the flavor of the gravy? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste. The slow-cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the onions and mushrooms to release their natural sweetness, creating a delicious, savory base for the gravy. Serve the steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles for a meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients:
For the patties:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
For the gravy:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 package brown gravy mix
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine all the patty ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, minced onion, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick.
- Layer the sliced onion and mushrooms on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed for the patties.
- Brown the patties in a skillet over medium heat on both sides, just until they get a golden crust. Transfer them to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the onions and mushrooms. (Browning the patties enhances the flavor, but you can also skip this step and place the raw patties directly in the slow cooker.)
- In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, optional ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the patties and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- After 5 hours, remove the patties from the slow cooker and set them aside. Turn the slow cooker to high, then whisk in the cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the patties to the slow cooker, coating them in the thickened sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information:
This dish offers a balanced meal rich in protein from the beef, which also provides important vitamins and minerals such as iron and B12. The mushrooms and onions add valuable fiber and antioxidants to the meal, while the gravy contributes to the overall heartiness of the dish. To make this meal lighter, you can opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. For those watching sodium intake, choose low-sodium beef broth and gravy mix.
Servings:
This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Options:
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gravy mix for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a grain-free thickener.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
Did you try this slow-cooked Salisbury steak? Share your thoughts and any variations you made! Leave a comment and help others discover new ways to enjoy this classic comfort food. Your feedback could inspire more delicious meals. Let’s make cooking a shared experience!