If you love classic comfort food that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe will become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy homemade beef patties simmer low and slow in a rich onion-mushroom gravy until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and a guaranteed family pleaser.
Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a hearty dinner with minimal effort, this slow cooker version delivers all the flavor of traditional skillet Salisbury steak—with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe
- Easy dump-and-go recipe with only a few minutes of prep.
- Budget-friendly—made with ground beef and pantry ingredients.
- Tender and flavorful—slow cooking creates the perfect texture.
- Homemade gravy without packaged mixes.
- Family-friendly comfort food that pairs with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salisbury Steak Patties
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
1. Prepare the Beef Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 6–8 oval patties.
2. Brown the Patties (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet with a little oil and sear each patty for 1–2 minutes per side. This helps them hold shape and adds extra flavor.
If you’re in a rush, you can skip browning.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onions and mushrooms on the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the browned patties on top.
4. Make the Gravy Base
Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the patties.
5. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until patties are cooked through and tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. Cook an additional 15–20 minutes to thicken.
7. Serve
Serve the Salisbury steaks with the rich, savory gravy spooned on top.
Recommended Side Dishes
These slow cooker Salisbury steaks pair perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Rice or buttered herb rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Tips for the Best Salisbury Steaks
- Don’t overmix the meat—it keeps patties tender.
- Browning adds flavor, but the recipe works without it.
- Add extra onions and mushrooms for a richer gravy.
- Use leaner ground beef to avoid greasy gravy (85/15 is ideal).
- Double the gravy if serving with mashed potatoes or rice.
Recipe Variations
Mushroom Lover’s Version
Use 2–3 cups sliced mushrooms for an extra hearty gravy.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and choose a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Turkey Salisbury Steaks
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked patties with gravy for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe is a true comfort-food classic made effortless. With homemade patties, savory gravy, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for busy days or cozy dinners at home. Just mix, set, and forget—your slow cooker handles the rest!