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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks

slow cooker Salisbury steaks - featured image

This easy slow cooker Salisbury steaks recipe features juicy beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom onion gravy. It’s a comforting, hands-off crockpot dinner perfect for busy families and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
  3. Optional: Brown the patties in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
  4. Place half of the sliced mushrooms and half of the sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Arrange the patties in a single layer over the veggies. Top with the remaining mushrooms and onions.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the gravy mixture over the patties and veggies.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours), until the patties are cooked through and tender.
  8. About 15 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, replace the lid, and let the gravy thicken for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Carefully lift the Salisbury steaks out with a spatula and spoon the mushroom onion gravy over the top. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your Worcestershire sauce. Browning the patties before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Let the gravy thicken fully before serving for best texture. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak, crockpot, beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, mushroom gravy, classic, American