Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Hamburger Patties
This Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Hamburger Patties recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. Tender, juicy hamburger patties are slowly cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce until they’re flavorful and incredibly tender. With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can turn basic ground beef into a hearty family dinner that tastes like it took hours of work.
The slow cooker does almost everything for you, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Serve the creamy hamburger patties over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or pasta to soak up every bit of the delicious mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Hamburger Patties
Place the ground beef in a large bowl.
Divide the beef into 6–8 portions and gently shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick.
Don’t overwork the meat when forming the patties, as this can make them dense.
2. Optional: Brown the Patties
For extra flavor and better texture, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the patties for about 2–3 minutes per side.
You don’t need to cook them through. The slow cooker will finish cooking them.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and place the raw patties directly into the slow cooker.
3. Make the Mushroom Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
The mixture will become the creamy gravy that cooks around the hamburger patties.
4. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Place the hamburger patties inside, stacking them slightly if necessary.
Pour the mushroom soup mixture evenly over the patties.
Make sure the sauce covers as much of the meat as possible.
5. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on:
- LOW for 5–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 2½–3½ hours
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the patties and your slow cooker.
The beef should reach at least 160°F (71°C) internally.
Avoid repeatedly opening the lid because this allows heat to escape and can significantly increase cooking time.
6. Serve
Carefully remove the hamburger patties from the slow cooker.
Stir the mushroom gravy before spooning it over the patties.
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Patties
Don’t make the patties too thick: Thick patties take longer to cook and may not hold their shape as well.
Brown them first when possible: Browning adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished dish.
Don’t add too much liquid: The mushrooms soup mixture provides plenty of moisture, and the slow cooker creates additional steam.
Check the temperature: Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Use lean ground beef: About 80–90% lean ground beef works well. Very fatty beef can produce a greasy sauce.
Easy Variations
Add Mushrooms
For extra mushroom flavor, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker before cooking.
Add Onions
Place sliced yellow onions underneath and around the hamburger patties. They’ll become tender and flavorful as they cook.
Cheesy Hamburger Patties
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the patties during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Garlic Herb Version
Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon dried thyme to the sauce.
What to Serve With It
The creamy mushroom gravy is perfect with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- White rice
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Broccoli
- Glazed carrots
- Dinner rolls
Mashed potatoes are especially good because they soak up the creamy gravy.
Storage
Store leftover hamburger patties and mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until thoroughly hot.
You can also freeze the cooked patties with the gravy for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Hamburger Patties are an affordable, filling, and incredibly easy dinner. The combination of tender beef and creamy mushroom gravy creates a comforting meal that feels much more special than its simple ingredients suggest.
Whether you brown the patties first or put them straight into the slow cooker, you’ll end up with a hearty meal that’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5–6 hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Meta Description
Make tender slow cooker hamburger patties with cream of mushroom soup and simple pantry ingredients. This budget-friendly comfort-food dinner is easy and delicious.