This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a cozy meal you will love! Juicy beef patties cooked in a tasty gravy, served with your favorite sides, make for a hearty dinner.
Honestly, it feels like a warm hug on a plate! I love how easy it is—just mix, shape, and let the slow cooker do all the work. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and lean meat. If you want something lighter, turkey or chicken can work too, but they may change the taste and texture slightly.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs give nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Crushed crackers can be a fun alternative too!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth. If you are out of it, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar can provide a similar flavor. Just make sure to adjust for saltiness!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is great for quick sauciness. If you prefer homemade, blending sautéed mushrooms with cream and a bit of broth gives a fresh taste. You can also use cream of celery as a different option.
Mushrooms: I love fresh mushrooms, but canned or frozen can also work. For a twist, try using a mix of different mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for added flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Patties Hold Together Well?
Keeping Salisbury steak patties from falling apart can be tricky! Here’s a method to help:
- Combine your ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough.
- The egg acts as a binder, so don’t skip it! If you need an egg substitute, flaxseed meal with water can work in a pinch.
- Shape the patties evenly, making them around ¾ inch thick, so they cook at the same rate.
- Make sure to brown the patties in the skillet first. This adds flavor and helps them stay intact.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare before you let the slow cooker do the work. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. So, in total, you can expect it to take between 6-8 hours if cooking on low, but you only need to actively work on it for a little while!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Patty Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined. Make sure it’s mixed nicely for tasty patties!
2. Shaping the Patties:
Now, with your hands, shape the mixture into 4 oval patties. They should be about the same size so they cook evenly. Set them aside for a moment while you prepare the skillet.
3. Browning the Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
In the slow cooker, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth. This will create a rich sauce for our Salisbury steaks. It’s easy and makes everything so tasty!
5. Adding Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced onions and mushrooms into the soup mixture in the slow cooker. Stir them around a bit so they’re nicely mixed in.
6. Arranging the Patties:
Gently place the browned Salisbury steak patties on top of the onion and mushroom mixture. Make sure they’re nestled in there nicely.
7. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be cooked through and tender when it’s done.
8. Serving Up:
Once the cooking time is up, you’re almost there! Garnish the Salisbury steaks with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve these delicious steaks with the hearty gravy over mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that these meats may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. You might want to increase the seasoning a little to enhance the taste, especially the Worcestershire sauce and spices.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you want to avoid cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade version by combining 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of flour, and sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, cream of celery or even a can of plain tomato sauce could work in a pinch, but keep in mind it may alter the final taste of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth to the sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Make These Salisbury Steaks in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Simply place the browned patties in a baking dish with the soup and broth mixture, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes, or until cooked through. This will yield a nice baked version of your Salisbury steaks!
