Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Juicy beef patties are simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, creating a hearty meal that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients:

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 6 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 1½ cups beef broth (or low sodium)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 tbsp water

Beef Patties:

  • 1½ lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Place mushrooms and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Form and Sear Patties:
    • In a bowl, combine the beef patty ingredients and shape them into six patties.
    • Brown each patty over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.
  3. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Place the browned patties over the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker.
  4. Make the Gravy:
    • In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and parsley.
    • Pour the gravy mixture over the patties.
  5. Slow Cook:
    • Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
  6. Thicken the Gravy:
    • After cooking, remove the patties and set them aside.
    • Turn the slow cooker to high. Combine cornstarch and water, then stir it into the broth to thicken.
    • Add the patties back into the sauce to coat.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the Salisbury Steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Nutrients:

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 217 kcal per serving

This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for busy days and ensures a hearty, satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: The Comfort Food Classic for Modern Times

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes resonate as universally as Salisbury steak. This timeless classic, known for its hearty flavors and soul-warming appeal, takes on new life in this slow cooker version. It combines the convenience of modern kitchen gadgets with the nostalgic taste of home-cooked meals, making it a favorite for busy families and food enthusiasts alike.

The History of Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak has a fascinating history rooted in practicality and nutrition. Created by Dr. James H. Salisbury during the late 19th century, this dish was initially intended as a health food. Dr. Salisbury, a proponent of a meat-centered diet, designed this dish as a way to nourish soldiers during the American Civil War. Over time, Salisbury steak evolved from a utilitarian meal into a beloved comfort food, often served with rich gravy and sides like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker is a game-changer for dishes like Salisbury steak. Unlike stovetop or oven methods, the slow cooker allows the beef patties to gently simmer in the gravy, creating tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Slow cooking enhances the dish in several ways:

  1. Enhanced Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the beef, mushrooms, onions, and gravy to meld together over time, creating a deeply savory dish.
  2. Convenience: With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set the slow cooker and let it do the work. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or when entertaining guests.
  3. Tenderness: The slow and steady cooking process helps to tenderize the beef patties, ensuring they’re juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

While the ingredient list may appear straightforward, each element in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the dish’s rich and complex flavors.

  • Beef Patties: A mixture of lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings creates patties that are both flavorful and tender. The use of an egg yolk acts as a binder, ensuring the patties hold their shape while cooking.
  • Mushrooms and Onions: These classic companions add depth and texture to the gravy. The mushrooms bring an earthy umami flavor, while the onions contribute a natural sweetness.
  • Gravy Mix: A combination of beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, and Dijon mustard forms the base of the gravy. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess, while the ketchup provides a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: The cornstarch slurry thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency, ensuring every bite is coated in rich sauce.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak

This recipe offers versatility in serving, making it a perfect fit for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Classic Pairings: Serve the Salisbury steak over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. The soft texture of the potatoes complements the hearty gravy perfectly.
  2. Lighter Options: For a slightly lighter meal, try serving it over steamed white rice or whole-grain brown rice. This allows the gravy to seep into the grains, creating a deliciously saucy bite.
  3. Pasta Pairing: Egg noodles or a bed of buttered pasta work wonderfully, offering a hearty base to soak up the rich flavors.
  4. Vegetable Sides: Pair the dish with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a balanced plate.

Tips for Success

  • Searing the Patties: While it might be tempting to skip this step, browning the patties before slow cooking is crucial. This process enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction, adding depth and a slight crust to the patties.
  • Customize the Gravy: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the gravy to suit your taste. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile.
  • Thickening the Gravy: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to the slow cooker. Stir it in slowly to avoid clumps, and allow it to cook for a few minutes to achieve the desired consistency.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks to the satisfaction of savoring a perfectly tender bite, this dish delivers on every level. It’s an excellent example of how traditional recipes can be adapted for modern cooking methods without losing their charm.

The use of the slow cooker ensures that this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. With minimal hands-on time, it’s a lifesaver for those hectic days when you still want to put a wholesome, home-cooked meal on the table. The rich, hearty flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, while its versatility means you can tweak it to fit your preferences.

A Dish for Every Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, Salisbury steak is a dish that suits almost any occasion. Its comforting flavors evoke nostalgia, while the ease of preparation makes it a practical choice for today’s busy lifestyles. Paired with your favorite sides, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is more than just a recipe—it’s a testament to the beauty of slow cooking and the enduring appeal of comfort food. By combining tender beef patties with a rich mushroom and onion gravy, this dish offers a flavor-packed experience that’s hard to beat. Perfect for cozy nights or family dinners, it’s a versatile recipe that delivers both convenience and satisfaction. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it hard to imagine your menu without it.

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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak


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  • Author: Susan

Description

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Juicy beef patties are simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, creating a hearty meal that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, promising satisfaction in every bite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 6 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or low sodium)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 tbsp water

Beef Patties:

  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Place mushrooms and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Form and Sear Patties:
    • In a bowl, combine the beef patty ingredients and shape them into six patties.
    • Brown each patty over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.
  3. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Place the browned patties over the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker.
  4. Make the Gravy:
    • In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and parsley.
    • Pour the gravy mixture over the patties.
  5. Slow Cook:
    • Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
  6. Thicken the Gravy:
    • After cooking, remove the patties and set them aside.
    • Turn the slow cooker to high. Combine cornstarch and water, then stir it into the broth to thicken.
    • Add the patties back into the sauce to coat.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the Salisbury Steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

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