Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a comforting, hearty meal that brings together tender beef patties smothered in a rich gravy. With its origins in the classic American cuisine, this dish has remained a favorite for families looking for something satisfying and delicious, especially after a long day. The best part? You can set it and forget it in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What Goes into This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
To whip up this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 2 (10 oz each) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 1 (1 oz) packet au jus mix
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
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Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, and dried thyme until everything is well combined. Shape this mixture into 8 equal patties.
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Layer the Onions: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker, allowing it to create a flavorful base for the patties.
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Brown the Patties: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Dredge each patty in flour and then brown them on both sides in the skillet. This step adds texture and depth of flavor.
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Arrange in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned patties on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker, stacking them alternately for even cooking.
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Make the Gravy: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and au jus mix. Mix until smooth and then pour this mixture over the patties.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The steaks are ready when the beef is cooked through and the patties are tender.
Serve & Enjoy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
When it’s time to serve, you can plate these juicy patties alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles. The rich gravy pairs perfectly with either, soaking into the sides for maximum flavor. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of the sauce over the top for that inviting presentation! Add a side of steamed vegetables for some freshness to the meal.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
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Meat Variations: If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef.
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Add Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers into the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
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Gravy Alterations: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) in the last hour of cooking.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak FAQs
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes! You can make the patties ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then cook them in the slow cooker later.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You could use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Salisbury steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
There you have it—a simple yet delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak that’s sure to become a go-to dish in your household. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma that fills your home as it cooks! Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef patties smothered in rich gravy, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
For the Patties
- 2 lbs 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 packet 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (For dredging)
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (For browning the patties)
- 1 large 1 white onion, sliced (To layer in the slow cooker)
- 2 cans 2 (10 oz each) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 1 packet 1 (1 oz) packet au jus mix
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, and dried thyme until everything is well combined. Shape this mixture into 8 equal patties.
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the patties.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Dredge each patty in flour and then brown them on both sides in the skillet.
- Place the browned patties on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker, stacking them alternately for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and au jus mix. Mix until smooth and then pour this mixture over the patties.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
Serving
- Plate the juicy patties alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles. Drizzle some gravy over the top.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables for some freshness to the meal.
For a leaner option, turkey or chicken can replace ground beef. Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. For a thicker gravy, mix in a cornstarch slurry in the last hour of cooking.