Name: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489171H51M8S
Total time: PT-489171H51M8S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup water; 1 packet (about 0.87 oz) brown gravy mix; Parsley (optional, for garnish)

I’m sharing a cozy comfort‑food staple: richly seasoned ground‑beef patties slow‑cooked in a creamy mushroom gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how effortless and satisfying this recipe is. I just mix up flavorful patties, brown them quickly, and let the slow cooker take care of the rest. The gravy becomes irresistibly savory with minimal effort, and it’s a reliable family‑friendly dinner I can count on when I’m pressed for time.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
1 large egg
½ cup bread crumbs
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup water
1 packet (about 0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
Parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, egg, and bread crumbs in a large bowl—mixing just until combined.
I divide the mixture into four patties and brown them in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side—just enough to sear, not cook through.
I place the browned patties into the slow cooker (sprayed lightly for easy cleanup).
I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, water, and brown gravy mix, then pour the mixture over the patties.
I cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours, until the patties are tender and the gravy is bubbly.
Finally, I serve the steaks with plenty of gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and garnish with parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 3–4 hours on high or 5–6 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Variations

I sometimes swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of onion or cream of chicken for a flavor twist.
If I want to lighten it up, I use ground turkey instead of beef and switch to turkey gravy.
For extra veggies, I layer sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
When I’m in a rush, I’ll use frozen beef patties instead of forming my own.
A touch of liquid smoke can add a smokey depth that I love.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, I freeze fully cooked servings for up to 3 months—then thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or back in the slow cooker.

FAQs

Why won’t my Salisbury steak patties stay together?

I find it’s key to use the right ratio of beef, egg, and breadcrumbs. If the patties fall apart, I add a bit more breadcrumb or egg to help bind.

Is Salisbury steak actually steak?

It’s not a traditional steak. It’s ground beef formed into patties, often seasoned and cooked in gravy—similar to meatloaf in a different form.

Are Salisbury steak and country fried steak the same thing?

No. Salisbury steak is made from seasoned ground beef patties in gravy, while country fried steak is a breaded beef cutlet that’s pan-fried and served with white gravy.

How do I avoid tough Salisbury steak?

Overmixing the meat mixture can make the patties dense and tough. I mix just until everything is combined and avoid compacting the patties too tightly.

What sides go best with Salisbury steak?

I love it over mashed potatoes or rice, but it also pairs well with egg noodles, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or buttery corn.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want an easy dinner with leftovers, this dish delivers every time.