Name: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp oil (for browning); 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini); 1 small onion, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is one of my favorite comfort food meals—juicy beef patties simmered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy until they’re fork-tender. I love how this dish turns simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying dinner with barely any hands-on time. It’s cozy, classic, and perfect over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy—everything goes into the slow cooker and comes out tasting like I spent hours in the kitchen. The beef patties soak up the flavorful gravy as they cook low and slow, making each bite tender and deeply seasoned. It’s great for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd, and it’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Bread crumbs
Egg
Onion (finely chopped for patties, sliced for gravy)
Garlic (minced)
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper
Sliced mushrooms
Beef broth
Cornstarch
Water
Ketchup (optional, for extra richness)
Olive oil (for browning the patties)

Directions

I start by mixing the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined.
I form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
I heat a little oil in a skillet and brown the patties for 2–3 minutes on each side—just enough to get some color. (This step adds flavor and helps them hold together in the slow cooker.)
I place the browned patties in the bottom of the slow cooker.
I layer sliced onions and mushrooms over the top.
In a small bowl, I whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup (if using), then pour the mixture over everything.
I cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, I mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
I serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and spoon that rich gravy over everything.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: about 5½–6½ hours

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist. I’ve also added chopped fresh parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for an herby boost. If I want a richer gravy, I stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end. And if I’m in a rush, I skip browning the patties and let the slow cooker do all the work—it still turns out delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day. I reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well—I cool the patties and gravy completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

FAQs

Can I skip browning the patties?

Yes, I can skip it to save time, but I prefer browning them first because it adds a lot of flavor and helps the patties hold their shape.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

I usually use white or cremini mushrooms, but any variety works. If I don’t like mushrooms, I just leave them out—the dish still tastes great.

Can I use store-bought gravy?

If I’m in a pinch, yes. I’ve used store-bought brown gravy as a shortcut, but I still like to enhance it with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a splash of Worcestershire.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

I make sure not to overmix the meat and I brown them before adding to the slow cooker. Chilling the patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking also helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I’ve doubled the patties and gravy with no problem. I just make sure to layer the patties with the onions and mushrooms evenly and check for doneness at the end.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is the kind of meal that fills my house with mouthwatering smells and delivers pure comfort in every bite. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy days when I want dinner ready with minimal effort. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or Sunday dinner, this classic dish always earns a spot at my table.