Indulge in Comfort with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with our Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe! This classic dish combines flavorful ground beef patties with a rich and savory gravy, all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this hearty and comforting dish is sure to hit the spot. Join us as we dive into the culinary delight of Salisbury steak and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Gravy:

• 1 small onion, sliced
• 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 package brown gravy mix
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, minced onion, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Patties: Divide the beef mixture into equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Brown the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil. Brown the patties on both sides, working in batches if necessary, until they are golden brown. Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker.
4. Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and mushrooms. Cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked onion and mushrooms to the slow cooker, arranging them around the patties.
5. Mix the Gravy: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using) until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture over the patties, onions, and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
7. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the gravy in the slow cooker. Cook on high heat for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
8. Serve: Once the gravy has thickened, serve the Salisbury steak patties hot, spooning the gravy and mushrooms over the top. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Worcestershire Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before shaping the patties.
• Customize the Gravy: Adjust the flavor of the gravy to your liking by adding more or less ketchup, mustard, or additional seasoning such as thyme or rosemary.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and gravy mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, Salisbury steak freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Absolutely! To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.

Q: Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix? A: Yes, you can use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix. Simply prepare your favorite beef gravy recipe and use it in place of the gravy mix and beef broth.

Q: Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. After browning the patties and cooking the onions and mushrooms, transfer everything to a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.

Keto Version:

• Replace Breadcrumbs: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the patties keto-friendly.
• Low-Carb Thickener: Use xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickener for the gravy instead of cornstarch to keep the dish low-carb.
• Serve with Cauliflower Mash: Enjoy the Salisbury steak patties and gravy with cauliflower mash or steamed broccoli for a complete keto meal.

Low Carb Version:

• Limit Onions: Reduce the amount of onions used in the recipe to lower the carb content.
• Skip Ketchup and Mustard: Omit ketchup and Dijon mustard from the gravy to further reduce carbs.
• Use Mushroom Broth: Substitute beef broth with mushroom broth for a lower-carb alternative in the gravy.

With its tender beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe has got you covered. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this timeless classic!