Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Made with tender ground turkey patties simmered slowly in a luscious mushroom and onion gravy, it strikes the perfect balance between wholesome goodness and savory satisfaction. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. I can’t wait to walk you through making this family-friendly classic with a healthy twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color to this dish. Fresh onions and mushrooms add earthiness and sweetness, while ground turkey ensures a lean protein base that stays juicy throughout the slow cooking process.

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey: The star protein that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Binds the patties and adds a tender, soft texture.
• 1 large egg: Helps hold everything together without making it dense.
• 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Infuses subtle, sweet sharpness directly into the patties.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of warm, savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a slight tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A mild heat that balances the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the patties beautifully.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: Layers at the bottom of the slow cooker for sweetness and texture.
• 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness and rich flavor to the gravy.
• 1 1/2 cups beef or turkey broth: The flavorful liquid that creates the luscious gravy.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the gravy for that perfect coating on the steaks.
• 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to form a smooth slurry for thickening.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients

Start by combining ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix these just until combined—overmixing can make the patties tough. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of your Salisbury steak.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Form the mixture into six oval-shaped patties. The shape helps them cook evenly and makes for that classic Salisbury steak appearance. Plus, it’s fun and satisfying to get your hands a little messy in this step!

Step 3: Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown each patty for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in flavor and gives a lovely caramelized crust that adds texture contrast once slow-cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker. These veggies will slowly cook down and release their natural sweetness, creating a savory, aromatic bed for the patties.

Step 5: Add Patties and Broth

Place the browned patties gently on top of the mushrooms and onions, then pour the broth evenly over everything. The broth serves as the cooking liquid that keeps the patties moist while turning into a rich gravy.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for about 3 hours. This slow simmer melds all the flavors and transforms the patties into tender, juicy Salisbury steaks.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy

Once the patties are cooked, carefully remove them and set aside. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker liquid. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens beautifully.

Step 8: Coat Patties with Gravy

Return the patties to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened gravy over them. Let them soak up all that savory goodness for a few minutes before serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

This Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is ready to be plated! Follow along to discover some fabulous serving ideas below.

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a pop of green and fresh aroma just before serving. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top also gives a subtle boost to the flavor and makes the dish look invitingly rustic.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice to catch every drop of that mouthwatering gravy. For a lighter option, roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed green beans add color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Salisbury steak on open-faced toasted bread for a fun twist on a sandwich-style dinner. Alternatively, pile the patties and gravy over a baked sweet potato for a colorful and nutritious meal. No matter how you choose to present it, this dish makes for a cozy, satisfying plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next-day meal even better.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover patties and gravy separately or together. Wrap the patties tightly and store the gravy in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore the gravy’s luscious texture if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef will give a richer flavor, but the turkey version is lighter and still delicious. You can even combine both if you want the best of both worlds.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe in a covered oven-safe dish, cooking at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the patties are cooked through and tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. This adaptation keeps all the flavor without the gluten.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You could try using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but it’s a fun twist to experiment with.

What’s the best way to get the gravy extra thick?

If you like thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons and mix with a bit more water, cooking a little longer on high until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Slow-Cooked Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort dish with a wholesome, lean twist. It’s hands-off enough to free you from the kitchen, yet rewarding enough to fill your home with irresistible aromas. Give it a try—you might just discover a new family favorite that’s hearty, healthy, and downright soulful!

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