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Slow Cooker French Onion Salisbury Steaks

Slow Cooker French Onion Salisbury Steaks - featured image

Juicy beef patties slow-cooked with caramelized onions and rich beef gravy, topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese. This easy crockpot dinner is pure comfort food and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko, Italian, or any type)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 46 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese (about 4oz, enough to cover each steak)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 4-6 oval-shaped patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high, add a drizzle of oil, and sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until golden (they do not need to be cooked through).
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes until onions are soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer half the onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place browned patties on top. Scatter the rest of the onions over the patties.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and oregano. Pour over the onions and patties in the slow cooker.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2-3 hours, until patties are tender and onions are soft.
  9. In the last 15 minutes, lay slices of cheese over each patty. Cover and let melt. For a bubbly top, broil the finished steaks for 2-3 minutes if your insert is oven-safe.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve steaks and onions with plenty of gravy.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the patties before slow cooking and take time to caramelize the onions. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter meal. Add mushrooms for extra umami. If gravy is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, crockpot, French onion, Salisbury steak, beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy, gravy, meal prep