Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak


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Cooking Salisbury steak in the crock pot creates a tender dish that has plenty of onion and mushroom gravy. It goes great with mashed potatoes and is sure to become a family favorite.

We love classic recipes like this one in the slow cooker. We also make slow cooker tater tot casserole and hot roast beef sandwiches often.

Salisbury steak patties in a slow cooker with gravy, onions and mushrooms.
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Why this slow cooker salisbury steak recipe works

When you’re looking to switch things up from the traditional casserole dish, this classic recipe is one to try. It takes the guesswork out of what to put on the dinner table and thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a comfort food that doesn’t take much effort. If you don’t feel like making the hamburger patties, try my slow cooker cube steak recipe which has similar flavors.

Rich gravy is easily created from just a few ingredients while tender beef patties are first browned before being added into the crock pot. I love how this meal turns out and the flavors are delicious every time. The next time you’re looking for a new way to cook beef patties, try this version of crock pot hamburger steaks.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for salsibury steak on a table with text labels.
  • Ground Beef – I suggest using lean ground beef with no more than 7% fat. Although they are precooked a bit, this will still prevent from lots of fat getting into the overall casserole dish.
  • Crackers – Ritz or Saltines are fine to use in this salisbury steak recipe. This is the same crackers I use in my slow cooker meatloaf.
  • Egg – This is used to help bind the beef mixture together.
  • Milk – Just a bit of liquid to help keep the beef patties moist.
  • Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano are the perfect combination of seasonings for the Salisbury steaks.
  • Vegetables – Every delicious recipe for hamburger steak has mushrooms and onions.
  • Gravy – For a thick gravy I use cream of mushroom soup, gravy mix packets, and water (less than what the packages call for). I also add thyme for added flavor. Do not use beef broth for it will make the gravy too salty.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images showing how to make salisbury steak in a slow cooker.

Step One – In a large bowl add the hamburger patty ingredients, which are ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step Two – Mix together with clean hands and form the meat mixture into 4 patties.

Step Three – In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil and pan are hot add the patties, cook until golden brown on both sides. No need to let the patties cook through.

Step Four – In another large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, gravy packets, water and thyme until smooth to make brown gravy. Set aside.

Four more images showing how to finish making salisbury steak in a slow cooker.

Step Five – Add half of the sliced mushrooms and sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the patties on top.

Step Six – Add remaining onions and mushrooms on top of the ground beef patties.

Step Seven – Pour over the brown gravy mix.

Step Eight – Cover and cook on LOW for 4.5 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time. Serve and enjoy!

cooked salisbury steak in a slow cooker with a spoon in it.

What goes well with this Crockpot Salisbury Steak recipe?

  • For a comfort food like this, you can’t go wrong with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, steamed white rice or buttered egg noodles (all these options are great for serving that onion gravy over). Another option is slow cooker macaroni and cheese.
  • For a lighter option, consider steamed broccoli, green beans, sauteed carrots, or a fresh side salad.
  • Buttered dinner rolls, cornbread, or regular sandwich bread make great gravy dippers.
Plate of Salisbury steak over mashed potatoes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes! Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef and also change the gravy packets to chicken or turkey.

Is it best to use fresh mushrooms in this recipe?

Yes. I recommend buying them fresh either whole and you slice them or you can purchase fresh mushrooms pre-sliced or use canned mushrooms if that’s what you prefer.

Should I make a cornstarch slurry?

The gravy ingredients will be enough to create a nice and rich gravy. Though, if for some reason your gravy isn’t not thick enough to your liking you can make a cornstarch slurry, add it to the gravy and cook for 20-30 minutes longer.

How do I store leftovers?

Place any remaining Salisbury steak patties, mushrooms and onions in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I use if I don’t have crackers?

You can use panko breadcrumbs instead or store-bought premade bread crumbs.

salisbury steak on a plate over mashed potatoes.

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salsibury steak patties in a slow cooker with gravy and onions.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

4.61 from 23 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Tender homemade beef patties in an onion gravy. Great with mashed potatoes.

Ingredients 
 

For the patties

  • 1 lb. ground beef, 7% fat
  • ½ cup crushed crackers, I use Ritz, but saltines work great too
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil, (for browning the patties)

For the gravy mixture

  • 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup, I use roasted garlic variety
  • 1.74 oz. brown gravy mix, (two .87-oz. packets)
  • cup water
  • ½ tsp. dried thyme

Veggies:

  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 white onion, sliced

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl add the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Mix together with clean hands, don’t over mix. Form the meat into 4 patties. Set aside.
  • In another large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, gravy packets, water and thyme until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil and pan are hot add the patties, brown on both sides. No need to cook through.
  • Add half of the mushrooms and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the patties on top. Add remaining onions and mushrooms on top of the patties. Pour over gravy mixture.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4.5 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Serve and enjoy!

How to Video

Sarah’s Notes

  • You can use ground chicken or ground turkey. If you choose to change the meat, change the gravy packet flavor as well
  • If you do not have Ritz crackers you can use crushed saltines, panko bread crumbs or classic dry bread crumbs.
  • My favorite sides for Salisbury steak are mashed potatoes, steamed rice or buttered egg noodles. Other sides in addition that great great are green salad and cornbread

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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134 Comments

  1. Carolyn Whitetail says:

    What could I use in the place of the mushrooms . I am allergic to Mushrooms. Please help. As I would love to make this for my family.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I made this it was very good. Just wondering how to thicken the sauce

    1. Lora says:

      I keep corn starch on hand all the time. A bit disolved in water and whisk into any sauce will thicken it as you let it cook a few minutes. With a dish like this you might pull off sauce and put in a saucepan on stovetop to cook with the corn starch. Once thickened pour it back into crock pot

  3. Mari says:

    5 stars
    These look good and I have all the ingredients. It will be a wonderful change of pace for the family. Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I always loved these, but havenโ€™t had them in years. These are a five star recipe for sure. Iโ€™m making them tomorrow.

  4. Irem Gannon says:

    Is it possible to use a soup other than cream of mushroom? We are not big mushroom fans at our house. I saw that you could substitute celery soup but that is also not a big hit. Any other suggestions?

    1. Tina Weido says:

      I use cream of chicken and it tastes great.

  5. Melissa says:

    5 stars
    Iโ€™ve made this a few times, so easy & delicious. Iโ€™ll have to double it though, Iโ€™d like to have leftovers. You donโ€™t think I should extend the cooking time? Iโ€™ll just put it in at noon & that way if I need to I can add additional time. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe.

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I think the same amount of time will Work fine.

  6. Patricia Williams says:

    Your recipe sounds delicious. I am dear going to make this recipe will let you know when I make it.

  7. Andrea says:

    Could I cook it on high?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, about 3 hours would be perfect.

  8. Suzie says:

    Can I double the recipe in the same crockpot?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes! should do just fine.

  9. Arshi Gupta says:

    Ma’am, I love your recipes so much.

  10. Cindy Adams Phelps says:

    Excellent will surely make it again.