Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms
There are some meals that just feel like home, no matter where you are or what kind of day you had. For me, Salisbury steak has always been one of those dinners. It reminds me of weeknights when the house smelled like something good long before dinner ever hit the table. Back when the kids were younger and evenings felt like a blur of homework, sports practices, and trying to keep everyone fed, this was the kind of meal that saved my sanity.
These days, I lean on the slow cooker more than ever. Not because I am short on love for cooking, but because life has a way of stacking itself up. When I can toss everything into the crock pot in five minutes and come back hours later to something rich and comforting, that feels like a win. This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms does exactly that. It quietly does its thing while you go about your day, filling the house with that deep savory aroma that makes everyone start asking what is for dinner.
I usually make this on cooler days, when comfort food sounds especially good, but honestly it works year round. It is the kind of recipe you make when you want something hearty without standing over the stove. The cube steaks cook low and slow until they are fork tender, the mushrooms soak up all that gravy goodness, and the onions soften into the sauce like they were meant to be there all along.
When you spoon this over mashed potatoes, it feels like a Sunday dinner even if it is a Tuesday night. That is the magic of simple, old fashioned recipes like this. They do not need to be fancy. They just need to be good.
What Is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms is a homestyle comfort food dish made with tender cube steaks cooked slowly in a rich mushroom gravy. The gravy is built from beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy mix, creating a thick and savory sauce that coats every bite. Mushrooms and onions cook right alongside the meat, soaking up flavor and adding depth, making this a classic dinner that feels both nostalgic and incredibly easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands off cooking: Once everything is in the slow cooker, it does all the work while you go about your day.
- Comfort food classic: This recipe brings that old school Salisbury steak flavor that never goes out of style.
- Rich and savory gravy: The mushroom gravy is thick, silky, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
- Family friendly: It is mild, hearty, and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Budget friendly: Cube steak and pantry staples make this an affordable dinner option.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Busy weeknights: This is perfect when you want dinner ready without hovering in the kitchen.
- Sunday supper: It feels special enough for a relaxed family dinner at the end of the week.
- Cold weather meals: The warm gravy and tender beef are especially comforting on chilly days.
- Meal prep days: It reheats beautifully for lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks – These become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds flavor directly to the meat without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 onion (sliced) – Slice thick if you like more texture in the finished dish.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms – Use white or baby bella mushrooms for the best flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth – Forms the savory base of the gravy.
- 1 10 ounce can cream of mushroom soup – Creates richness and body in the sauce.
- 0.87 ounce packet brown gravy mix – Thickens the gravy and adds classic Salisbury flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms
Step 1: Add the steaks to the slow cooker
Start by placing the cube steaks into an eight quart slow cooker. Lay them flat as best you can. Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder evenly over the steaks. This gives the meat flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add onions and mushrooms
Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms over the top of the seasoned cube steaks. Do not worry about stirring yet. As everything cooks, the vegetables will release moisture and blend right into the gravy.
Step 3: Mix the gravy
In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy packet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thick. This step only takes a minute but makes a big difference in texture later.
Step 4: Pour and cook
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the steaks, onions, and mushrooms. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six hours. The steaks will become tender and the gravy will thicken beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Once fully cooked, gently stir everything together. Serve the Salisbury steak and mushrooms over mashed potatoes, making sure to spoon plenty of gravy over the top. Sit down, take a breath, and enjoy a meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it did.
Substitutions
- Beef broth alternative: You can use low sodium beef broth if you prefer more control over salt.
- Cream soup swap: Cream of chicken can be used if that is what you have on hand.
- Mushroom option: If mushrooms are not your thing, you can leave them out and still have great flavor.
Variations
- Onion heavy version: Add an extra onion if you love sweeter, softer onions in your gravy.
- Extra gravy: Add an additional half cup of beef broth for a looser sauce.
- Garlic lovers: Add fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Swiss style: Lay slices of Swiss cheese on top during the last fifteen minutes for a melty twist.
Tips and Tricks
- Wash mushrooms first: Always clean mushrooms before slicing to remove dirt.
- Thick onion slices: Thicker slices hold up better during long cooking.
- Do not lift the lid: Keeping the lid closed helps maintain even cooking.
- High setting option: You can cook this on high for four hours if needed.
FAQs
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for about four hours, but low heat gives the most tender results.
Do I need to brown the cube steaks first?
No, the slow cooker does all the work and the steaks become tender without browning.
Will the gravy be thick enough?
Yes, the combination of cream soup and gravy mix creates a thick, spoonable sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and everything is evenly covered.
Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes: The classic pairing that soaks up all that gravy.
- Egg noodles: Serve over buttered noodles for a cozy twist.
- Rice: White or brown rice works well with the savory sauce.
- Green beans: A simple vegetable side balances the richness.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Make ahead: Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled portions for up to two months for an easy future meal.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups of sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 10 oz can of cream of mushroom
- 0.87 oz packet of brown gravy
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the steaks to the slow cooker – Start by placing the cube steaks into an eight quart slow cooker. Lay them flat as best you can. Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder evenly over the steaks. This gives the meat flavor right from the start.
- Step 2: Add onions and mushrooms – Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms over the top of the seasoned cube steaks. Do not worry about stirring yet. As everything cooks, the vegetables will release moisture and blend right into the gravy.
- Step 3: Mix the gravy – In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy packet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thick. This step only takes a minute but makes a big difference in texture later.
- Step 4: Pour and cook – Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the steaks, onions, and mushrooms. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six hours. The steaks will become tender and the gravy will thicken beautifully.
- Step 5: Serve and enjoy – Once fully cooked, gently stir everything together. Serve the Salisbury steak and mushrooms over mashed potatoes, making sure to spoon plenty of gravy over the top. Sit down, take a breath, and enjoy a meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it did.
Notes
Substitutions
- Beef broth alternative: You can use low sodium beef broth if you prefer more control over salt.
- Cream soup swap: Cream of chicken can be used if that is what you have on hand.
- Mushroom option: If mushrooms are not your thing, you can leave them out and still have great flavor.
Variations
- Onion heavy version: Add an extra onion if you love sweeter, softer onions in your gravy.
- Extra gravy: Add an additional half cup of beef broth for a looser sauce.
- Garlic lovers: Add fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Swiss style: Lay slices of Swiss cheese on top during the last fifteen minutes for a melty twist.
Tips and Tricks
- Wash mushrooms first: Always clean mushrooms before slicing to remove dirt.
- Thick onion slices: Thicker slices hold up better during long cooking.
- Do not lift the lid: Keeping the lid closed helps maintain even cooking.
- High setting option: You can cook this on high for four hours if needed.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak And Mushrooms is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation. It is simple, comforting, and dependable, which are three things I value more and more as the years go by. There is something special about knowing dinner is quietly cooking while you live your life, and when it is time to eat, all you have to do is scoop and serve.
If you are looking for a no stress, hearty meal that feels like it came straight from a family cookbook, this one is for you. Pour yourself a drink, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy a dinner that reminds you why simple food is often the best kind.
