Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

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🍽️ Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)

  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties:

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef (90% lean is best to avoid excess grease)

  • 1/2 cup Panko or Italian breadcrumbs

  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten

  • 1/4 cup Whole milk

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Onion powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Gravy & Veggies:

  • 2 cups Cremini or White mushrooms, sliced

  • 1 large Yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups Beef broth (low sodium)

  • 1 packet Brown gravy mix (or 2 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening)

  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste

  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork it!). Shape into 6 oval patties.

  2. The “Secret” Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Sear the patties for 2 minutes per side until browned. Note: They don’t need to be cooked through; this is just for flavor and texture.

  3. Layer the Crockpot: Place the sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared patties on top.

  4. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix (or cornstarch slurry), tomato paste, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the beef.

  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.

  6. Thicken & Serve: If you want a thicker gravy at the end, remove the patties and whisk in an extra cornstarch slurry, then turn the slow cooker to high for 10 minutes until bubbly.

💡 Notes & Tips

  • Avoid the Mush: Searing the meat beforehand is non-negotiable. It prevents the patties from falling apart and adds that essential “umami” crust.

  • Lean is King: Using lean beef (90/10) prevents the gravy from becoming oily. If you use 80/20, you may want to drain the fat after searing.

  • The “Indent” Trick: Press a small divot into the center of each patty before searing; this keeps them flat rather than bulging into football shapes.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1 patty with gravy:

Calories Protein Fat Carbs Fiber
385 kcal 32g 22g 14g 2g

✨ Benefits of This Recipe

  • High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Cost-Effective: Uses budget-friendly ground beef and pantry staples.

  • Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually love beef and “brown sauce.”

  • Meal Prep Gold: This tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?

A: Absolutely. Just be sure to add a little extra Worcestershire or beef bouillon to the mix to mimic that deep beefy flavor.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It’s practically a law that Salisbury steak must be served over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up that gravy. Add a side of steamed green beans or peas for color.

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: Yes! It freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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