Salisbury Steak with Gravy in the Crockpot Recipe

Savory Salisbury Steak with Gravy in the Crockpot Recipe

Crafting a hearty salisbury steak with gravy in the crockpot brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Slow-cooking transforms tough cuts into tender, mouthwatering bites that melt in your mouth.

Lean ground beef mixed with simple seasonings creates a classic meal everyone adores.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the magic happen.

Fragrant herbs and rich gravy promise a satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug.

Pantry staples become a delicious dinner that will have people asking for seconds.

Dig in and savor every delectable morsel of this nostalgic comfort food.

Why Salisbury Steak in the Crockpot Hits the Spot

  • Create Comfort Classic: Salisbury steak delivers old-fashioned goodness that reminds you of grandma's home cooking with rich, hearty flavors everyone loves.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Quickly mix ingredients, briefly sear patties, then let the crockpot do all the work while you enjoy stress-free meal preparation.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Slow cooker transforms simple ground beef into tender, juicy patties swimming in savory mushroom gravy without constant monitoring.
  • Family Dinner Winner: One-pot meal that satisfies hunger, pleases picky eaters, and brings everyone together around the table with its delicious, comforting taste.

Ingredients for Crockpot Salisbury Steak and Gravy

Meat:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of the Salisbury steak patties.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Bread Crumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help hold the meat patties together and provide moisture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion Soup Mix, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings add depth and savory notes to the meat mixture.
Gravy and Vegetable Components:
  • Beef Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients create a rich and creamy gravy.
  • Onions, Mushrooms: Sliced vegetables that add texture and earthy flavor to the dish.

How to Make Salisbury Steak in a Crockpot

Step 1: Create Savory Beef Patties

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get your hands dirty and blend everything until the ingredients mingle perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat up a skillet over medium flame. Gently place the formed patties into the pan, giving each side a quick 2-3 minute sizzle to develop a beautiful golden crust.

This quick sear locks in delicious flavors without fully cooking the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Crockpot Base

Create a cozy bed of sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot.

Carefully arrange the browned beef patties on top of the onion layer.

Step 4: Craft the Luscious Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Beef broth
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Worcestershire sauce

Pour this magical mixture over the waiting patties.

Step 5: Add Mushroom Magic

Sprinkle sliced mushrooms across the top of the patties, allowing them to nestle between the meat and sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

On low setting, cook for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours. The goal is tender patties that melt in your mouth.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the succulent patties to a serving plate. Ladle the rich mushroom gravy generously over mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Tips for Juicy Salisbury Steak and Rich Gravy

  • Prevent beef patties from falling apart by handling them gently and not overworking the meat mixture during shaping.
  • Sear patties quickly in a hot skillet to lock in flavor and create a delicious golden-brown exterior before slow cooking.
  • Choose lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean) to reduce excess grease and ensure a more flavorful, tender result in the crockpot.
  • Enhance gravy depth by adding a splash of red wine or beef stock for extra richness and complexity of flavor.
  • Keep patties moist by avoiding overcooking; check internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe, juicy Salisbury steak.

Ways to Change Up Salisbury Steak and Gravy

  • Spicy Southwest Salisbury: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with cilantro-lime rice.
  • Italian-Style Fusion: Mix in grated parmesan, dried basil, and minced sun-dried tomatoes. Serve over creamy polenta with marinara sauce drizzled on top.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese into the beef. Pair with garlic roasted potatoes and tzatziki sauce.
  • Smoky BBQ Variation: Blend barbecue sauce into the gravy, add smoked paprika to the meat mixture. Garnish with crispy fried onions and serve alongside coleslaw.

Best Sides for Crockpot Salisbury Steak

  • Elevate Comfort Pairings: Robust Red Wine Match: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Salisbury steak. The wine's tannins will beautifully cut through the meat's richness.
  • Hearty Side Suggestions: Roast garlic green beans or honey-glazed carrots add a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the meaty, umami-packed main dish. These vegetable sides provide a light, colorful balance to the heavy protein.
  • Classic Starch Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles serve as the perfect base to soak up the luxurious mushroom gravy. Their soft texture and mild flavor enhance the overall dining experience without competing with the steak's bold taste.

Easy Storage for Leftover Salisbury Steak

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Salisbury steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the meat is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place patties on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to prevent drying out.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patties in a baking dish with a little extra gravy, cover with foil.

Questions About Crockpot Salisbury Steak

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative. Just ensure you don’t overcook it to maintain moisture.

  • How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and handle gently when forming patties. Using breadcrumbs helps bind the meat together.

  • Is it necessary to brown the patties before slow cooking?

Browning adds depth of flavor and helps seal in juices, but it’s optional if you’re short on time. You can skip this step without significantly impacting taste.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix are gluten-free certified.

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Salisbury Steak with Gravy in the Crockpot Recipe

Salisbury Steak with Gravy in the Crockpot Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 4-5 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2-3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Salisbury Steak with Gravy, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Tender beef patties smothered in rich, savory sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 packet onion soup mix

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

Liquid and Sauce Components:

  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine ground beef with bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until uniform.
  2. Carefully shape the meat mixture into 8 oval-shaped patties, ensuring even thickness.
  3. Quickly sear patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown exterior without fully cooking the meat.
  4. Spread thinly sliced onions across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the patties.
  5. Gently arrange seared patties atop the onion layer, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Whisk beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  7. Pour the sauce evenly over the patties, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Sprinkle sliced mushrooms across the top of the dish for added texture and flavor.
  9. Secure the crockpot lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F and become tender.
  10. Transfer patties to a serving platter, spooning the rich mushroom gravy over the top.
  11. Serve immediately alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Lean Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for juicier, more flavorful patties that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the meat mixture lightly when combining ingredients to prevent tough, dense patties that can become rubbery.
  • Searing Shortcut: Quickly browning patties before slow cooking adds rich caramelized flavor and helps seal in moisture, preventing bland results.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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