This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks are juicy and packed with flavor. Tender beef patties cook slowly in a rich gravy, making them the ultimate comfort food!
Who doesn’t love coming home to a warm meal? I like to serve these with mashed potatoes or rice, and trust me, the gravy is perfect for drizzling all over! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option—just be cautious not to overcook them.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well. If gluten-free is a concern, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Oats can also provide a nice texture alternative.
Onions: Both chopped and sliced onions are used here. If you prefer sweetness, consider using sweet onions such as Vidalia in place of yellow onions. Shallots are a great, milder substitute too!
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a lovely texture. If unavailable, canned mushrooms work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best flavor. Portobello or cremini mushrooms make delicious alternatives.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the star for the gravy. If you want a healthier version, try a homemade mix using milk, flour, and mushrooms. There are also low-fat or vegan varieties available on the market.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Seared Patties?
A great sear adds flavor and seals in juices, so pay attention to this step! Here’s what to remember:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Leave space between each patty to ensure they brown well.
- Sear them for 3 minutes without flipping initially; this helps develop the crust.
- Let the patties rest a minute after cooking. This retains moisture when you add them to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus 6-8 hours in the slow cooker on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great make-ahead meal that lets you have a delicious dinner with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together just until combined. Be careful not to over mix! Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
2. Sear the Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties. Sear each one for about 3 minutes on each side until they have a nice brown crust. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
3. Layer the Vegetables:
In your slow cooker, add the sliced onions and mushrooms evenly across the bottom. This will provide a tasty base for your Salisbury steaks!
4. Add the Patties:
Carefully place the seared patties on top of the onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
5. Make the Gravy:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. Pour the gravy evenly over the patties.
6. Slow Cook the Steaks:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The patties should be fully cooked and tender when done.
7. Serve:
Once cooking is complete, gently spoon the gravy over the Salisbury steaks before serving. For an extra special touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. This rich dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Salisbury steaks!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef in Salisbury steaks. Just keep in mind that these lean meats may result in a slightly different texture, so you might want to add a bit more breadcrumbs for binding to prevent them from being too mushy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. This way, you won’t miss out on the flavors while catering to dietary needs!
Can I Use Fresh Mushrooms Instead of Canned Soup?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh mushrooms, but keep in mind that the creaminess and richness from the canned soup will be missed. If you go this route, you can add a bit of heavy cream or make a roux with flour (or a gluten-free alternative) and broth to create a creamy sauce for your Salisbury steaks!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Salisbury steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the gravy occasionally to keep it smooth. If the sauce has thickened, adding a splash of milk or broth can help bring it back to a pourable consistency.
