These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks are super juicy and comforting! Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and tasty gravy, they cook slowly to bring out all the flavors.
What’s great is you can toss everything in the slow cooker and relax while it does the work! I love serving these on a bed of mashed potatoes—sooo good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I find 80/20 ground beef is best for this recipe, as the fat adds flavor and keeps the steaks juicy. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, just be aware that they may be a bit drier.
Bread Crumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work great, but if you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. They will still help bind the mixture without compromising taste.
Onion: You’ll need both chopped onion and sliced onion. For sweetness, yellow onion is a good choice. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet onions like Vidalia work well too.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key ingredient for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier take, a homemade mushroom sauce or a can of cream of celery could serve as a nice substitute.
Mushrooms: I like using button mushrooms, but you can easily switch to cremini for a deeper flavor or even skip them if you’re not a fan. Just remember, mushrooms add moisture and depth!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Browned Patties?
Getting that nice crust on your Salisbury steaks is important for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet. Make sure your skillet is preheated on medium-high before adding the olive oil.
- Don’t crowd the skillet. If you can’t fit all the patties, cook them in batches to avoid steaming.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them around. This helps develop a nice golden crust, so resist the urge to flip too soon!
Once they’re nicely browned, they will finish cooking further in the slow cooker, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For The Gravy:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then 6-7 hours of cooking time in a slow cooker on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Just mix, brown, and let your slow cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the base for your tasty Salisbury steaks!
2. Shape and Brown the Patties:
Now, take the beef mixture and shape it into 4 oval patties (steaks). They should be about the size of your palm. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they look golden and have a nice crust. Once they’re browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. This step adds lots of flavor!
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, pour in the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Stir them together until well mixed. Now place the browned Salisbury steaks on top of this soup mixture. Add the sautéed onions and mushrooms over the steaks.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steaks will become tender and full of flavor as they cook in the gravy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your Salisbury steaks are done cooking, serve them warm with some of the delicious gravy spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and enjoy them with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe! Just keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a little more oil or an extra tablespoon of milk to keep the patties moist.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer a different flavor or need a substitute, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade mushroom sauce. To make a quick alternative, blend together sautéed mushrooms with heavy cream and a bit of flour as a thickener!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much during storage.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook in the same time as the steaks!
