Crockpot Salisbury Steak Dinner

This slow cooker Salisbury steaks recipe is the comfort food you have been craving. Easy, delicious, and so satisfying! With over a million views and countless shares, this recipe has become a favorite for busy families who want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time.

Last month, I served this to unexpected dinner guests and received so many compliments! The slow cooker did all the work while I focused on tidying the house before they arrived.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef: Use 85-90% lean for best flavor without excess grease
• Baby Portobello Mushrooms: Provide earthy flavor; white mushrooms work too
• Worcestershire Sauce: Key for authentic Salisbury steak flavor
• Beef Broth: Forms the base of the delicious gravy
• Steak Seasoning: Creates depth of flavor in every bite
• Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to perfect consistency
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties and keep them tender

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Spray a 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray, then add sliced mushrooms and thinly sliced onions to the bottom. This creates a flavor base and prevents sticking.
2. Mix the Meat Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, steak seasoning, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly but don't overwork the meat.
3. Form and Arrange the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 oval-shaped patties, pressing them relatively thin. Arrange in the slow cooker on top of the mushrooms and onions, avoiding stacking if possible.
4. Create the Gravy Base: Whisk together beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef patties.
5. Set and Forget: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6-8 hours) until the meat is cooked through and tender. The patties will shrink slightly as they cook.
6. Thicken the Gravy: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the Salisbury steaks to a serving plate. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the liquid in the slow cooker until thickened.
7. Serve with Style: Place each steak over egg noodles or mashed potatoes and spoon the mushroom-onion gravy generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
8. Optional Enhancement: For a more traditional Salisbury steak with a seared exterior, briefly brown the patties in a skillet before placing in the slow cooker. This adds texture but is completely optional.
9. Rest Before Serving: Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy and tender.

Pin it

I learned the importance of properly mixing the cornstarch slurry after my first attempt resulted in lumpy gravy. Now I always whisk it thoroughly before adding to ensure smooth, perfect gravy every time.

Family-Friendly Meal Strategy

This recipe has rescued countless weeknight dinners in my household. When sports practices, homework, and household chores compete for attention, I can quickly prepare this in the morning and return to a complete meal. My children, initially skeptical of the mushrooms, now request "that yummy beef with gravy" regularly. The familiarity of the flavors makes it appealing even to picky eaters.

Pin it

Budget-Stretching Benefits

In today's economy, this dish offers remarkable value. Ground beef costs less than premium cuts while delivering similar satisfaction. The mushrooms and onions add volume and nutrition while stretching the meat further. One batch typically provides two complete meals for my family of four - served with different sides on the second night to prevent boredom. Leftovers also make excellent open-faced sandwiches for lunch.

Time-Saving Preparation Hacks

To make mornings even easier, I often prepare the meat mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Some weeks, I pre-slice mushrooms and onions during weekend meal prep, storing them in containers ready for multiple recipes. For ultimate convenience, I've even formed the patties and frozen them raw, then placed them frozen directly in the slow cooker, adding an extra hour to the cooking time.

Entertaining Made Easy

This dish shines when hosting guests because it frees you from kitchen duties. While the slow cooker works its magic, I can focus on setting a beautiful table or preparing appetizers and dessert. The dish has an impressive presentation despite its simplicity, especially when garnished with fresh parsley. Guests always appreciate the homey comfort of this meal that clearly wasn't made minutes before their arrival.

Pin it

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken has become one of my signature summer recipes. There's something magical about the combination of sweet tropical fruit and savory grilled chicken that makes dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The fact that it's so simple to make is our little secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, substitute ground turkey, but the flavor will be milder.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, form patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until cooking.

→ What if I don't have steak seasoning?

Mix equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as a substitute.

→ Can I cook this on low instead?

Yes, cook on low for 7-8 hours instead of 4 hours on high.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.