Crockpot Salisbury Steak Recipe

Savory Crockpot Salisbury Steak Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty home-cooked crockpot Salisbury steak beckons with comforting aromas that instantly remind you of grandma’s kitchen.

Tender beef patties swimming in rich, savory gravy promise a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without spending hours at the stove.

Modern slow cookers make this classic dish incredibly simple to master.

Pressing seasoned meat into perfectly shaped patties and letting your appliance do the magic.

Weekend meal planning becomes a breeze with this foolproof recipe.

Anyone can create restaurant-quality comfort food with just a few ingredients and some patience.

Grab a plate and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why Crockpot Salisbury Steak Is A Comfort Food Favorite

  • Slow-Cook to Perfection: This crockpot method transforms ordinary ground beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth Salisbury steak with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and savory seasonings creates a rich, deeply satisfying gravy that elevates the classic comfort food to a whole new level.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal hands-on cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the classic taste of this nostalgic dish, which pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice and delivers a nutritious, filling meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

What You Need For Crockpot Salisbury Steak

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation for classic Salisbury steak, lean beef preferred for less grease.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meat mixture and provides tender texture, plain or seasoned options work.
  • Egg: Natural binder that holds meat patties together, helps maintain structural integrity.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers, fresh ingredients recommended for best taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity, provides rich background flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential basic seasonings, kosher salt preferred for balanced seasoning.
Gravy and Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth: Creates savory liquid base for cooking and sauce, low-sodium version recommended.
  • Ketchup: Adds slight sweetness and depth to gravy, helps create rich color.
  • Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor, provides additional depth to gravy.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for creating smooth, glossy sauce texture.
  • Milk: Helps moisten meat mixture, adds subtle richness.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Onions, Mushrooms: Provide additional flavor and texture, fresh produce preferred.
  • Optional vegetables can complement the dish's base flavors.

How To Make Crockpot Salisbury Steak Step By Step

Step 1: Create Flavorful Meat Patties

Grab ground beef in a large bowl. Toss in breadcrumbs, a cracked egg, splash of milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dash of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties that look like mini steaks.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Quick Sear

Fire up a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the patties on each side for a couple minutes. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness but isn’t mandatory.

Step 3: Build Your Crockpot Base

Scatter sliced onions and mushrooms across the bottom of your slow cooker. Carefully place the meat patties on top of the veggie layer.

Step 4: Craft a Luscious Gravy

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Beef broth
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Soy sauce

Pour this flavor-packed liquid all over the patties.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The patties will become incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

During the last half hour of cooking, stir in a cornstarch slurry to transform the liquid into a rich, velvety gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate your Salisbury steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or classic egg noodles. Watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig into this comforting meal!

Helpful Tips For Crockpot Salisbury Steak

  • Perfectly Blend Meat Mixture: Gently mix ground beef ingredients without overmixing to keep patties tender and prevent tough texture.
  • Strategic Browning Technique: Quickly sear patties before slow cooking to develop a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances overall dish depth.
  • Smart Gravy Thickening: Use cornstarch slurry in final cooking stage to create silky, restaurant-quality sauce without lumps or separation.
  • Low and Slow Cooking Magic: Maintain consistent crockpot temperature to ensure meat remains juicy and vegetables become meltingly soft.
  • Versatile Dietary Adaptation: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.

How To Keep Crockpot Salisbury Steak Warm And Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Salisbury steak to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen Salisbury steak maintains quality for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steaks in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Option: Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Drizzle extra gravy to keep meat moist and tender.

Best Pairings For Crockpot Salisbury Steak

  • Craft a Comforting Carb Companion: Mashed potatoes create the ultimate comfort pairing, soaking up the rich, savory gravy and providing a creamy contrast to the hearty meat patties. The soft, buttery texture perfectly complements the robust flavors of the Salisbury steak.
  • Pour the Perfect Wine Match: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon brings out the deep, meaty flavors of the dish. The wine's subtle tannins cut through the richness of the gravy, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
  • Brighten with Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, savory Salisbury steak. The light, acidic notes help cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the meat and gravy.
  • Boost with Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips provides a caramelized, slightly sweet accompaniment that enhances the overall meal. The roasted vegetables add color, nutrition, and a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat.

Tasty Variations Of Crockpot Salisbury Steak

  • Lean Protein Power: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, protein-packed meal that keeps the same comforting flavors and tender texture.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the meat mixture for an elevated flavor profile that brings bright, aromatic notes to the traditional recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of chili powder to transform the dish with a zesty, southwestern-inspired kick that adds warmth and depth.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano into the meat mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired version that offers a tangy and rich alternative to the classic preparation.

Crockpot Salisbury Steak Questions Answered

  • What makes Salisbury steak different from a regular hamburger patty?

Unlike hamburgers, Salisbury steak is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, shaped into oval patties, and slow-cooked in a rich gravy with onions and mushrooms, giving it a more sophisticated flavor and tender texture.

  • Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Brown the patties in a skillet, transfer to a baking dish, cover with gravy, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the gravy is bubbling.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Salisbury steak has a mild, savory flavor that most children enjoy. The tender meat and rich gravy make it an appealing dish for picky eaters, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit their taste preferences.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just be aware that turkey has less fat, so the patties might be slightly less juicy and you’ll want to be careful not to overcook them.

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Crockpot Salisbury Steak Recipe

Crockpot Salisbury Steak Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty comfort meets savory satisfaction in this classic Salisbury Steak simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Rich brown gravy and tender beef patties promise a rustic meal that brings warmth and deliciousness right to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk

Starch and Binding Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft savory beef patties by gently blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely minced onion, crushed garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into elegant oval-shaped medallions.
  2. Elevate flavor profiles by searing patties in a hot skillet until golden brown edges develop, creating a delectable caramelized exterior.
  3. Layer sliced onions and mushrooms across the crockpot base, creating a fragrant vegetable foundation for the meat.
  4. Whisk together a robust gravy using beef broth, tangy ketchup, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, and salty soy sauce. Carefully cascade this liquid mixture over the arranged patties.
  5. Seal the crockpot and allow the meat to slowly transform, cooking on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until tender and thoroughly cooked.
  6. During final cooking stages, introduce a cornstarch slurry to harmonize and thicken the gravy, developing a luxurious, silky consistency. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Present the succulent Salisbury steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or classic egg noodles, generously drizzling the rich, aromatic gravy across the plate.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicier, more flavorful patties that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine meat mixture to prevent tough, dense steaks; mix ingredients just until they barely hold together.
  • Browning Boosts Flavor: Searing patties before slow cooking develops a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the overall taste profile.
  • Gravy Consistency Control: If gravy seems too thin after cooking, whisk additional cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve desired thickness without creating lumps.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare patties and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld, making the dish even more delicious when slow-cooked the next day.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed pork rinds or almond flour to create a low-carb version of this classic comfort food.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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