Introduction
Looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug? This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food — juicy, seasoned beef patties slow-cooked in a savory mushroom-onion gravy. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with mouthwatering aroma and the kind of flavor that reminds you why slow-cooked food is worth the wait.
Why I Love This Recipe
Salisbury steak is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style, but making it in the slow cooker makes everything even easier — no constant watching, no dry patties, and the gravy practically makes itself. It’s rich, beefy, slightly tangy from the mustard and ketchup, and packed with earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward meal I’ll gladly make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Swaps & Notes
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs: Sub with crushed crackers or oats if needed.
- Gravy Mix: Use homemade or low-sodium to control salt levels.
- Mushroom-Free? Simply omit, or replace with extra onions or bell peppers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix and Form Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, minced onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Form into 4 oval patties.
2. Brown the Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown each patty on both sides — just enough to develop a crust. (Don’t cook through.)
3. Layer the Slow Cooker
Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place patties on top.
4. Make the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this over the patties in the slow cooker.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours. The beef will be tender and the gravy flavorful.
6. Thicken the Gravy
In the last 30 minutes, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the thickened gravy over each patty and serve hot!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the browning — it locks in flavor and gives the patties great texture.
- Layer the onions and mushrooms on the bottom so they soak up the juices.
- Use lean beef to avoid excess grease in the slow cooker.
- Add peas or carrots toward the end for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is perfect with classic sides like:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans or peas
Or try these from the ChefManiac kitchen:
- Pair with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a Southern combo.
- Add a crispy side like Beer Cheese Dip with toasted bread or fries.
- For something unexpected, round out your meal with Sheet Pan Quesadillas on the side.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze patties and gravy separately up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more comfort food classics?
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe is everything you want in a comfort food classic — juicy, flavorful beef patties swimming in a rich mushroom onion gravy. It’s simple enough for weeknights and cozy enough for Sunday supper. Set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that feels like home.
Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Tag @ChefManiac and follow for more comfort food made simple. 🥩🍄🍽️
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