The Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that effortlessly brings everyone to the dinner table? These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks are your answer! Imagine tender, seasoned beef patties, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory brown gravy, ready to be served over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes or creamy noodles. It’s classic comfort food, elevated for modern busy lives, and guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a wholesome and delicious dinner can be a challenge. But what if you could have a mouth-watering meal waiting for you, practically hands-free? That’s the magic of this Crockpot Salisbury Steak recipe. It takes the stress out of weeknight cooking, allowing you to enjoy more precious moments with your loved ones.

If you’re constantly seeking more easy dinner ideas for your slow cooker, you’re in luck! Beyond this incredible Salisbury steak, explore other crowd-pleasing crockpot creations like my Crockpot Steak Bites (a huge hit with kids!), these flavorful Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, or classic Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs. Each recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort, just like our Salisbury steaks.

Slow cooker salisbury steaks smothered with rich brown gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes and served with a side of string beans. — A delicious serving of slow cooker Salisbury steak, generously covered in brown gravy, nestled on mashed potatoes with a side of green beans.

We’ve all been there: the day is half over, and suddenly, dinner plans are a distant dream. This scenario happens more often than most of us care to admit. This recipe for Crockpot Salisbury Steak is the ideal solution for such predicaments. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What sets this slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe apart is its efficiency. Unlike many slow cooker recipes that demand an all-day commitment, this dish is perfectly cooked in just 3-6 hours. This means you can get the flavorful hamburger steaks into your slow cooker in the early afternoon, and they’ll be perfectly tender and ready to eat by the time you’re back home from school pickups, errands, or a long day at work. The tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen will be the perfect welcome!

Slow cooker Salisbury steaks smothered with rich brown gravy and garnished with fresh parsley in a crockpot. — Hearty Salisbury steaks simmering in a rich brown gravy within the slow cooker, ready to serve.

The secret to this dish’s incredible flavor lies in the homemade beef patties. They’re crafted from lean ground beef and infused with an aromatic blend of dry onion soup mix, savory Worcestershire sauce, and robust steak seasoning. These flavorful patties are then gently browned before being nestled into your slow cooker. The grand finale is a luscious, creamy gravy, expertly made from condensed cream of mushroom soup and a rich brown gravy mix, poured generously over the steaks. A few hours of slow cooking transform these simple ingredients into an irresistibly tender and deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ready to bring this incredible Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak to your dinner table? Let’s gather your ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients for The Best Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This section provides detailed ingredient notes, explanations, and potential substitution options to help you tailor the recipe to your preferences. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.

Ingredients for Crockpot Salisbury Steak Recipe laid out on a counter. — All the essential ingredients for making delicious Crockpot Salisbury Steak.

Lean Ground Beef — Opting for lean ground beef (85-90% lean) is crucial for this recipe. It significantly minimizes the amount of fat that renders during the slow cooking process, preventing your delicious gravy from becoming overly greasy. This ensures the patties maintain their shape and the gravy remains rich and smooth.
Onion Soup Mix — This convenient mix is a powerhouse of flavor, adding a deep savory and aromatic base to your beef patties. While Lipton onion soup mix (the beefy onion variety is particularly excellent) is a popular choice, feel free to use your preferred brand or even a homemade onion soup mix for a personalized touch.
Worcestershire Sauce — A staple in savory cooking, Worcestershire sauce delivers an unparalleled depth of umami and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the ground meat, enhancing its overall savory profile.
Steak Seasoning — A good quality steak seasoning, such as Montreal steak seasoning, is a blend typically featuring garlic, coarse black pepper, salt, coriander, a touch of cayenne pepper, and sometimes dill. This robust mix adds a fantastic, bold flavor that truly elevates the beef.
Eggs — One large egg acts as a vital binding agent in your beef mixture, helping to hold the ground meat and breadcrumbs together to form firm, well-structured patties that won’t fall apart during cooking.
Breadcrumbs — Whether you choose plain or seasoned bread crumbs, they play an essential role in binding the meat mixture and also contribute to the tender texture of the Salisbury steaks.
Cream of Mushroom Soup — This condensed cream soup is the cornerstone of our rich, flavorful gravy. The mushrooms add a wonderful earthy depth and a pleasant texture. For those who prefer different flavors, cream of onion soup or cream of chicken soup are excellent substitutes that will still yield a creamy, delicious gravy.
Water — A simple cup of water is used to combine with the gravy packet and the condensed soup, creating the perfect consistency for our luscious brown gravy. For an even richer flavor, consider substituting with low-sodium beef broth.
Brown Gravy Mix — Select your favorite brand of brown gravy mix. If you are mindful of your sodium intake or have dietary restrictions, a low-salt gravy mix is a fantastic option to consider without sacrificing flavor.
Fresh Parsley — While entirely optional, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley as a garnish not only adds a beautiful pop of vibrant green color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

