Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Savory beef patties smothered in a rich brown onion gravy.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep time: 15–20 minutes

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

  • Servings: 6 patties

Ingredients

The Beef Patties:

  • 1 ½ lbs Lean ground beef (90/10 is best to avoid excess grease)

  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)

  • 1 Large egg (to bind)

  • 2 tbsp Milk

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Onion powder

  • ½ tsp Salt & ¼ tsp Black pepper

The Gravy & Veggies:

  • 1 Medium yellow onion, sliced into rings

  • 2 cups Beef broth (or 1 can condensed French Onion soup for extra zing)

  • 1 packet (approx. 1 oz) Brown gravy mix

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Optional: 8 oz sliced mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Form & Sear: In a large bowl, mix the patty ingredients. Shape into 6 oval patties. For the best flavor, sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side (they don’t need to be cooked through).

  2. Layer: Place the sliced onions (and mushrooms, if using) at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the beef patties on top of the onions.

  3. Mix Sauce: Whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce.

  4. Pour: Pour the gravy mixture over the patties (as seen in your photo).

  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

  6. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir it into the pot 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

  • Don’t skip the sear: Searing the meat creates a “Maillard reaction,” which adds deep, caramelized flavor that a slow cooker alone can’t achieve.

  • Make it “French Onion” style: Substitute the beef broth and gravy packet with one can of condensed French Onion soup and one can of Cream of Mushroom soup for an ultra-creamy, rich version.

  • Serving Suggestion: This is best served over garlic mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up all that extra gravy.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: 24g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 12g

  • Sodium: 650mg (Variable based on broth/gravy mix used)

Benefits

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef rather than expensive steak cuts.

  • Meal Prep King: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

  • Tender Results: Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissues in the ground meat, making the patties incredibly tender.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen patties? A: You can, but for food safety, it is highly recommended to thaw them first. Putting frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) for too long.

Q: Why did my patties fall apart? A: This usually happens if there isn’t enough binder (egg/breadcrumbs) or if they weren’t seared before going into the pot. The sear helps the patty “set” its shape.

Q: Can I add vegetables? A: Absolutely! Carrots or green beans can be added right into the pot at the beginning of the cook time for a full one-pot meal.

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