Crockpot Salisbury Steak

My go-to crock pot beef patties dish turns ordinary ground beef into a crowd-pleasing dinner without breaking a sweat. The meat gets incredibly soft as it simmers with mushrooms and onions in a thick, flavorful gravy that gets better by the hour. I stumbled onto this slow cooker technique when trying to cut down on my cooking time and was blown away by how it actually tastes better than when I used to make it on the stove.

When I served this at our family get-together last week, I hadn't even cleared the plates before three relatives were asking how I made it. What's the trick? The long, low-temp cooking turns the beef patties incredibly soft while the gravy soaks up all those amazing flavors.

Key Ingredients for Amazing Results

• Ground Beef: Go with leaner options (85/15 or 90/10) for best results
• Baby Portobello Mushrooms: They give the gravy that deep, woodsy taste
• Steak Seasoning: Grab it premade or mix your own at home
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that can't-miss savory kick
• Beef Broth: Creates the base for your smooth, rich gravy

The real transformation happens during those hours of slow cooking when the beef sends its juices into the gravy while soaking up all the goodness from the mushrooms, onions and spices.

Simple Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Get Your Slow Cooker Ready

Give your slow cooker a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This stops food from sticking and makes cleaning up way easier. A 6-quart oval cooker works great here.

Step 2: Start With Veggies

Spread your thinly sliced baby portobello mushrooms and onions across the bottom of your slow cooker. This veggie layer adds flavor and keeps your meat from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Mix Your Meat

In a big bowl, toss together your ground beef, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix with your hands but don't overdo it or the meat gets tough.

Step 4: Shape Your Patties

Form the meat mix into 6 oval-shaped patties about 3/4-inch thick. The oval shape is classic and helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Meat to Cooker

Put your beef patties on top of the mushrooms and onions. They can touch a little, but try to keep them in one layer if you can.

Step 6: Mix Your Gravy

In a separate bowl, stir together beef broth, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until there aren't any cornstarch lumps. This step keeps your gravy smooth.

Step 7: Pour Over Gravy Mix

Pour your gravy mixture over the patties, making sure each one gets some liquid on it.

Step 8: Let It Cook

Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low setting usually makes the meat more tender, but both work fine.

Step 9: Test For Doneness

Your beef patties are ready when they hit 160°F inside and feel tender all the way through. The gravy should be nice and thick by now.

Step 10: Time to Eat

Carefully lift the patties onto plates and spoon plenty of that mushroom-onion gravy on top. Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up all that good gravy.

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I found out the hard way about mixing cornstarch properly after my first try left little lumps throughout my gravy. Now I always make sure to mix it completely before adding it to the cooker.

Smart Money-Saving Dinner Option

This beefy dish shows how good cheap cooking can be, feeding four people for under $15 total. Ground beef costs way less than fancy cuts, while mushrooms and onions bulk up the meal without emptying your wallet. The slow cooker works its magic on these affordable ingredients, creating something that tastes like you spent big at a restaurant, perfect when you want to stretch your food budget without cutting corners on taste.

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Kid-Friendly Adjustments

Got picky eaters at home? No problem. This recipe bends to fit anyone's taste. If your kids hate mushrooms, just chop them super tiny so they vanish into the gravy while still adding flavor. You can make smaller patties that are perfect for kids, and many children prefer egg noodles over mashed potatoes as their gravy-soaker.

Veggie Sides Through The Seasons

This hearty main dish works with different veggie sides all year long. In summer, try fresh green beans or corn on the cob. When fall rolls around, go for roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash. Winter meals pair nicely with roasted root veggies. And spring brings asparagus or fresh peas as perfect partners. Switching up these seasonal sides keeps the meal fresh and exciting throughout the year while adding good nutrition.

Prep Ahead For Busy Weeks

Busy families love how this dish can be prepped in advance. You can mix and form the patties up to a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Or freeze the raw patties between sheets of wax paper for up to three months. The fully cooked dish also freezes great in sealed containers for up to two months – super handy for quick dinners when you're short on time.

Tricks For Extra Flavor

• Add a spoonful of tomato paste to your gravy mix for richer taste
• Pour in a bit of red wine to make the gravy more complex
• For more flavor, quickly cook the mushrooms first, though raw works fine too
• You can brown the patties in a pan before adding them for extra flavor
• Drop in some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs while cooking

I've added these little tweaks over time after many tries with this recipe. The tomato paste trick especially works wonders – it deepens the gravy flavor without making it taste like tomato sauce.

This simple slow cooker creation has become my go-to when life gets crazy or when guests are coming and I don't want to be stuck cooking. The mix of juicy beef patties and rich gravy creates something special that seems like it took hours of work, when really the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.

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This easy slow cooker beef dish shows that comfort food can be simple and low-effort. With barely any hands-on time but tons of flavor, it'll quickly become a regular in your family's dinner lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep the patties the day before?

Absolutely! Shape the patties and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead. This makes morning prep super easy.

→ What’s a good gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs?

Try gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or use cooked quinoa as a gluten-free binder.

→ Do these freeze well?

Yes! Once cooled, freeze the patties and gravy in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ What can I use instead of steak seasoning?

No steak seasoning? Mix 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and small pinches of paprika and thyme.

→ Can I cook it on low instead of high in the crockpot?

Yes, cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours works great. It’s perfect if you need it ready after a long day.