Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

So, imagine coming home and having a delicious dinner ready—one that’s full of homemade flavor, zero hassle, and loved by everyone. Well, that’s exactly what Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is all about. Juicy, tender patties smothered in an irresistible mushroom sauce, all made easy in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of cozy, comfort dish that’ll make any night of the week feel special, perfect for spoiling your family or friends.

---

---

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet for searing
• Crock Pot or slow cooker
• Wooden spatula
• Large mixing bowl

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

---

---

---

You might also be interested in:

...

---

---

---

---

Instructions

1. Let’s get started! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder). Mix everything together with your clean hands or a spatula until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat—otherwise it’ll turn out tough.
2. Shape the patties. Take portions of the mixture and form them into oval, flattened shapes, kind of like long hamburger patties. Make sure they’re all about the same size (around 4 to 5 ounces each) so they cook evenly in the Crock Pot.
3. Sear them up. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little oil. Brown the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. No need to cook them all the way through—you’re just sealing in the juices and building flavor for the gravy.
4. Layer it up. Transfer the browned patties to your Crock Pot, laying them in a single layer. Scatter the sliced onions and mushrooms on top, spreading them out evenly so every bite gets that flavor boost.

---



---

5. Mix the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth with the tomato paste or ketchup until smooth. Pour this mixture over the patties and veggies in the Crock Pot, making sure everything is well covered in liquid.
6. Slow cook magic. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for about 5 hours. During this time, the meat will become tender and soak up all those savory flavors from the broth, onions, and mushrooms—pure comfort food goodness.
7. Thicken it up. About 30 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour it into the Crock Pot and stir gently so the gravy thickens while it finishes cooking.
8. Time to serve! Once the patties are tender and the gravy is rich and glossy, you’re good to go. Serve hot and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

---

---

Ingredient Substitutions

• Meat: If you don’t have beef on hand, you can swap in ground turkey for a lighter take.
• Breadcrumbs: No breadcrumbs? No problem—just use crushed saltine crackers or even oats.
• Tomato paste: Out of it? Go with ketchup and add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
• Mushrooms: If fresh ones aren’t around, canned or frozen mushrooms get the job done too.
• Cornstarch: You can always use regular flour to thicken up the gravy.

---

---

Prep Tips

• Sear first: Don’t skip this step—make sure to brown those patties in a skillet before they hit the Crock Pot to lock in all the juices.
• Handle the meat gently: Don’t overmix the ground beef, otherwise it can turn out tough.
• Onions: Slice them thick so they hold up and don’t just disappear in the slow cook.
• Extra flavor: Want to level it up? Add a splash of red wine to the broth for a richer taste.
• Thickener: Always add your slurry at the end so the gravy comes out smooth, not lumpy.

Common Mistakes (What NOT to Do)

• Skipping the sear: Never put raw patties straight into the Crock Pot.
• Using super lean beef: If you do, it’ll dry out—stick with an 80/20 blend for juicy results.
• Lifting the lid: Keep it closed to hold in heat and moisture.
• Adding cornstarch too early: Do that and the sauce will end up grainy.
• Overcrowding the pot: Lay the patties in a single layer for even cooking.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use chicken? Yes, though the flavor will be milder.
• Do I really need to sear? Yes, always—it makes a big difference in flavor.
• Can I freeze it? Yup, up to 3 months in airtight containers.
• Can I cook on high? You can, for 2.5 to 3 hours, but the patties won’t be as tender or flavorful.
• No cornstarch? That’s fine, use flour or instant starch instead.
• How do I make the sauce creamier? Stir in some heavy cream at the end.
• Can I prep it a day ahead? Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day.
• How do I know it’s done? The patties should reach 160 °F (71 °C) inside.
• Can I toss in veggies? Sure thing—carrots and potatoes work perfectly.
• Is it kid-friendly? Yes, just watch the salt if you’re cooking for little ones.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: You can store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, no problem.
• Freeze: Go for individual portions—they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Always let it defrost in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Use the microwave in short intervals or warm it up gently in a pot over low heat until it’s bubbling again.

---

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes—classic combo.
• Steamed veggies (broccoli, carrots, green beans) go great on the side.
• A fresh salad with a light dressing balances it out perfectly.
• An ice-cold glass of lemon iced tea makes the perfect drink for this dish.
• And for dessert? A classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream—can’t beat it.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican-style: Love a little heat? Add sliced poblano peppers and a touch of cumin for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Italian-style: Swap the tomato paste for marinara sauce and toss in some dried oregano for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Cheesy twist: Want to make it extra indulgent? Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the patties before serving and let it melt right in.
• Gluten-free: If you need it GF, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or certified oats instead of the regular kind.
• Vegetarian: For a veggie-friendly version, make the patties with plant-based ground meat and switch the beef broth for vegetable broth.

---

---

Nutritional Info (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Healthy Fats: 22 g
• Carbs: 18 g
• Natural Sugars: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg

---

---

---

---

---

Share:

       

---

---