Crockpot Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

This Crockpot Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy is a cozy, comforting dinner featuring tender beef patties slowly simmered with caramelized onions in a rich, savory gravy. It’s easy to prepare and delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced, optional
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Make the Beef Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the mixture into 5–6 oval patties, about ¾-inch thick.

2. Brown the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Lightly grease the pan if needed.

Brown the patties for approximately 2–3 minutes per side.

They don’t need to be fully cooked because they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Transfer the browned patties to the crockpot.

3. Cook the Onions

Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

Add the mushrooms if using and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

4. Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms.

Stir continuously for about 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the beef broth.

Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, thyme, and black pepper.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the gravy begins to thicken.

5. Add to the Crockpot

Pour the onion gravy over the beef patties.

Cover with the slow-cooker lid.

6. Slow Cook

Cook on:

• LOW for 5–6 hours, or
• HIGH for 2½–3½ hours

The beef should be tender and cooked through, with the patties surrounded by rich onion gravy.

7. Serve

Carefully transfer the Salisbury steak patties to serving plates.

Spoon plenty of onion gravy over the top.

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture, or the patties may become tough.
• Browning the patties before slow cooking adds extra flavor and helps them hold their shape.
• Slice the onions thinly so they become tender during cooking.
• If the gravy becomes thicker than desired, stir in a little warm beef broth.
• For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of butter into the finished gravy.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.

Prep & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Servings: 5–6

Meta Description

Make Crockpot Salisbury Steak with tender beef patties, savory onions, mushrooms, and rich homemade onion gravy. An easy slow-cooker comfort food dinner.