Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
This Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe is a comforting and easy weeknight meal. Ground beef patties are browned and then slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy, resulting in a tender and delicious dish that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick. You should get about 6-8 patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the Salisbury steaks on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don't worry about cooking them all the way through; you just want to get a nice sear on them. This step adds incredible flavor!
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux). This is important for thickening the gravy.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Add the mushrooms, ketchup, Dijon mustard, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the browned Salisbury steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the gravy over the steaks, making sure they are fully covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the steaks are cooked through and tender, serve them hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Browning the Salisbury steaks is key for flavor. Be careful not to overmix the ground beef mixture. Adjust the gravy thickness with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra veggies. A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the gravy during the last hour of cooking elevates the flavor. Salisbury steak freezes well for up to 3 months. To make it your own, try different ground meats like turkey or chicken. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist. Use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.