Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is classic comfort food made with homemade ground beef patties and a rich mushroom-onion gravy that cooks right in the crockpot.

The patties stay tender thanks to breadcrumbs, egg, and milk, while Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, onions, mushrooms, and seasonings build a deeply savory gravy.

If you enjoy cozy beef dinners with plenty of gravy, this Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy is another easy crockpot meal to save.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food: Tender beef patties and homemade gravy make this a cozy family dinner.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses everyday ingredients such as ground beef, breadcrumbs, broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings.
• Family-sized: Two pounds of ground beef make about 6 to 8 hearty servings.
• Slow cooker friendly: After browning the patties, the crockpot does the rest of the work.
• Rich homemade gravy: Mushrooms and onions cook alongside the beef and flavor the gravy.
• Flexible: Mushrooms can be omitted, ground turkey can replace beef, and gluten-free or low-carb substitutions are possible.
• Good for leftovers: The patties and gravy reheat well.

For another traditional beef dinner, Classic Homemade Meatloaf has a similar comforting, family-style feel.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Ground Beef

The recipe uses 2 pounds of ground beef. The source recommends 80/20 or 85/15 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Leaner beef can also be used, but the patties may turn out a little drier.

If you want another ground beef dinner, Crockpot Ground Beef Spanish Rice is another hearty option.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and give them a softer texture. Regular breadcrumbs or panko can be used.

Egg

Egg helps hold the patties together while they cook.

Milk

Milk adds moisture and softens the breadcrumbs so the patties stay tender instead of dense.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth to both the beef mixture and the gravy.

Onion and Mushrooms

Sliced onion adds sweetness as it cooks, while mushrooms provide the classic Salisbury steak flavor.

White mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms both work, and the mushrooms can also be omitted.

Beef Broth

Beef broth forms the base of the gravy. Low-sodium broth can be used when you want more control over the salt level.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch thickens the gravy. Arrowroot starch can also be used.

Seasonings

The source uses salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

For another slow-cooked beef recipe with a rich sauce, try Gluten-Free Pot Roast.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

1. Prepare the Beef Patties

Combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings according to the recipe card.

Mix only until combined, then shape the mixture into patties.

2. Brown the Patties

Browning is recommended before slow cooking because it helps the patties hold their shape.

The source notes that raw patties can technically go directly into the slow cooker, but they are more likely to fall apart.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Place the patties in the slow cooker with the onion, mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining gravy ingredients from the recipe card.

For another hands-off crockpot dinner, Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken is an easy option for busy nights.

4. Slow Cook Until Tender

Slow cook according to the recipe card until the patties are fully cooked and tender.

Ground beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The USDA Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart also lists 160°F for ground meats.

5. Finish the Gravy

Cornstarch helps turn the cooking liquid into a thicker mushroom-onion gravy. Arrowroot starch can be used as an alternative.

For another recipe built around tender meat and plenty of gravy, Slow Cooker Oxtail is another rich slow-cooked beef dinner.

What to Serve with Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak works especially well with sides that can soak up the mushroom gravy.

Mashed potatoes are the classic choice, but rice, egg noodles, or mashed cauliflower also work well.

For a creamy comfort-food side, Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese is another hearty option.

For something lighter, serve the patties with Air Fryer Carrots or another simple vegetable.

A warm bread such as Gluten-Free Butter Swim Biscuits can also help soak up the extra gravy.

For another family-style comfort meal, Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie is another cozy dinner worth saving.

Storage

Store leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat the patties together with the gravy so the meat stays moist.

For another recipe that works well for meal prep and leftovers, Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is another useful slow-cooker main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salisbury steak?

Salisbury steak is made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a savory brown gravy.

The patties usually contain breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. They resemble hamburgers, but the breadcrumbs and egg give them more of a meatloaf-style texture.

Do you have to brown the patties first?

No, but browning is recommended.

It helps the patties hold together during slow cooking. Raw patties can go directly into the crockpot, but they may fall apart more easily.

What is the milk for?

Milk adds moisture and softens the breadcrumbs, helping the Salisbury steak patties stay tender.

Beef broth or water can be used instead.

Can you make Salisbury steak without mushrooms?

Yes. Simply omit the mushrooms if you do not like them.

The onions can also be omitted if preferred.

Can you use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef, but the flavor will be lighter and the patties may be less rich.

Because turkey is leaner, take care not to overcook it.

What type of ground beef should you use?

The source recommends 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef.

Leaner beef can be used, but the finished patties may be a little drier.

How do you keep Salisbury steak patties from falling apart?

Use both the egg and breadcrumbs, avoid overmixing the beef mixture, and brown the patties before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can you make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth you use are also gluten-free.

Can you make this low-carb?

Yes. The source suggests replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or another low-carb breadcrumb substitute.

Serve the patties over mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes, rice, or noodles.

How do you know when Salisbury steak is done?

The patties are done when they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover Salisbury steak in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What size slow cooker should you use?

The source uses a 6-quart slow cooker.

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