Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

Juicy, slow-cooked Salisbury steak patties smothered in sweet caramelized onions and a rich brown gravy — this easy slow cooker recipe delivers classic comfort food with almost no effort. The patties turn out tender and flavorful, and the gravy is perfect spooned over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Just sear, assemble, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix, or 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix and form the patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion soup mix (or onion powder), Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then shape into 4–6 oval patties about 3/4 inch thick.
2. Sear the patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned (they will not be cooked through). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced yellow onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 10–12 minutes until the onions soften and turn golden brown.
4. Build the gravy: Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the beef broth, then pour the mixture over the onions in the skillet. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
5. Slow cook and serve: Arrange the seared patties in the slow cooker, spoon the caramelized onions and gravy over the top, and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (or HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours) until the patties are cooked through and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.