If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, then this Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is just what you need. Combining lean ground turkey with a luscious mushroom and onion gravy, this dish offers all the rich flavor of classic Salisbury steak without the heaviness, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner to savor any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an indispensable role in crafting the flavors and textures that make the Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe so special. From the tender turkey patties to the savory gravy, every component works together in perfect harmony.
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps this dish light yet hearty.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds softness and helps bind the patties for a perfect texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding all the patty ingredients together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup milk: Brings moisture to keep the patties juicy and tender.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Infuses a subtle sweetness inside the patties.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a pleasant aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy umami kick to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a touch of warmth and balance.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the patties to perfection with a lovely crust.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Caramelizes slowly to sweeten and enrich the gravy.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms: Offer earthiness and meaty texture to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups beef or turkey broth: The flavorful base for the savory gravy.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to a silky finish.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to dissolve cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Bind Your Patties
Start by combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything together just until combined—the secret here is to avoid overmixing so your patties stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Sear the Patties
Divide the meat mixture and form 6 oval-shaped patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown each patty for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautifully golden crust before slow cooking.
Step 3: Layer the Flavor Base
In the slow cooker’s base, layer the sliced onions and mushrooms. These aromatics and veggies will slowly cook into a rich, earthy bed that perfectly complements the turkey patties.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the browned patties over the onion and mushroom layer, then pour in the broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. The slow-cooking process gently melds flavors and keeps the patties incredibly tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Once cooking is complete, remove the patties and whisk together the cornstarch and water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker liquid, then cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens to a silky, luscious coating.
Step 6: Reunite Patties and Gravy
Return the turkey patties to the slow cooker, nestling them back into the thickened gravy. Coat each patty evenly, letting them absorb all that delicious sauce as you prepare to serve.
How to Serve Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme over your Salisbury steak brings a burst of fresh color and a fragrant finish. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a few shreds of sharp cheddar melted on top are simply divine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or a simple bed of rice, all of which soak up the savory mushroom gravy with joyful abandon. To brighten the plate, consider serving alongside steamed green beans or crisp roasted Brussels sprouts.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family meals, place the patties on a platter with a ladle of gravy, surrounded by colorful veggies arranged artfully. Alternatively, serve the patties as open-faced “sandwiches” on thick slices of toasted bread for a fun twist that holds all that delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The patties remain tender, and the gravy tastes even more developed after a day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the patties and gravy separately in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave covered until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work similarly in this Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe, though the flavor might be a bit milder. Adjust seasoning to taste for best results.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before slow cooking?
Browning is highly recommended as it adds wonderful flavor and texture to the patties. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the final dish might lack some of the rich depth.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic that tangy umami kick nicely in your Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Double-check broth ingredients, too, for hidden gluten.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
The slow cooker does wonderful work here, but to be sure, the patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe turkey consumption. Using a meat thermometer gives you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate — flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting solo meal, the tender turkey patties bathed in rich mushroom gravy will quickly become a go-to favorite. Don’t wait to try it; your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak recipe offers a delicious, tender twist on a classic comfort dish. Ground turkey patties are seasoned and browned before being simmered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy in the slow cooker, providing a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. The slow cooking method ensures juicy, flavorful patties and rich gravy, ideal to serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Patties
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy and Slow Cooker
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups beef or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined to ensure the patties hold together but remain tender.
- Shape the patties: Form the meat mixture into 6 evenly sized oval patties to ensure uniform cooking.
- Brown the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each patty for 2–3 minutes on each side to develop flavor and seal in juices.
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker as a flavorful bed for the patties.
- Add patties to slow cooker: Place the browned turkey patties on top of the onions and mushrooms, spacing them evenly.
- Pour broth and slow cook: Pour the beef or turkey broth over the patties. Cover, then cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the turkey to become tender.
- Make the gravy thicker: Remove the patties temporarily. Stir together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then mix into the slow cooker liquid. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until the gravy thickens nicely.
- Coat patties with gravy: Return the turkey patties to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened gravy over them to coat evenly and keep them moist.
- Serve: Serve the turkey Salisbury steaks hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the turkey mixture.
- Browning the patties before slow cooking improves the texture and adds depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free dish, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt content.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
