Crockpot Salisbury steak is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful beef patties with a rich and savory onion and mushroom gravy. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooked classic delivers a homemade taste with minimal effort. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying meal your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: The crockpot does all the work, freeing up your time.
- Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking ensures the beef patties are juicy and delicious.
- Classic Comfort Food: A timeless dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and let the crockpot work its magic.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Flour (for dredging)
- Oil (for browning)
- Onion, sliced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Beef broth
- Brown gravy mix
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions
- Make the Patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into oval-shaped patties.
- Brown the Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dredge each patty lightly in flour and brown on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until softened. Add beef broth and stir in the brown gravy mix until smooth. Pour the mixture over the patties in the crockpot.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the patties are cooked through and the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If a thicker gravy is desired, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Plate the patties and spoon the rich gravy over them. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5.5–6.5 hours
Variations
- Turkey Salisbury Steak: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Twist: Top each patty with a slice of cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Salisbury Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy smooth.
- Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I skip browning the patties?
While browning adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape, you can skip this step if pressed for time.
2. Can I use pre-made patties?
Yes, pre-made beef patties work well—just make sure they’re unseasoned.
3. Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Absolutely! You can omit mushrooms or replace them with extra onions or another vegetable.
4. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and handle the patties gently during browning.
5. What can I serve with Salisbury steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are classic sides. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also pair well.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your crockpot is large enough to fit all the patties without overcrowding.
7. Can I use ground pork or chicken?
Yes, ground pork or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
8. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, bake the patties with the gravy in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–50 minutes.
9. Can I add red wine to the gravy?
Yes, a splash of red wine enhances the flavor of the gravy.
10. How do I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you use a gravy mix that doesn’t contain dairy.
Conclusion
Crockpot Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food made even easier with the convenience of a slow cooker. The rich gravy, tender beef patties, and savory flavors create a dish that feels both homey and indulgent. Perfect for a busy day or a cozy evening, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner the whole family will love!
PrintCrockpot Salisbury Steak
Tender, juicy Salisbury steak slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy with onions and mushrooms. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval patties.
- Brown the Patties (Optional):
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the patties on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
- Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Place the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Arrange the patties on top of the vegetables.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the patties.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the patties are tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Gravy:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the Salisbury steak with the rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork.
- If you like a stronger gravy, add 1/2 tsp of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.