Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Rich, savory, and pure comfort — this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak takes the nostalgic diner classic and makes it effortless. Juicy seasoned beef patties simmer low and slow in a velvety onion and mushroom gravy until they’re fall-apart tender. Set it in the morning, and come home to a family dinner that tastes like you fussed all day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Mix the patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 oval patties.
2. Sear for flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker. Don’t wipe the skillet.
3. Soften the vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the sliced onion and mushrooms 5-6 minutes until golden and softened.
4. Build the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the beef broth, remaining Worcestershire, and thyme until smooth.
5. Combine in the cooker: Pour the gravy over the patties in the slow cooker, making sure they’re submerged.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2 1/2-3 hours) until the patties are tender and the gravy is thick.
7. Serve: Spoon patties over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with plenty of gravy, and garnish with fresh thyme.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the sear — those browned bits are what give the gravy its deep, beefy flavor. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth to capture every bit.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 440 calories, 35g protein, 18g carbs, 26g fat.