Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. This dish combines the rich flavors of beef and creamy mushroom soup, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work while I focus on other tasks, making it so convenient. The patties turn out tender and juicy, absorbing all that delicious sauce.
Plus, it’s a hit with my family, bringing everyone to the table with smiles. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, you’re in for a treat.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
If you’re ready to plunge into making some comforting, creamy goodness with this Salisbury Steak recipe, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients first.
Trust me, having everything on hand makes the cooking process so much smoother. Plus, you can avoid that panicked search for a can of soup halfway through cooking. Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak:
- 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (1 ounce) packet dry au jus mix
- 3/4 cup water
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients.
First off, using 90% lean ground beef is a great choice because it keeps the patties juicy without being overly greasy. If you prefer a different protein, turkey or chicken might work, but they’ll have a lighter flavor.
The Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add a nice touch of flavor; if you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs will do the trick, but you might want to sprinkle in some Italian herbs for that extra oomph.
And about that cream of mushroom soup – don’t skimp on the low-sodium version if you can help it! It really helps balance out the dish, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. First things first, grab that 2 lbs of 90% lean ground beef.
Now, I know the idea of mixing meat with your hands can be a bit squirm-inducing for some, but trust me—this is where the magic happens. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with 1 (1 ounce) envelope of dry onion soup mix, 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of milk. Get in there with your hands and mix everything together until it’s all combined, but don’t overdo it. Shape the mixture into 8 patties. They don’t have to be perfect; rustic is totally in right now.
Now, on to the skillet action. Heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, dredge each of your patties in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. This little step is key—it creates a delightful crust when you brown them.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place those patties in the skillet and give them a quick sear on both sides. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color, not a steakhouse level char. After they’re browned, stack them in your slow cooker like a cozy little meat fortress.
Now for the creamy goodness. In a separate medium bowl, mix together 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans of condensed low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, 1 (1 ounce) packet of dry au jus mix, and 3/4 cup of water. This mixture is what’s going to make your Salisbury steak so creamy and satisfying.
Pour it over the stacked patties in the slow cooker, cover it up, and set it to cook on the Low setting for about 4 to 5 hours. Make sure you don’t peek too much; we want all that flavor to stay locked in.
When the time is up, you’ll be greeted with tender, juicy patties swimming in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy the warmth of this comforting meal and the smiles it brings to the table.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that comforting Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, you might be wondering how to mix things up a bit. One easy substitution is swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
I’ve also experimented with adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrition. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using a different soup base, like cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup.
For a spicy kick, incorporate some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. Don’t forget about herbs! Fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the dish.
Finally, if you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and it’ll still taste amazing!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak makes for a hearty main dish, but the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level.
I love serving mine with creamy mashed potatoes, as they soak up the rich mushroom gravy beautifully.
Roasted or steamed green beans add a nice crunch and a pop of color, balancing the flavors on the plate.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, buttery corn on the cob is a fantastic choice, too.
A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can lighten up the meal and provide a rejuvenating contrast.
Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls for mopping up that delicious gravy!
Trust me, these sides will make your Salisbury steak even more satisfying.
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing your creamy mushroom Salisbury steak, keep in mind a few tips to enhance your dish. First, don’t skip browning the patties; it adds great flavor and texture.
If you like a bit more depth, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the mushroom soup mixture. I also recommend using fresh mushrooms if you have them on hand—they’ll elevate the dish.
For a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to make it a bit healthier, swap half of the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Finally, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your meal!