Remember those classic Salisbury steak TV dinners from childhood? Now imagine that same nostalgic, savory flavor transformed into a wholesome, low-carb masterpiece. This Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak delivers all the comfort without the guilt—tender beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
The slow cooker works its magic, turning simple ground beef into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth patties bathed in a velvety sauce. Every bite is packed with savory umami flavor from mushrooms, Worcestershire, and caramelized beef. Best of all, it’s completely keto-friendly, proving that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing the comfort foods you crave.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
This recipe captures that nostalgic Salisbury steak flavor you remember but makes it wholesome, homemade, and infinitely better than any frozen dinner. The taste transports you back while the quality ingredients keep you firmly in the present. It’s familiar comfort food elevated to restaurant quality.
By using almond flour as a binder instead of breadcrumbs, we’ve created one of the best crockpot recipes healthy options around. You’re getting all the satisfaction of traditional Salisbury steak with just a fraction of the carbs. Each serving keeps you in ketosis while delivering massive flavor.
The slow cooking method keeps the ground beef incredibly juicy and tender. Unlike pan-frying where patties can dry out or become tough, the gentle, moist heat of the crockpot ensures every bite is succulent. The patties practically fall apart on your fork, soaking up all that gorgeous mushroom gravy.
Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak Ingredients
Ground beef is your protein foundation—use 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. The fat content is crucial for keeping patties juicy during the long cooking time. Leaner beef will result in dry, crumbly steaks, so don’t skimp on the fat here.
Almond flour replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep this completely keto-friendly. It binds the patties together while adding a subtle nutty flavor and keeping the carb count low. You’ll need about 1/3 cup along with one egg to create the perfect texture.
Mushrooms are essential for that classic Salisbury steak experience. Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms add earthy depth and help create that thick, restaurant-style gravy. They release moisture during cooking, which mingles beautifully with the beef drippings.
Beef broth forms the base of your gravy—use low-sodium so you can control the salt level. Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste are the secret flavor boosters that give these patties that distinctive “steak” taste. The Worcestershire adds tangy umami complexity while the tomato paste provides body and subtle sweetness.
How to Make Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
1. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with almond flour, one beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Don’t overmix or your patties will be dense. Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties about 3/4-inch thick, mimicking traditional Salisbury steak shape.
2. Brown the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Quickly sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side—you’re not cooking them through, just creating a golden crust that helps them hold their shape. This step is crucial for preventing them from falling apart.
3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned patties to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Top with sliced mushrooms, distributing them evenly over and around the patties.
4. Make the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until completely smooth. Pour this flavorful mixture over the steaks and mushrooms, ensuring everything is well-coated.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours. The patties should be cooked through and incredibly tender. If you want a thicker gravy, whisk in 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum during the last 30 minutes and stir gently to combine.
Tips for the Best Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Don’t skip the browning step! If you put raw patties directly into the slow cooker, they’re likely to break apart and crumble into the gravy. That quick sear creates a protective “crust” that helps the patties maintain their shape and adds incredible caramelized flavor.
Be gentle when stirring and serving. These patties are incredibly tender after slow cooking, which is wonderful for eating but means they can crumble if handled roughly. Use a large spatula to lift them out carefully, supporting from underneath.
Keto gravy won’t thicken naturally like flour-based gravy. Xanthan gum is your secret weapon here—just a tiny amount (1/4 teaspoon) will transform thin cooking liquid into luxuriously thick, glossy gravy. Add it slowly while whisking to avoid clumps.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking with the lid off. This allows the gravy to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle, resulting in better texture and taste.
Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak Variations
Want a lighter option? Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version of crockpot recipes ground beef classics. Turkey works beautifully here, though you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture since turkey is naturally leaner. The mushroom gravy keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Add sliced onions along with the mushrooms for a French Onion-inspired variation. The onions caramelize during slow cooking, adding sweet depth that pairs beautifully with the savory beef. This creates an even richer, more complex gravy.
Make it cheesy by topping each patty with a slice of provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese right before serving. Let it melt over the hot steak for an indulgent twist. This adds extra protein and fat—perfect for keto macros.
For crockpot recipes healthy meal prep, make a double batch and freeze individual portions. These reheat beautifully and make fantastic grab-and-go lunches. You could also try ground chicken for variety, or add chopped bell peppers for extra vegetables and color.
What to Serve with Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Mashed cauliflower is the ultimate keto staple and the perfect partner for this dish. The creamy, buttery cauliflower mash soaks up all that gorgeous mushroom gravy just like traditional mashed potatoes would. Add cream cheese and butter for extra richness.
Steamed green beans with butter and garlic provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich patties. Their slight crunch and bright color balance the meal beautifully. You could also try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for variety.
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) make another excellent low-carb side. Sauté them quickly in butter or olive oil until just tender, then pile the Salisbury steak and gravy right on top. It’s like a keto-friendly stroganoff that’s absolutely incredible.
Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak FAQs
Is Worcestershire sauce keto-friendly?
In the small amounts used in this recipe, yes! While Worcestershire does contain some sugar, you’re only using 1-2 tablespoons for the entire recipe, which breaks down to minimal carbs per serving. The depth of flavor it adds is absolutely essential and worth the trace carbs.
Can I use crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour?
Absolutely! Crushed pork rinds work fantastically as a zero-carb binder alternative. Use about 1/2 cup finely crushed pork rinds in place of the almond flour. They add a savory depth and create wonderfully tender patties.
Can I make this in the oven instead of using the crockpot recipes slowcooker method?
Yes, you can! After browning the patties, place them in a baking dish with the mushrooms and gravy. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. It’s faster but you’ll miss out on that ultra-tender slow-cooked texture.
Final Thoughts on Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
This Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak proves beyond any doubt that you don’t have to give up comfort food to eat healthy and stay in ketosis. It’s savory, saucy, and totally satisfying—everything you want from classic comfort food without derailing your low-carb lifestyle.
Whether you’re fully committed to keto or just looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor, this recipe delivers. The combination of juicy beef patties and that rich mushroom gravy is absolutely crave-worthy. Make this for your family tonight and watch even the non-keto eaters go back for seconds. This is one of those crockpot recipes that’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation—guaranteed!
Keto Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 0.33 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Mix beef, almond flour, egg, and seasonings; form patties.
- Brown patties briefly and transfer to slow cooker.
- Top with mushrooms.
- Whisk broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and mustard; pour over.
- Cook on Low 4–5 hours until tender.