I love this recipe because it takes a nostalgic favorite and turns it into an easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal. The onion soup mix and beef broth create a savory gravy that’s packed with flavor, and the slow cooking keeps the patties moist and tender. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice—anything to soak up that rich gravy. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a family with just a few affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Patties In a large bowl, I mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the onion soup mix. I shape the mixture into 6–8 oval-shaped patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties (Optional but Recommended) For extra flavor and texture, I sear the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This step helps them hold together and adds a nice crust.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker I place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, then lay the beef patties on top.
Step 4: Make the Gravy In a bowl, I whisk the beef broth with the remaining onion soup mix. I pour this mixture over the patties and onions.
Step 5: Slow Cook I cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the patties are cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (Optional) If I want a thicker gravy, I stir together cornstarch and cold water, then pour it into the slow cooker. I let it cook on high for another 15–20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 7: Serve I serve the Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and spoon that savory onion gravy over everything.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes roughly 15 minutes of prep and 5–6 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high) in the slow cooker.
Variations
Mushroom Gravy: I add a can of sliced mushrooms or fresh mushrooms along with the onions for a richer sauce.
Spicy Twist: I mix in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Lean Option: I use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and low-sodium broth for a lighter version.
Cheesy Inside: I stuff a small cube of cheese inside each patty for a fun, melty center.
Extra Veggies: I add chopped carrots or green beans to the slow cooker for a full one-pot meal.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with some of the gravy. This dish also freezes beautifully—just cool completely, freeze in a sealed container, and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the patties first?
No, but I like to because it adds extra flavor and helps the patties stay together during slow cooking. Skipping it saves time, though, and the slow cooker will still do a great job.
Can I make this with frozen patties?
If I’m using store-bought frozen patties, I make sure to thaw them first. They work fine, but homemade ones have a better texture and flavor.
What should I serve this with?
Mashed potatoes are my favorite with this, but it’s also great over rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I’ve doubled it before. I just make sure to layer the patties and pour enough gravy over each layer. Cooking time may increase slightly.
How do I thicken the gravy?
I use a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water). I stir it in during the last 15–20 minutes on high until the gravy thickens.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is the kind of dish that fills my kitchen with amazing smells and brings comfort to the table every time. It’s a no-fuss, classic dinner that turns simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. Whether I’m feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s always a good choice.
This slow cooker Salisbury steak is the ultimate comfort food—tender beef patties simmered in a rich onion gravy. A classic, no-fuss dinner perfect for busy nights.
Author:Ella
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time:~5.5 hours (hands-off)
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner, Comfort Food
Method:Slow Cooker, Crockpot
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix (divided)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Make the Patties:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the onion soup mix. Mix until combined, then shape into 6–8 oval patties.
Brown the Patties (Optional):
For extra flavor, sear patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. (Skip if in a rush.)
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Add sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the beef patties over the onions.
Make the Gravy:
In a bowl, whisk the beef broth with the remaining onion soup mix. Pour the mixture over the patties.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until patties are cooked through and tender.
Thicken Gravy (Optional):
For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Serve:
Serve patties warm with gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Mushroom Version: Add fresh or canned mushrooms with the onions.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mix.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken and low-sodium broth.
Cheesy Surprise: Place a cube of cheese inside each patty before cooking.
One-Pot Meal: Add chopped carrots or green beans to the slow cooker for a full meal.
