Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak - Best Fresh Recipes

Add sliced onion and mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place patties on top in a single layer (overlapping slightly is fine).

Step 4: Mix and pour gravy

In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth until smooth.
Pour gravy over the patties.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW 4–6 hours (best texture) or HIGH 2–3 hours.
Patties are done when they’re cooked through and tender.

Step 6 (Optional): Thicken the gravy

If you want thicker gravy, whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
Stir slurry into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH 10–15 minutes, until thickened.

Don’t add cornstarch dry: Always mix with cold water first to avoid lumps.

Serving and Storage

Serve with: mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or buttered mashed cauliflower.
Vegetable sides: green beans, peas, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad.
Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze patties in gravy up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave; add a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.

Tips

Use 80/20 beef: A little fat keeps patties juicy.
Grate the onion: It disappears into the meat and adds moisture + flavor.
Sear if you can: Adds deep “Sunday dinner” flavor.
Don’t overcook on HIGH: LOW gives the most tender texture.
Balance salt: Onion soup mix is salty—taste first.

Variations

1) More homemade mushroom gravy

Replace cream of mushroom soup with: 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour (make a roux), whisk in 2 cups broth, then add mushrooms and seasonings.
Pour into slow cooker and cook as directed.

2) Turkey Salisbury steak

Use ground turkey and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the meat mixture to keep it moist.

3) Onion-heavy “Swiss” style

Add 2 cups sliced onions, cook LOW 6 hours, and top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese for the last 10 minutes.

4) Garlic herb upgrade

Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and an extra clove of garlic; finish with fresh parsley.

5) No mushrooms

Skip mushrooms entirely and add an extra 1/2 onion for a classic onion gravy version.

FAQ

Do I have to sear the patties first?

No, but searing adds color and flavor. If you skip it, the patties will still be tasty—just lighter in color.

Why did my patties fall apart?

They may be too thin, or the meat was overmixed. Shape thicker patties and mix gently. Searing also helps them hold together.

Can I cook it on HIGH the whole time?

Yes, but LOW gives the most tender result. HIGH works in a pinch (2–3 hours).

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Use the cornstarch slurry method near the end, or cook uncovered on HIGH for 15–20 minutes (if your slow cooker allows).

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.

What’s the best way to serve Salisbury steak?

Over mashed potatoes with extra gravy, plus a simple green vegetable on the side.

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