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.

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

• 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

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.

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!

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.

Recipe FAQs

More Crockpot Beef Recipes

Easy and comforting Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Crockpot Cube Steak offer classic comfort with tender meat simmered in rich brown gravy—perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles.​

For hearty one-pot meals, Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn and Hamburger Hash combine meat, potatoes, and vegetables for satisfying dinners.​

Slow Cooker Beef Tips provide tender beef in savory gravy, ideal over rice or pasta.​