If you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal with tender beef patties smothered in rich brown gravy, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is for you! This dish takes classic diner-style comfort food and makes it effortless in the slow cooker—no standing over the stove, just set it and forget it!
The best part? The ground beef patties soak up all the savory goodness while simmering in a delicious mushroom and onion gravy. It’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a warm and cozy meal the whole family will love.
What You’ll Need
For the Salisbury Steaks:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juicier steaks)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Pro Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak
- Brown the Patties First (Optional) – For extra flavor, quickly sear the patties in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms – They add the best texture and flavor to the gravy.
- Don’t Overmix the Beef – Gently combine the ingredients to keep the patties tender.
- Thicken the Gravy at the End – Mixing cornstarch with water and adding it in the last 30 minutes will make the gravy smooth and rich.
- Make It Ahead – The flavors get even better the next day, making this a great meal-prep dish!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker (4-6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet (optional, for browning patties)
Substitutions & Variations
- No Breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers or rolled oats.
- Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap cornstarch for flour.
- Dairy-Free? Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Low-Carb? Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Extra Veggies? Add chopped carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker for more nutrition.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
1. Make the Salisbury Steak Patties
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Shape into 6 oval patties.
2. Sear the Patties (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties for 2-3 minutes per side. This adds flavor but is optional.
3. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the patties on top.
4. Make the Gravy & Pour It Over
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Pour over the patties.
5. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 6-7 hours (best for tender patties)
- HIGH for 3-4 hours
6. Thicken the Gravy
In the last 30 minutes, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Let cook until the gravy thickens.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the Salisbury steaks over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, spooning extra gravy on top.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Enjoy & Share!
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food made easy! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! 🍽️✨
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