Discover the Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe Today!

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming appeal of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. This classic American meal, with its tender beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy, is the ultimate in soul-satisfying cuisine. By utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe takes the hassle out of creating a delicious Salisbury steak dinner, allowing the flavors to meld together to perfection. The addition of a creamy, garlic-infused herb gravy takes this dish to new heights, making it a meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Table of Contents

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The beauty of making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak lies in the slow cooking process. By letting the dish simmer away in the slow cooker, the flavors have ample time to develop and intensify. The long, gentle cooking also helps to tenderize the beef, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, freeing up your time to tackle other tasks or simply relax and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef – The foundation of the dish, providing the rich, savory flavor.
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs – Helps to bind the patties and add texture.
• 1/4 cup milk – Keeps the patties moist and tender.
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix – Imparts a delightful onion flavor throughout the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant, pungent note to the gravy.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Used to lightly dredge the patties, helping to create a nice sear and thicken the gravy.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For browning the patties before slow cooking.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup – Provides a creamy, comforting base for the gravy.
• 1 packet dry au jus mix – Enhances the savory, beefy flavor of the gravy.
• 1 cup water – Helps to thin out and blend the gravy ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Contributes an earthy, herbaceous note to the gravy.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds a lovely fragrance and depth of flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, half of the onion soup mix, and minced garlic. Mix the ingredients until well combined, then shape the mixture into 6 oval-shaped patties.

Coat & Brown

Lightly dredge the prepared patties in the all-purpose flour. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties on both sides, being careful not to cook them through completely. This step helps to lock in the flavors and creates a nice sear on the exterior.

Make Gravy

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, the remaining onion soup mix, the au jus mix, water, thyme, and rosemary. This mixture will become the delectable garlic herb gravy that will bathe the Salisbury steak patties in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook

Place the browned patties into the slow cooker, then pour the prepared gravy mixture over the top. Cover and cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.

Serve

When the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is ready, spoon the rich, flavorful garlic herb gravy over the patties and serve with your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or hearty egg noodles.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Adjusting Seasoning

Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your personal preferences. If you’d like a bolder flavor, consider adding a bit more of the onion soup mix or a pinch of salt and pepper. For a creamier gravy, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk just before serving.

Using Different Meats

While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a leaner alternative.

Make Ahead and Freezing

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe is perfect for meal prep or freezing. Simply assemble the patties and gravy in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw if frozen and reheat in the slow cooker as directed.

Flavor Variations

Adding Vegetables

For a more complete meal, consider adding diced onions, mushrooms, or other hearty vegetables to the slow cooker along with the patties. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.

Alternate Sauces

While the creamy garlic herb gravy is delicious, you can also experiment with different sauce variations. Try a rich mushroom gravy or a tangy, barbecue-inspired sauce for a unique twist on the classic Salisbury steak.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

FAQs

What is special about Salisbury steak?

Salisbury steak is a classic American dish that features ground beef patties, often seasoned with onions and other savory flavors, that are simmered in a rich gravy. What makes it special is the combination of tender beef, comforting gravy, and the ability to customize the flavors to your liking.

How long to slow cook gravy beef?

For this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe, the patties and gravy should be cooked on the low setting for 4-5 hours. This long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become deliciously tender.

What do you need for Salisbury steak?

The essential ingredients for Salisbury Steak include ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, garlic, flour, and a savory gravy made with cream of chicken soup, au jus mix, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.

How to know when Salisbury steak is done?

The Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is done when the patties are cooked through and tender, typically after 4-5 hours on the low setting. You can test the doneness by cutting into one of the patties to ensure the center is no longer pink.

Conclusion

Get ready to indulge in a comforting, homemade classic with this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe. The combination of tender beef patties and a rich, garlic-infused gravy is the ultimate in satisfying soul food. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that’s sure to bring the whole family to the table. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and get ready to dive into a plate of this irresistible Salisbury steak goodness.

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