Instructions:
1. Prepare Salisbury Steak Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Brown the Patties (Optional Step):
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Brown the Salisbury steak patties on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, to add flavor. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a bed for the patties.
- Arrange the browned or uncooked Salisbury steak patties on top of the onions.
4. Make the Mushroom Gravy:
- In a bowl, mix together beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the Salisbury steak patties in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced mushrooms on top of the patties and gravy.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Alternatively, cook on high heat for 2-3 hours for a faster cooking time.
6. Thicken the Gravy (Optional Step):
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the gravy in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the Salisbury steak patties are cooked and the gravy is thickened (if using cornstarch), carefully remove them from the slow cooker.
- Serve the patties hot with a generous spoonful of mushroom gravy over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips for Success:
- Ground Beef Choice: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish.
- Browning Patties: While optional, browning the patties before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor.
- Mushroom Variations: Feel free to use different types of mushrooms or add extra herbs for flavor variations.
- Thickening Gravy: Cornstarch slurry helps thicken the gravy, but it's optional based on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Salisbury steak patties and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.