Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a comforting meal that hits all the right notes for a busy weeknight. As someone who loves throwing together hearty dishes that don’t demand too much hands-on time, this one stands out. Tender patties of seasoned ground beef simmered in a flavorful gravy with savory onions and mushrooms create a magical aroma that fills your kitchen. The best part? It’s a no-fuss recipe that practically cooks itself while you’re off tackling the day.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to come home to a warm, ready meal after a long day at work or bustling around with family. It’s also budget-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients without sacrificing taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a cozy date night, this dish brings a touch of nostalgia to the table.
"This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a family favorite! The gravy is to die for, and it’s so easy to prepare. My kids always ask for seconds!" – A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is straightforward and allows you to get a delicious meal with minimal fuss. You’ll mix simple ingredients, layer them in your slow cooker, and let everything meld together beautifully. Here’s a quick overview of how it all comes together:
- Combine ground beef with seasonings to create savory patties.
- Layer sliced onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker to enhance the flavors.
- Place the patties on top, ensuring they soak up all the delicious juices.
- Pour a seasoned broth mixture over everything and let that slow cooker work its magic.
It’s as easy as that!
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a successful Salisbury Steak:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Feel free to use different kinds of mushrooms for a unique twist. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms can add extra depth to the dish!
Step-by-step instructions
Get ready to indulge in some tender, flavorful Salisbury Steak! Follow these steps:
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and half of the onion soup mix. Form this mixture into patties.
- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the beef patties on top of the vegetable layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining onion soup mix. Pour this mixture over the patties.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, ideally alongside mashed potatoes or rice, for a complete meal.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, think comfort. This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for an all-around classic dinner. You could also serve it over rice for a satisfying alternative.
For a fun twist, consider putting the steak on a toasted bun for a hearty steak sandwich that is sure to impress!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-friendly containers.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Always ensure food safety by refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some tips for success when making this dish:
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Don’t skip the browning step for the patties; it adds a depth of flavor you won’t want to miss.
- If you’re short on time, you can mix most of the ingredients the night before, refrigerate, and then pop them in the slow cooker in the morning.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some ideas:
- Herbed Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the flavor profile.
- Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of mushrooms for a more complex taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: Top your patties with shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a gooey treat.
Your questions answered
-
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and then the slow cooker does the rest. -
Can I substitute the beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even shredded chicken can work well in this recipe. -
Is there a low-sodium option?
Yes, you can use low-sodium beef broth and onion soup mix to make it healthier.
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe is a winning choice for a fuss-free, delicious meal that’s great any day of the week. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and half of the onion soup mix. Form this mixture into patties.
- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the beef patties on top of the vegetable layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining onion soup mix. Pour this mixture over the patties.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- If you'd like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