Equipment You’ll Need for Crockpot Salisbury Steak

To effortlessly prepare this incredibly easy Salisbury steak recipe, you’ll only require a few common kitchen items. These essential tools ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, making your journey to a delicious comfort meal a breeze:

A Slow Cooker: The star of the show! Any standard slow cooker or crockpot will work perfectly for tenderizing your Salisbury steaks and melding the rich gravy flavors. Ensure it’s large enough to hold your patties comfortably in a single layer.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two: one large bowl for combining the ground beef mixture and a medium-sized bowl for whisking together the gravy ingredients.
A Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining the gravy ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps and that the flavors are perfectly incorporated.
Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the smaller quantities of seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
Measuring Cups: Needed for precise measurements of breadcrumbs, water, and ensuring consistency in your recipe.
A Skillet (optional but recommended): A medium to large skillet is ideal for browning the beef patties before they go into the slow cooker, which adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Gravy

Follow these straightforward, step-by-step instructions to create tender and flavorful Salisbury steaks smothered in rich gravy. Each step is accompanied by helpful tips and photos for visual guidance. For the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements, please refer to the end of this post.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine your lean ground beef, the packet of onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, one large egg, and bread crumbs. Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.

Ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, bread crumbs, worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning in a large mixing bowl. — All the ingredients for the Salisbury steak patties ready to be mixed together.

Step 2: Form the Patties. Once the meat mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into an oval or round patty, about ¾-inch thick. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Beef Patties. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the beef patties into the skillet. Brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. You are not cooking them through at this stage, just creating a flavorful sear that locks in juices and adds depth.

Side by side photos of hamburger steaks in frying pan before and after searing to a golden brown. — Before and after searing the Salisbury steak patties in a hot skillet for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker. Carefully place the browned beef patties into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack them gently if necessary for larger batches.
Pro Tip: For effortless cleanup, consider spraying the inside of your crockpot with a non-stick cooking spray or using a slow cooker liner before adding the patties.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Gravy. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, one cup of water, and the packet of brown gravy mix. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Pour this rich gravy evenly over the beef patties in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.

Two image collage showing gravy ingredients being mixed in a bowl and hamburger steaks in the crockpot covered in gravy. — Mixing the creamy gravy and pouring it over the browned patties in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the Salisbury steaks on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours or on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so look for the patties to be tender and the gravy to be bubbling and thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish. Once cooked, serve the tender steak patties warm. They are absolutely delightful piled over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even egg noodles. Spoon plenty of that rich brown gravy over the top, and if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Salisbury Steak

To create a complete and truly satisfying meal around this easy slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe, pair your smothered hamburger steaks with a variety of classic comfort sides. The rich gravy begs for something to soak it up!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: An absolute classic pairing, mashed potatoes are perfect for absorbing every drop of the savory gravy.
Fluffy White Rice: A simple yet effective choice, rice provides a neutral base that lets the Salisbury steak and gravy shine.
Buttery Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles are another fantastic option for a comforting carb alongside your beef patties.
Warm Rolls, Biscuits, or Cornbread: Don’t forget something to sop up any leftover gravy! My 7UP Biscuits are incredibly light and airy, making them an ideal companion.
Vegetable Sides: Round out your meal with some wholesome vegetables:
- Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these add a touch of color and natural sweetness.
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese: For an extra dose of ultimate comfort, creamy mac and cheese is always a winner.
- Creamed Corn: Sweet and decadent, a perfect counterpoint to the savory beef.
- Copycat Olive Garden House Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the meal.
- Old-fashioned Potato Salad: A cool, tangy side that contrasts beautifully with the warm gravy.

