Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Okay, so you know those dinners that just feel like a warm hug? Yeah, this Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is one of those. It’s cozy, easy, and so, so good.
I made it on a busy day, and wow—it turned out perfect. The beef is super tender. And the gravy? Oh my gosh, it’s rich and dreamy.
It cooks low and slow while I do other stuff. No stress, no mess. Just yummy, home-style comfort on a plate.
Stick around and I’ll show you how I make it. It’s simple, I promise. You’re gonna love it too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reader Favorite: As one reader said, “This is hands down the best Salisbury steak recipe I’ve ever made! So tender and full of flavor.”
- Comforting and Hearty: This meal is warm, filling, and packed with comforting flavors that are perfect for any season.
- Easy to Make: Prep this recipe in minutes, and let the slow cooker do all the work!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Family-Friendly: A classic meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a smaller one if you prefer.
- Skillet: To brown the beef patties before adding them to the Crock Pot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Tongs or Spatula: To flip the beef patties.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the onion and mushrooms.
- Large Spoon or Ladle: To stir the gravy.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
For the Beef Patties:
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to bind the beef mixture.
- Ketchup: Adds moisture and a touch of tang to the beef mixture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth of flavor to the patties.
- Mustard Powder: Adds a bit of spice and complexity.
- Egg: Helps to bind the patties together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
For the Gravy:
- Butter: Used to sauté the mushrooms and onions, adding richness to the gravy.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add earthy flavor and texture to the gravy.
- Onion: Sliced onions caramelize and add sweetness and flavor to the dish.
- Beef Broth: A rich, savory base for the gravy.
- Ketchup: Adds a little tanginess to balance the richness of the beef broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami flavor in the gravy.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to a nice, smooth consistency.
- Water: To dissolve the cornstarch for the gravy.
Variations for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add in extra veggies like carrots or peas for a more balanced meal.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a binding agent like ground oats to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add Extra Spices: If you like a little more kick, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes to the beef patties or gravy.
- Switch Up the Gravy: Experiment with a mushroom-based gravy or even a creamier version using heavy cream for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough patties.
2. Shape the Patties
Divide the beef mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape them into oval patties. The size of your patties will depend on how thick you want them. Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
3. Brown the Beef Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, carefully place the beef patties in the skillet. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage, just get a nice sear on the outside. Once browned, transfer the patties to your Crock Pot.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5 more minutes.
5. Make the Gravy
Once the mushrooms and onions are cooked, stir in the beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Once the mixture is well combined, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of water and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine and allow the gravy to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Gravy to Crock Pot
Pour the mushroom and onion gravy over the browned beef patties in the Crock Pot. Spread the gravy out evenly, ensuring all the patties are covered. This will allow the flavors to meld as they cook, creating a rich and savory dish.
Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is the perfect comfort food that pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy is perfect over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: Serve the Salisbury steak over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a mixed vegetable medley for a well-rounded meal.
- Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to dip in the gravy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with numerous sides:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the tender beef patties and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- With Rice: Pair the beef patties with steamed white or brown rice. The gravy will soak into the rice, adding extra flavor.
- On a Plate with Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
- With Bread: A slice of warm bread or dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up all the delicious gravy!
Storing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Leftovers: Allow the Salisbury steak to cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the beef patties.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Salisbury steak with the gravy for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy (based on 8 servings)
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 330 kcal |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Cholesterol | 70mg |
Sodium | 550mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 3g |
Protein | 26g |
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Salisbury Steak recipe is an easy, delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of vegetables, it’s sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Plus, it’s meal prep-friendly, so you can enjoy leftovers for the days ahead!
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
Course: Uncategorized6-8
servings15
minutes6
minutes330
kcalIngredients
- For the Beef Patties:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard powder
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Gravy:
2 tbsp butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Directions
- Prepare the Beef Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval patties.
- Brown the Patties: In a skillet, brown the patties on both sides for 3-4 minutes each. Transfer to the Crock Pot.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms until golden.
- Make the Gravy: Add beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch dissolved in water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Add Gravy to Crock Pot: Pour the gravy over the patties in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Salisbury steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or with steamed vegetables.
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak FAQs
Can I use frozen beef patties?
Yes! If you have frozen beef patties, simply place them directly in the Crock Pot. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the Salisbury steak on high for about 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on the gravy to ensure it doesn’t burn.
How do I know when the Salisbury steak is done?
The patties are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Since they’re slow-cooked, they will be incredibly tender by the time they’re done.