Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is a comforting classic that’s simple to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors. Tender beef patties simmered in a mushroom gravy make for a hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or low sodium beef broth)
- 1 ounce brown gravy mix (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sliced mushrooms and onions in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg yolk, minced onion, Panko bread crumbs, milk, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined and form the mixture into 6 even patties.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties for about 3 minutes on each side. This helps seal in the flavor before slow cooking.
- Step 4: Layer the browned beef patties over the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Pour this mixture over the patties in the slow cooker.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Step 7: When cooking time is complete, carefully remove the patties and set them aside on a plate.
- Step 8: Turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this slurry into the cooking liquid and cook for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Step 9: Return the beef patties to the slow cooker and coat them well with the thickened gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mixture.
- Use fresh parsley if possible for a brighter taste; dried works well in a pinch.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, stirring the gravy to keep it smooth. You can also freeze the patties and gravy for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for Salisbury steak?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be substituted, but keep in mind the cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before slow cooking?
Browning the patties adds a richer flavor and better texture, but you can skip this step if short on time. The slow cooker will still tenderize the meat, though the taste may be less caramelized.
Print
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe offers tender and flavorful beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that can be made ahead and left to cook slowly, resulting in juicy, savory steak with a thick, hearty sauce.
Ingredients
Sauce and Vegetables
- 6 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or low sodium beef broth)
- 1 ounce brown gravy mix (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Beef Patties
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Place the sliced mushrooms and yellow onions in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the patties.
- Make and brown beef patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef with egg yolk, minced onion, panko bread crumbs, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper; mix well, then form into 6 evenly sized patties. Brown the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes on each side to develop flavor and seal in juices.
- Assemble and cook in slow cooker: Layer the browned beef patties over the vegetables in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together beef broth, brown gravy mix, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Pour this sauce over the patties and cook on low heat for 5 hours to allow flavors to meld and patties to become tender.
- Remove patties: Once cooked, carefully remove the beef patties from the slow cooker and set them aside, leaving the liquid and vegetables in the cooker.
- Thicken the gravy: Turn the slow cooker heat to high. Mix the cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the cooking liquid. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and serve: Return the beef patties back into the thickened gravy, coat them well, and serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, brown the patties well to enhance flavor and texture before slow cooking.
- You can substitute low sodium beef broth to reduce salt content.
- Fresh parsley is preferred but dried parsley works well if fresh is unavailable.
- The gravy thickens better if cornstarch is mixed with cold water before adding to the hot liquid.
- Salisbury steak pairs excellently with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a classic comfort food dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salisbury Steak, Slow Cooker Recipe, Comfort Food, Beef Patties, Mushroom Gravy, Easy Dinner