Serving spoon lifting a gravy-smothered Salisbury steak patty out of a crockpot. — The tender Salisbury steaks, perfectly cooked and coated in luscious gravy, ready to be served.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This Salisbury steak recipe is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can savor this comfort food for days to come:

In the Fridge: Allow any leftover Salisbury steak patties and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm in the microwave, a skillet over low heat, or even back in the slow cooker on a warm setting until heated through.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, fully cooked Salisbury steaks freeze beautifully. Place the cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm using your preferred method.

Prep-Ahead Option: You can also prepare the ground beef patties (before browning and adding to the slow cooker) and freeze them uncooked. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This speeds up the cooking process on a busy weeknight. Thaw them in the fridge before browning and proceeding with the recipe.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe Tips and Tricks

Unlock even more flavor and convenience with these expert tips and clever tricks for your Salisbury steak:

Double the Recipe: This dish is so delicious, you’ll definitely want leftovers! Consider doubling the ingredients to ensure you have extra for quick lunches or another family dinner. It’s truly a recipe that tastes even better the next day.
Adjusting Gravy Thickness: If, at the end of the cooking time, the gravy is thinner than you prefer, create a simple cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot gravy in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Thick Gravy After Refrigeration? Gravy can often thicken significantly when refrigerated. To thin it out again, simply add a splash or two of water or beef broth when reheating, stirring it in gradually until the gravy reaches its original creamy texture.
Enhance Gravy Flavor: For an even deeper, more robust flavor in your mushroom gravy, substitute low-sodium beef broth for the water when mixing the gravy ingredients. This small change adds a significant boost of savory goodness.
Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ground beef ingredients, mix just enough until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties.
Sear for Flavor: While some slow cooker recipes omit browning, searing the patties beforehand creates a wonderful caramelized crust (Maillard reaction) that adds a crucial layer of deep, savory flavor to the finished dish. Don’t skip this step if you have time!

Crockpot salisbury steak with gravy served on a bed of mashed potatoes and garnished with chopped fresh parsley. — A close-up of a perfectly cooked Salisbury steak patty, smothered in gravy and served with mashed potatoes.

Additions and Variations for Salisbury Steak

This classic slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for simple additions and variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Get creative and make it your own!

Experiment with Condensed Cream Soups: While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, switching it up can yield slightly different yet equally delicious flavor profiles. Try using cream of onion soup for a more pronounced savory onion flavor, or cream of chicken soup for a milder, more poultry-friendly gravy base.
Make it with Ground Turkey: If you’re looking to reduce red meat intake or prefer poultry, ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground beef. When using ground turkey, you might want to add some finely minced celery to the patty mixture to enhance moisture and give it a hint of Thanksgiving-like flavor. Remember to also switch to a turkey gravy mix instead of brown gravy for the best flavor pairing.
Incorporate Fresh Mushrooms and Onions: While this recipe is designed for convenience, adding fresh ingredients can deepen the flavor significantly. Slice fresh mushrooms (cremini or button work well) and onions, then place them in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding your beef patties. They’ll cook down beautifully in the gravy, adding fantastic texture and earthy notes.
Use Pre-Made Frozen Beef Patties: For ultimate convenience on super busy days, don’t hesitate to use frozen beef patties. While they might not be as intensely flavored as homemade, they will still cook up wonderfully tender in the rich gravy. Just make sure to brown them slightly beforehand if possible, for better texture and color.
Add a Touch of Liquid Smoke: If you enjoy a subtle smoky flavor with your beef, add a couple of drops of liquid smoke to the gravy mixture. A little goes a long way in imparting a campfire-like aroma.
Serve Over Egg Noodles: Beyond mashed potatoes or rice, tender cooked egg noodles or even macaroni are superb alternatives for serving. The pasta provides a comforting bed that soaks up all that delicious, savory gravy.
Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the gravy can add a welcome kick.

Salisbury Steak FAQ

How do you keep Salisbury steak from falling apart in the slow cooker?

The secret to ensuring your Salisbury steak patties hold their shape in the slow cooker lies in the proper balance of ingredients. The combination of ground beef, eggs (as a binder), and bread crumbs (for structure and moisture) is key. If you’re using a higher ratio of meat or a very lean ground beef, you may need to slightly increase the amount of breadcrumbs and possibly add another egg to provide sufficient binding. Also, avoid overmixing the meat, and shape the patties firmly but gently.

