There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, and that’s exactly what you get with my slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe! Imagine tender beef patties simmering away in a rich, savory gravy, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas that make your heart smile. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how this dish requires minimal effort, allowing you to toss everything into the slow cooker and go about your day. When you return, dinner is ready to serve, and trust me, the flavor is just incredible. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress. So let’s dive into this delicious journey of slow-cooked goodness!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef – choose lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs – these help bind the patties and add a nice texture
- 1 egg – acts as a binder for the patties
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness and depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that irresistible garlicky goodness
- Salt and pepper to taste – season according to your preference
- 2 cups beef broth – the base of your rich gravy, so use a good quality broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix – this is a flavor powerhouse that really elevates the dish
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – adds a savory kick to the gravy
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – if you like your gravy a bit thicker, this is your go-to
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together gently—don’t overdo it! You want just enough mixing to blend everything without toughening the meat.
- Next, form the mixture into patties. I usually go for about four to six patties, depending on how big you like them. Make them a little thicker in the center since they’ll shrink while cooking.
- Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t skip it! Once they’re beautifully browned, transfer them to your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this savory mixture over the patties in the slow cooker—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Go about your day and let the magic happen! When the time’s up, your kitchen will smell amazing, and the beef will be tender and juicy.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, and stir it into the gravy about 30 minutes before serving. This will give that luscious finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super simple—just mix, brown, and let the slow cooker do the work!
- The beef patties turn out incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- The rich gravy is full of flavor, making it perfect to spoon over mashed potatoes or rice.
- It’s a great option for busy weeknights, allowing you to set it and forget it!
- Everyone will love it, from kids to adults—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To make sure your slow cooker Salisbury steak turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, be gentle when mixing the meat; overmixing can lead to tough patties. If you want to add extra flavor, consider sautéing the onions before mixing them in—this will bring out their sweetness beautifully.
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; every slow cooker is different! If you’re unsure, check the patties toward the end of the cooking time to ensure they’re fork-tender. If your gravy ends up too thin, don’t fret! Just mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving. Lastly, remember to taste your gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with this slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe! One of my favorite ways to switch things up is by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. You could also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color—yum!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating different spices like paprika or a dash of cayenne for a little heat. Want a deeper flavor? Mix in a splash of red wine with the beef broth. The options are endless, and each variation brings something special to the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious slow cooker Salisbury steak is super easy! Just let the leftovers cool down, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2-3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the microwave, cover it to keep the moisture in, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, you’ll keep that rich flavor and tender texture intact!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for my slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe. Each serving, which includes one patty with gravy, contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing with the other ingredients. Frozen ground beef can be a real time-saver, but don’t skip the browning step for flavor!
What can I serve with Salisbury steak?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that rich gravy. You could also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a full meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your beef broth and onion soup mix are also gluten-free. It’s a great way to enjoy this comforting dish without the gluten.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
The best way is to check for tenderness; they should be fork-tender and no longer pink in the center. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Can I make this Salisbury steak recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and form the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust your cooking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe that delivers tender beef patties in a rich gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into patties.
- In a skillet, brown the patties on both sides.
- Transfer patties to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the patties in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the gravy to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for color.
- Can add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, beef recipe, easy dinner
