Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
This classic comfort food becomes incredibly easy when made in the slow cooker. Tender beef patties are simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy infused with garlic and butter, creating a dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 8 oval patties about 3/4 inch thick.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Mix well.
- Pour the onion gravy mixture over the patties in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the gravy.
- Serve the steaks with the rich onion gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Practical Tips
- Prep ahead: Brown the patties the night before and refrigerate them until ready to use. This saves time in the morning and makes meal prep effortless.
- Prevent dry meat: Do not skip browning the patties. This step creates a flavorful crust that keeps the beef moist during the long cooking process.
- Gravy thickness: If your gravy seems too thin after cooking, increase the cornstarch slurry to 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water for a thicker consistency.
How to Store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative. The cooking time remains the same, though the flavor will be milder.
What should I serve with this dish? Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or buttered rice are classic pairings that soak up the delicious gravy beautifully.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker if needed. The cooking time stays the same.