Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Slow cooker Salisbury steak is classic comfort food made with ease in the crockpot. Homemade beef patties slow cook in a rich mushroom onion gravy that’s made directly in the slow cooker. This hearty beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or anytime you want a cozy meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

• Ground Beef: This recipe uses 2 pounds of ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Leaner ground beef can be used, but the patties may not be as juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and give them a softer texture. Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work.
• Egg: The egg helps hold the patties together while they cook.
• Milk Of Your Choice: The milk adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs. This keeps the Salisbury steak patties tender instead of dense.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds savory, deep flavor to both the beef patties and the gravy.
• Onion: Sliced onion adds sweetness and flavor to the gravy as it cooks down.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms give the gravy a classic Salisbury steak flavor. You can use white mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms, or leave them out if you prefer.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth is the base of the gravy. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt level.
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme.

How To Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, milk. Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Mix until everything is combined but do not overmix. Overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 oval patties.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and brown for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The patties do not need to be cooked all the way through. They will finish cooking in the slow cooker. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the broth, cornstarch or arrowroot starch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Whisk until well blended.
4. Stir in the mushrooms and onions.
5. Add the browned Salisbury steak patties to the slow cooker.
6. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW 6 to 8.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food: Salisbury steak is hearty, cozy, and full of old-fashioned flavor.
• Made with simple ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples like ground beef, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings.
• Great for feeding a family: Made with 2 pounds of ground beef, this recipe makes 6 to 8 hearty servings.
• Slow cooker friendly: After browning the patties, the slow cooker does the rest of the work.
• Rich homemade gravy: The mushroom onion gravy cooks with the beef patties, making it flavorful and savory.
• Easy to customize: Leave out the mushrooms, use beef broth instead of milk, or make it gluten-free or low-carb with a few simple swaps.
• Perfect for leftovers: The patties and gravy reheat well, making this a great meal prep recipe.
• Versatile serving options: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or mashed cauliflower.

FAQs & Tips

What Is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is a ground beef recipe made with seasoned beef patties that are cooked in a savory brown gravy. The patties are usually shaped into ovals and include ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings. It may look similar a hamburger but Salisbury steak has more of a meatloaf-style texture because of the breadcrumbs and egg. 

Do you have to brown the patties first?

Technically no, but I recommend it. Browning the patties helps them hold together while they slow cook. You can add the raw patties directly to the slow cooker, but they may fall apart.

What is the milk for?

The milk adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs. Substitutions for the milk include beef broth or even water.

Can you make this without mushrooms?

Yup!  If you do not like mushrooms, simply omit them. Don’t like onions, omit them too! 

Can you use ground turkey?

Sure. Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef, but the flavor will be lighter and the patties may be less rich. Also not that turkey is leaner than beef so be careful not to overcook them.

What type of ground beef should you use?

I recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. Leaner ground beef can be used, but the patties may be a little drier.

How do you keep the patties from falling apart?

There are several things you can do to keep the patties from falling apart. Use both the egg and breadcrumbs. Do not overmix the meat mixture. Brown the patties before adding them to the slow cooker. All of these these steps help the patties stay together.

Can you make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.

Can you make this low-carb?

Yes. Use almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or another low-carb breadcrumb substitute in place of the breadcrumbs. Serve the Salisbury steak over mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

How do you know when Salisbury steak is done?

The patties are done when they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot Salisbury steak in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker did you use?

I use a  6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Ground Beef Recipes

• Sloppy Joes

• Supreme Pizza Stew

• Hot Dog Chili Sauce

• Zoodles & Meat Sauce

• Spaghetti Squash, Meat, Tomatoes

• Ground Beef Spanish Rice

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