Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

by

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Effortless, savory beef patties smothered in a deep, caramelized onion and mushroom gravy.

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

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

  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

The Beef Patties:

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef (90% lean recommended)

  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 Large egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Onion powder

  • ½ tsp Black pepper

  • ½ tsp Salt

The Gravy & Veggies:

  • 2 cups Beef broth (low sodium)

  • 1 packet (1 oz) Brown gravy mix or Onion soup mix

  • 1 tbsp Ketchup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 2 cups Sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)

  • 1 Large yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch + 2 tbsp Water (for thickening slurry)

Instructions

  1. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat. Shape into 6 oval patties.

  2. The Sear (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through; this just adds color and locks in flavor.

  3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the beef patties on top of the vegetables.

  4. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, and mustard. Pour the mixture over the patties.

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

  6. Thicken the Gravy: 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it gently into the liquid around the steaks. Cover and finish cooking until the sauce is glossy and thick.

Notes & Pro-Tips

  • Lean Beef is Key: Using 90% or 93% lean beef prevents the gravy from becoming overly greasy. If you use 80/20, definitely sear and drain the fat before putting them in the slow cooker.

  • Don’t Overmix: Over-handling the meat makes the patties tough. Mix until just combined.

  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine to the gravy mixture for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor profile.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Calories Total Fat Carbs Protein Sodium
340 kcal 18g 12g 32g 820mg

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Iron & B12: Ground beef is a powerhouse for energy levels and cognitive function.

  • Selenium: Mushrooms provide antioxidants that support the immune system.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen patties?A: I wouldn’t recommend it for this specific recipe. The texture of pre-made frozen patties is often too dense. Freshly made patties allow the gravy to penetrate the meat, making it much more tender.

Q: What should I serve this with?A: You can’t go wrong with garlic mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up that extra gravy. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots balances the richness perfectly.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?A: Yes! Swap the breadcrumbs for GF crumbs (or crushed GF crackers) and ensure your gravy mix and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

Leave a Comment