This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks dish features juicy beef patties swimming in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy days!
I love how easy it is to just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, the gravy is so good, I want to put it on everything! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a mix of meats like beef and pork for more flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but if you’re looking for a healthier choice, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Gluten-free options like almond flour can be used too!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds richness to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version, you can make your own from blended mushrooms and vegetable broth, or use a can of tomato soup.
Sliced Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are fantastic, but you can use canned mushrooms if you’re in a pinch. If you dislike mushrooms, swap them out for diced bell peppers or carrots for a different texture and taste!
How Do You Get Perfectly Browned Patties?
Browning the patties is a key step to enhance flavor. Don’t rush this part! Heat your skillet on medium and let the oil get hot before adding the patties. Here’s how to do it:
- Form patties and lightly season each side with salt and pepper.
- Add olive oil to the pan and let it heat.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice golden crust forms. Avoid moving them around too much.
If you’re using lean ground beef, a little fat helps in browning and adds flavor, so don’t skip the oil!
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with a delicious aroma while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In the bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well until it’s evenly mixed. Now, shape this mixture into 4 oval patties. They should be nice and firm!
2. Brown the Patties:
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Brown them on each side, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re nicely browned, transfer them into your slow cooker. This step gives them a great flavor!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften up. This is where all those delightful flavors come together! After they’ve softened, pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the patties in the slow cooker. Then, add the sautéed onions and mushrooms on top of everything.
4. Slow Cook and Serve:
Now, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the steaks are cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely. When it’s time to serve, dish out the Salisbury steaks onto plates and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy them with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to create a lighter version of Salisbury steaks. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as alternative meats can be more bland. You may want to add a touch more Worcestershire sauce or some herbs to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure your cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free by checking the labels.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the patties and the sauce a day ahead. Just keep the patties covered in the fridge. You can also assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. In this case, just wait to add the mushrooms and onions until you’re ready to cook to keep them fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
