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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe

4.6 from 405 reviews

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe features tender ground beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, enhanced with savory herbs and tender onions and mushrooms. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal, it’s easy to prepare and gives you flavorful, juicy steaks with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patties

  • 1 lb. ground beef (7% fat)
  • ½ cup crushed crackers (Ritz or saltines recommended)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • ⅛ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil (for browning the patties)

For the Gravy

  • 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup (roasted garlic variety preferred)
  • 1.74 oz. brown gravy mix (two 0.87-oz. packets)
  • 1¼ cup water
  • ½ tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 white onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties and set aside.
  2. Make the Gravy Mixture: In another large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix packets, water, and dried thyme until you achieve a smooth consistency. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Brown the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom. Once hot, add the prepared patties and brown them on both sides. The goal is to get a nice sear, but the patties do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
  4. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place half of the sliced mushrooms and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the browned patties on top of this layer. Then add the remaining onions and mushrooms over the patties. Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over everything.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4.5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and moisture.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, serve the Salisbury steaks hot with the mushroom and onion gravy spooned over the top. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!

Notes

  • Use crushed crackers as a binder in the patties; Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor, while saltines provide a more neutral taste.
  • Browning the patties before slow cooking seals in flavor but can be skipped if short on time; however, the flavor may be less rich.
  • Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming and tenderness.
  • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Salisbury steak, slow cooker recipe, ground beef patties, mushroom gravy, comfort food