Introduction

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that combines flavorful beef patties with a savory mushroom gravy. This crockpot version makes it easy to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

A close-up image of a thick, round meat patty covered in creamy, light brown mushroom sauce with visible small pieces of mushrooms on top and around it. The patty is held by a white utensil above a black slow cooker filled with more patties in the same creamy mushroom sauce. In the soft-focused background, there is some green leafy decor and a white container with a light brown wooden lid on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef
½ cup Italian style bread crumbs
¼ cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
4 oz sliced mushrooms
1 onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups beef broth
10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 oz beefy onion soup mix

Instructions

Step 1: Add the sliced onions, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then form into 8 evenly sized patties.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3–4 minutes each. The patties don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and beefy onion soup mix until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the patties in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Before serving, spoon the rich mushroom gravy over the patties for an extra comforting touch.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) 30 minutes before serving and cook until thickened.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the beef mixture for added flavor.
Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of onion for a different twist on the gravy.
Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the gravy’s texture. For longer storage, freeze the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate on a white marbled texture with three main parts. On the left side, there is a layer of creamy white mashed potatoes. On top of the potatoes, there are two brown, grilled Salisbury steak patties covered with a thick, glossy brown mushroom gravy that includes visible mushroom slices and onions. On the right side of the plate, there is a neat pile of fresh, bright green steamed green beans. The plate is placed on a blue and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the patties before using the slow cooker?

While you can place the patties directly into the slow cooker, browning them first adds extra flavor and improves the texture of the meat. It’s worth the extra step if you have time.

What can I use instead of Italian style bread crumbs?

If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs or crushed crackers work well. You can also use oats for a slightly different texture.