Hearty, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday suppers. Tender beef patties soak up a deeply savory mushroom and onion gravy while simmering low and slow, making every bite rich, juicy, and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this recipe brings nostalgia and warmth to your table, all with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe truly special is its combination of classic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor and texture. Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary, making this a go-to dish whenever you crave homecooked goodness.

Baby Portabello Mushrooms: Sliced and simmered, these give the gravy a rich, earthy undertone and add a meaty texture.
Onion: Thinly sliced onions melt into the sauce, offering subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show—look for lean beef to keep patties juicy without being greasy.
Steak Seasoning: A bold blend that infuses the beef with instant flavor, no extra spices needed.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami punch that gives the gravy a signature Salisbury kick.
Dried Onion Flakes: Double up on the onion flavor without any extra chopping—these bring savory notes to the patties.
Dried Parsley: Freshens up the mixture and adds a welcome splash of color.
Breadcrumbs: Bind the patties and keep them wonderfully tender—plain or Italian, both work beautifully.
Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the patties together for perfect shaping and texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to luscious perfection, making it cling to every forkful.
Beef Broth: The savory backbone of the sauce, enveloping the steaks with deep flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the taste of the gravy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying your large, 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup so much easier. Arrange the sliced mushrooms and onions in an even layer on the bottom—these will create a flavorful bed for the beef patties, infusing them with aromatic goodness as they cook.

Step 2: Mix the Beef Patties

Grab a large bowl and combine the lean ground beef, steak seasoning, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands (or a spoon) until everything is well incorporated, but try not to over mix, which can make the patties tough.

Step 3: Shape and Arrange

Divide the beef mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Form each portion into an oval-shaped patty, pressing them out fairly thin so they cook evenly and soak up plenty of gravy. Arrange the patties in a single layer on top of the mushrooms and onions—don’t stack!

Step 4: Make the Gravy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and black pepper until smooth and lump-free. This gravy will thicken beautifully and add irresistible flavor. Pour the prepared mixture evenly over the patties, making sure all the meat is bathed in the liquid.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on high for 4 hours. As it simmers, the beef patties will soak up all those delicious juices, while the mushrooms and onions meld into the gravy, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

When the cook time is up, carefully transfer the Salisbury steaks to a plate. In a small bowl, stir together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the gravy inside the slow cooker, then let it cook for a few minutes until thickened and glossy.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Return the Salisbury steaks to the slow cooker just long enough to coat them with that silky mushroom-onion gravy. Spoon generously over the beef patties and serve hot over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a bright pop of color and an herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a dollop of sour cream on the side can add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles are absolute winners, thoroughly soaking up the savory mushroom-onion gravy. For a lighter pairing, steamed green beans, garlicky sautéed spinach, or roasted carrots add freshness and color to the plate, balancing the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try serving your Salisbury steak with the gravy atop toasted sourdough or split buttermilk biscuits for an open-faced sandwich twist. Or make sliders for a fun party platter—simply shape smaller patties and nestle them between soft dinner rolls with a drizzle of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Salisbury steaks can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and develop overnight, making them just as, if not more, delicious the next day.

Freezing

The Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe freezes wonderfully! Place cooled patties and gravy in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the steaks and gravy in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce to prevent hot spots. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a lighter variation. Just be sure to use breadcrumbs and an egg to keep the patties moist and tender, as poultry tends to be leaner than beef.

Do I need to brown the patties before adding to the slow cooker?

No browning required! Part of the magic of the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe is its simplicity—just shape, assemble, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The patties come out juicy and full of flavor without the fuss of searing.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! While mushrooms and onions are classic, you can toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even peas during the last hour of cooking for added color, texture, and nutrition.

What if my gravy is too thin or too thick?

If your gravy needs to be thicker, just mix a bit more cornstarch with water and stir it in. To thin it out, simply add an extra splash of beef broth until it’s just the right consistency for your preference.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. The cornstarch thickener is naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe is a time-saving, flavor-packed dinner you’ll crave again and again. It’s one of those rare dishes where each bite feels like a hug from home. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and make some delicious memories around the table!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Salisbury steaks with this easy slow cooker recipe. Juicy ground beef patties are smothered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy, perfect for a hearty meal.

Instructions

Spray Slow Cooker: Spray a large, 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray. Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the bottom.
Prepare Beef Mixture: Combine ground beef, steak seasoning, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well. Form mixture into 4-6 oval patties and place in the slow cooker.
Mix Broth Mixture: Whisk together beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and black pepper. Pour over beef patties in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
Thicken Gravy: Remove cooked steaks. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the gravy in the slow cooker. Cook until thickened.
Serve: Serve Salisbury steaks with mushroom and onion gravy over noodles or mashed potatoes.

Notes

You can customize the seasoning of the beef patties to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or peas to the gravy for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American