Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Savory beef patties smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
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Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
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2 lbs Ground Beef (lean 85/15 or 90/10 works best)
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1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian or Panko)
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1 Large Egg
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1/4 cup Milk
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1 packet Onion Soup Mix (divided: half for patties, half for gravy)
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1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
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1/2 cup Beef Broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
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Optional: 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms and 1 small onion, sliced.
Instructions
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Form the Patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and half of the onion soup mix. Shape into 6 oval patties.
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Pro Tip: Sear the patties in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before putting them in the crockpot for better texture and color.
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Layer: Place the patties into the slow cooker (as seen in your image). If using fresh onions or mushrooms, scatter them over the beef.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining onion soup mix.
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Slow Cook: Pour the mixture over the beef patties. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 3 hours.
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Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Description & Notes
This recipe is the “set it and forget it” version of a diner classic. By slow-cooking the beef in the mushroom base, the meat stays incredibly tender while the soup transforms into a thick, velvety gravy.
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Note on Texture: If the gravy is too thin at the end, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water and stir it into the pot 15 minutes before serving.
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Healthier Swap: You can use ground turkey and “Low Fat” cream of mushroom soup to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing much flavor.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overmix: When making the patties, mix just until combined. Overworking the meat can make the “steaks” tough.
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Drain the Fat: If you use a higher-fat beef (like 80/20), you may want to skim some of the oil off the top of the gravy before serving.
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Freshness: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the look of this very “brown” (but delicious) dish.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: 380 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Total Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Sodium: 890mg
Benefits
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Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and ground meat.
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Minimal Cleanup: One pot (mostly) means less time at the sink.
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Family Approved: The mild, savory flavor profile is usually a hit with kids.
Q&A
Q: Can I put the meat in raw like the picture shows? A: Yes! While searing adds flavor, the slow cooker will safely cook the ground beef through. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Q: Can I add potatoes directly to the pot? A: Absolutely. If you want a full meal in one go, tuck some cubed Yukon Gold potatoes around the meat patties before pouring the soup over them.
Q: What if I don’t like mushrooms? A: Swap the Cream of Mushroom for Cream of Onion or Golden Mushroom soup (which is more tomato/beef based).