What cut of beef is Salisbury steak made from?

Despite its name, Salisbury steak isn’t actually a traditional steak cut! It’s a culinary creation made from ground beef, which is then seasoned and combined with ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, and various flavorings. These mixtures are then shaped into patties, giving the appearance of a steak but with the tender texture of ground meat. It was invented in the late 19th century by Dr. James Salisbury, an American physician, as a dietary health food.

Are Salisbury steak and country fried steak the same thing?

No, Salisbury steak and country fried steak are quite distinct dishes. Salisbury steak is made from ground beef that is formed into patties, seasoned, and typically cooked in a savory brown gravy. Country fried steak, on the other hand, is prepared using a cut of solid beef (often top round or top sirloin), which is tenderized, breaded in a seasoned flour mixture, and then pan-fried or deep-fried until golden and crispy. It’s traditionally served with a creamy white gravy.

Why is my Salisbury steak tough?

Several factors can contribute to tough Salisbury steak. The most common culprit is overmixing the meat. When you combine the ground beef with other ingredients, mix only until everything is just incorporated. Kneading the meat mixture too much, similar to dough, develops the proteins and results in a dense, tough texture. Additionally, pressing your patties together too tightly can also make them less tender. Using lean ground beef (around 85-90% lean) helps maintain moisture without making the gravy greasy, which also contributes to tenderness.

What to serve with Salisbury steak?

Salisbury steak is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, making it the epitome of comfort food! Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy savory rice, or tender egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy. Other excellent accompaniments include cooked carrots (like glazed carrots), roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans or asparagus, baked potatoes, and even a hearty mac and cheese. Essentially, any side dish that complements a rich beef and gravy meal will be a hit!

Side view of a thick hamburger steak patty sitting on a bed of mashed potatoes and covered with luscious brown gravy. — A mouthwatering Salisbury steak on mashed potatoes, generously topped with gravy.

More Easy Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

The slow cooker is an invaluable tool for creating incredibly flavorful meals with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. If you love the ease and comfort of this Salisbury steak, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my favorite slow cooker creations:

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast: A delightful twist on the traditional pot roast, offering an even more flavorful and tender experience with classic Mississippi pot roast ingredients.
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches: Experience the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with shredded chicken smothered in a delectable hot honey sauce, creating the most irresistible chicken sandwiches.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy, rich sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes – a dish so good, it might just get a proposal!
Slow Cooker Brisket: Enjoy perfectly seasoned, fall-apart tender brisket that has been slow-cooked all day, yielding a succulent main course ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac: A comforting and hearty dish that brilliantly combines the robust flavors of classic chili with satisfying macaroni, making for a truly delicious and fulfilling meal.

Recipe

Slow cooker salisbury steaks smothered with brown gravy and garnished with parsley in a crockpot.

Recipe

4.67 from 6 votes

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 15 minutes

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks are a fantastic, family-friendly weeknight meal. Flavorful ground beef, onion soup mix, and seasonings come together to form delicious patties that cook in a rich, savory brown gravy. It’s absolutely fabulous served over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles!

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

▢ 1 pound lean ground beef
▢ 1 packet onion soup mix (1 ounce)
▢ 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
▢ 1 large egg
▢ ½ cup bread crumbs
▢ 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
▢ 1 cup water
▢ 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 ounces)
▢ fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, large egg, and bread crumbs. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into an oval or round patty.
In a large skillet, brown the beef patties over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a delicious sear and depth of flavor.
Once browned, carefully transfer the beef patties to the bottom of your slow cooker. For easier cleanup, you can spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner.
In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of water, and the brown gravy mix. Whisk thoroughly until well mixed and smooth. Pour this rich gravy mixture evenly over the beef patties in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the Salisbury steaks on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours or on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, until the patties are tender and cooked through, and the gravy is thick and bubbling.
Serve warm, generously topped with gravy, and garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

Serve this delicious Salisbury steak over creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up all the rich gravy.

For a lighter alternative or to reduce red meat, ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef for the patties.

Feel free to substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of onion soup in place of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile in your gravy.

To control sodium levels, especially if sensitive to salt, I recommend using a low-sodium brown gravy mix packet.

Store any leftover Salisbury steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat wonderfully!

Nutrition

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