Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Rich Mushroom Gravy

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Serves: 4-6

Salisbury steak with rich mushroom gravy is a classic comfort food dish that brings back nostalgic memories of hearty, home-cooked meals. The tender beef patties are simmered in a savory, flavorful gravy made with mushrooms, onions, and beef broth. The result is a dish that’s both filling and comforting, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. When made in the slow cooker, this dish becomes even more convenient and mouth-watering, as the long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

This recipe is designed to give you all the flavor of traditional Salisbury steak without the need for constant attention. Just prepare the ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The end result is a tender, juicy Salisbury steak with a rich, flavorful mushroom gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (for the steaks)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for browning)

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly

• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (or a mix of both)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is recommended)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness and depth)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (4-6 quarts)

• Skillet or frying pan

• Medium-sized mixing bowl

• Small bowl (for slurry, if thickening)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salisbury Steaks

The first step is to prepare the Salisbury steaks. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can lead to tough patties. The breadcrumbs and milk help keep the steaks moist and tender, while the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard give them a rich, savory flavor.

Once mixed, divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your steaks. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it gently into an oval or round shape, similar to a patty.

2. Brown the Salisbury Steaks

Before adding the steaks to the slow cooker, it’s best to brown them in a skillet. This step adds extra flavor and helps develop a nice crust on the outside of the patties.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meat patties to the pan in batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned and crispy. The steaks don’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.

After browning the patties, transfer them to a plate and set them aside. Repeat the process with any remaining patties.

3. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy

While the steaks are browning, you can prepare the mushroom gravy. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions become translucent.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Now, add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (these add tons of flavor to the gravy!). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, dried thyme, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tip: If you want a thicker gravy, you can create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the gravy. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip the cornstarch.

4. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Once the mushroom gravy is ready, transfer the browned Salisbury steaks into the slow cooker. Pour the mushroom gravy over the steaks, making sure each patty is coated. You can spoon some of the gravy over the top to ensure that the steaks are well-covered.

Tip: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can store the browned steaks and the gravy separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Then, just combine them in the slow cooker and cook as usual.

5. Slow Cook the Salisbury Steaks

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will allow the Salisbury steaks to become tender and juicy, while the gravy will thicken and take on the flavors of the beef.

During the cooking time, resist the urge to open the lid of the slow cooker too often, as this releases heat and slows down the cooking process. After 6-8 hours on low, the steaks should be fork-tender and fully cooked through.

6. Finishing Touches

Once the Salisbury steaks are done, taste the gravy for seasoning. If it needs a little more salt or pepper, feel free to adjust to your preference. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

7. Serve the Salisbury Steaks

Salisbury steak is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The rich mushroom gravy pairs beautifully with these sides, so choose whatever you prefer or have on hand.

To serve, place a Salisbury steak on each plate, then spoon a generous amount of the mushroom gravy and mushrooms over the top. For extra flavor and texture, add a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Ahead of Time: This recipe is perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time. You can prepare the meat patties and mushroom gravy in advance, refrigerate them separately, and then cook them in the slow cooker when you’re ready.

2. Use Different Meat: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version of this dish. Keep in mind that turkey or chicken patties might be slightly drier, so you may want to add a little extra moisture (like milk or broth) to the mixture.

3. Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker along with the Salisbury steaks. These vegetables will soak up the gravy and enhance the overall dish.

4. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free as well, or substitute with tamari.

5. Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy to give it an extra kick.

6. Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the gravy a luscious, velvety consistency.

7. Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for lunch or dinner the next day. You can also freeze leftover Salisbury steaks and gravy for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if necessary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. There’s no need to hover over the stove, and you can go about your day while the meal cooks itself.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of juicy Salisbury steaks and rich mushroom gravy is the ultimate comfort food. The flavors are deep, savory