Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe

Perfect 30-Minute Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe

Salisbury steak reimagines ordinary ground beef into a luxurious comfort meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore this classic recipe for its simplicity and rich flavor profile.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together during slow cooking, creating a deeply satisfying main course.

Tender meat patties nestled in a velvety mushroom sauce capture the essence of heartwarming cuisine.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of robust meat and silky gravy that feels like a culinary hug.

The slow cooker method ensures maximum tenderness while minimizing kitchen effort.

This timeless dish will make you the hero of dinnertime.

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Pairing Tips

  • Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Soft, buttery mashed potatoes create the perfect canvas for soaking up the rich, savory gravy from the Salisbury steak. The velvety texture complements the hearty meat patties beautifully.
  • Recommend Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Crisp roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the deep flavors of the dish. Their caramelized edges bring a delightful crunch to the meal.
  • Choose a Bold Red Wine: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot cuts through the richness of the meat and enhances the umami flavors. Its robust character perfectly matches the hearty nature of the Salisbury steak.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread becomes the ideal companion for mopping up every last drop of the delicious gravy. Its buttery, aromatic profile elevates the entire dining experience.

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: Variations You’ll Enjoy

  • Veggie-Packed Patties: Replace some ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for added nutrition and a lighter texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers and use cornstarch instead of flour for coating to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Incorporate fresh chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary into the meat mixture for an aromatic and elevated flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

  • Craft Comfort in Slow Cooker: Transforms basic ground beef into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious dinner solutions.
  • Tenderize and Infuse Flavors: Slow cooking allows meat patties to become incredibly soft while absorbing rich, savory au jus and cream of chicken soup, creating deep, satisfying taste profiles.
  • Effortless Meal Preparation: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking technique, making it accessible for novice and experienced home chefs wanting a hearty weeknight dinner without complicated steps.

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: Must-Have Ingredients

Meat Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Lean beef with good fat content for juicy and flavorful patties.
  • Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meat and adds texture to the patties.
  • Onion Soup Mix: Provides seasoning and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Coating and Binding Ingredients:
  • Flour: Creates a light golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and creates a creamy, smooth sauce.
  • Au Jus Mix: Provides deep, savory flavor and additional seasoning.
  • Water: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Oil: Enables browning of meat patties and adds a slight richness to the dish.

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: Simple Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Savory Beef Patties

Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, and onion soup mix in a large mixing bowl. Gently form 8 oval-shaped patties. Lightly dust each patty with flour, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown patties on both sides until a golden crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Au jus mix
  • Water

Pour the sauce evenly over the patties in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The patties will become tender and absorb the rich, delicious sauce. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Cooking Tips

  • Prevent Tough Meat: Avoid overmixing the ground beef to keep the patties tender and juicy.
  • Maximize Flavor Coating: Dust patties lightly with flour to create a delicious golden crust that locks in moisture.
  • Brown for Depth: Take time to properly brown patties before slow cooking to develop rich, deep flavor profiles.
  • Moisture Management: Don't skip the cream of chicken soup, as it helps keep the meat incredibly moist during long cooking.
  • Timing is Key: Check meat at 4 hours, but allow the full 5 hours for maximum tenderness if your schedule permits.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers of Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftover Salisbury steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual patties or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen Salisbury steak can last up to 3 months, providing a quick and convenient meal for busy days.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated leftovers in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness and restore the gravy's rich, savory consistency.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak delivers comfort classic with rich beef patties nestled in savory mushroom gravy. Tender meat and silky sauce promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables across America.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 (1-ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet dry au jus mix

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) water
  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend lean ground beef with fine bread crumbs and dried onion soup mix, thoroughly incorporating ingredients until well combined.
  2. Gently form the meat mixture into 8 compact, elongated patties, ensuring uniform thickness around 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters).
  3. Lightly dust each meat patty with all-purpose flour, creating a delicate coating that will help seal in moisture and develop a subtle crust during browning.
  4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to become evenly heated.
  5. Carefully place floured meat patties into the hot skillet, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown exterior develops.
  6. Transfer browned patties to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together condensed cream of chicken soup, powdered au jus mix, and cool water until smooth and well-integrated.
  8. Gently pour the soup mixture over the meat patties, ensuring each piece is partially covered with the savory liquid.
  9. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the Salisbury steak to simmer and tenderize for 4-5 hours.
  10. Once cooking time concludes, verify internal meat temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption, and serve hot with accompanying side dishes.

Notes

  • Elevate your comfort food game with this melt-in-your-mouth Salisbury steak that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Coating the patties in flour creates a delicate crust that helps seal in juices and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
  • Browning the meat before slow cooking develops rich, deep flavors that make this dish more complex and satisfying.
  • Using cream of chicken soup and au jus mix creates a silky, savory gravy that perfectly complements the beef patties.
  • Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender while letting the flavors meld together beautifully, making dinner prep a breeze.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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