Some recipes have a nostalgic quality. Salisbury steak is definitely one of them.
For many of us, it’s a dish that once came in a TV dinner tray, sliced beef in brown gravy beside a side of mashed potatoes. But when you make it at home using the slow cooker, this classic comfort meal transforms into something seriously crave-worthy.
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe leans into all the cozy elements, think fork-tender beef patties, velvety mushroom and onion gravy, and nope, no oven required. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a deep, rich meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but hearty enough for Sunday dinner.
What Is Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is a retro-style dish made from seasoned ground beef patties, usually seared, then simmered in a rich brown gravy. The name sounds fancy, but it’s really just glorified hamburger steaks in a hearty sauce, no steak required!
In this slow cooker version, the patties are layered with fresh mushrooms and onions in a savory gravy made from beef broth, brown gravy mix, Dijon, and ketchup. As it cooks low and slow, the flavors deepen and the patties become incredibly tender.
Unlike Swiss steak, which uses actual cuts of beef and a tomato-rich sauce, Salisbury steak is all about beef patties and brown gravy. It’s served hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and it’s 100% comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
There are so many reasons to love this dish, but let’s start with convenience. The slow cooker minimizes your time in the kitchen without skimping on soul-satisfying results. The prep is straightforward, and the results are always consistent.
Homemade beef patties made with panko, milk, garlic, and onion create a juicy base, while the gravy is so flavorful it nearly begs for a mound of mashed potatoes underneath. And yes, it smells amazing while cooking.
I’ve made versions of this dish with turkey, pre-made patties, and even meatball shapes for kids. It’s always a hit. It freezes well, reheats like a dream, and makes dinner feel just a bit more special, even when your day has been anything but.
Why You Can Trust This Recipe
As a registered dietitian and a home cook focused on real-life, budget-friendly meals, I test every recipe for consistency, practical ingredients, and most importantly, flavor. This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe has been kitchen-tested across dietary swaps, prep variations, and freezer sessions.
The gravy was designed to work even with pantry ingredients, and the beef patties use lean meat but manage to stay moist thanks to the small ratios of milk, egg yolk, and panko.
This isn’t an over-the-top version, it’s the one you’ll actually use, love, and share with friends who ask, “How did you make that gravy so good?”
The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
For the Beef Patties
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy & Slow Cooker Assembly
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1½ cups beef broth (or low-sodium version)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 ounce)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water (cold—for thickening slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Beef Patties
In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, egg yolk, minced onion, panko, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Don’t overmix, use your hands or a fork gently.
Form mixture into 6 equal-sized oval patties, about ½-inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Searing is optional, but it’s recommended for deeper flavor and better structure. Heat a large skillet on medium-high, add a touch of oil, and brown each patty for about 3 minutes per side.
This step locks in moisture and helps prevent the patties from falling apart while slow cooking.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer.
Place browned beef patties over the vegetables.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Gravy mix packet
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Parsley
Pour this over the patties in the slow cooker. The patties should be mostly covered. If needed, add an extra splash of broth or water.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, retain that heat!
The low-and-slow cooking method will make the patties juicy and allow the gravy to seep into every bite.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
After 5 hours, carefully remove the patties and set them aside on a tray.
In a small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and stir in the slurry. Let the gravy cook uncovered for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Return beef patties to the thickened gravy and coat with sauce.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or cauliflower mash.
Optionally garnish with extra parsley before bringing the slow cooker right to the table.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy base.
- Make it ahead: Form and sear the patties up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to slow cook.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then store in a zip bag for future use.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip searing. It adds essential umami flavors and helps patties stay intact as they slow cook.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked patties and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Leftovers make incredible sandwiches—pile into a soft bun and top with tomato and mayo for a messy, delicious lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Make your slow cooker Salisbury steak a showstopper with these hearty sides:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, rich, and the classic pairing. Try garlic or chive mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Rice or Butter Noodles
Gravy soaks beautifully into rice or egg noodles. It’s simple and satisfying.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits are perfect for sopping up saucy bites. Bake fresh while the slow cooker finishes.
Roasted Veggies
Balance the richness with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Green Salad
A bright salad with vinaigrette cuts through the savory meat and sauce.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe?
Different Meats
- Ground turkey or chicken: Use same the measurements, but include a bit more seasoning and consider adding celery for moisture.
- Meatloaf mix (beef, pork, veal): Adds richness and tenderness.
Breadcrumbs
- Regular or Italian breadcrumbs: Can replace panko.
- Crushed oats or saltine crackers: In a pinch, they provide binding a texture.
Gravy Mix
- Homemade gravy: Use a blend of flour, butter, and broth if avoiding packets.
- Cream of mushroom soup: For a creamier twist (less traditional but still loved).
Mushroom Alternatives
- Skip mushrooms: For picky eaters or allergies. Use extra onions instead.
- Add sautéed carrots or leeks for sweetness and texture.
Grain-Free Options
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and arrowroot in place of cornstarch.
Conclusion
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is your weeknight secret weapon, effortless comfort food made with homey, real ingredients. With its tender seasoned patties, rich, slow-simmered gravy, and a handful of accessible pantry staples, it’s the kind of dinner that comforts, fills, and pleases everyone at the table.
There’s no fussing, no special equipment, just mix, sear, load, serve. Whether you dish it up with potatoes, biscuits, or buttered noodles, this is a meal to make again and again.
Cozy, classic, and always ready when you are, this Salisbury steak is slow cooker excellence at its finest.
You’ll also like the following Recipes!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe – Quick Simple Dishes
Description
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe brings tender homemade beef patties and rich brown gravy together in the easiest way possible. Made with sliced onions and mushrooms, a flavor-packed gravy mix, and pantry staples like Dijon and ketchup, this dish simmers into a savory, fork-tender meal everyone loves. Serve these steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for the ultimate comfort dinner—just set it and forget it.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
For the Gravy & Slow Cooker Assembly
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Beef Patties
In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, egg yolk, minced onion, panko, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Don’t overmix—use your hands or a fork gently.
Form mixture into 6 equal-sized oval patties, about ½-inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Searing is optional, but it’s recommended for deeper flavor and better structure. Heat a large skillet on medium-high, add a touch of oil, and brown each patty for about 3 minutes per side.
This step locks in moisture and helps prevent the patties from falling apart while slow cooking.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer.
Place browned beef patties over the vegetables.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Gravy mix packet
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Parsley
Pour this over the patties in the slow cooker. The patties should be mostly covered. If needed, add an extra splash of broth or water.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently—retain that heat!
The low-and-slow cooking method will make the patties juicy and allow the gravy to seep into every bite.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
After 5 hours, carefully remove the patties and set them aside on a tray.
In a small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and stir in the slurry. Let the gravy cook uncovered for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Return beef patties to the thickened gravy and coat with sauce.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or cauliflower mash.
Optionally garnish with extra parsley before bringing the slow cooker right to the table.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 217kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 103mg35%
- Sodium 412mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 27g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy base.
- Make it ahead: Form and sear the patties up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to slow cook.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then store in a zip bag for future use.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip searing. It adds essential umami flavors and helps patties stay intact as they slow cook.
