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There’s a special kind of magic in recipes that cook low and slow. The gentle simmer, the rich aroma that fills your kitchen for hours, the anticipation as flavors deepen and mingle — it’s the essence of home-style cooking.
Salisbury steak, a beloved American classic, is the perfect candidate for the slow cooker. In this version, tender, flavorful beef patties are nestled on a bed of sweet onions, bathed in a savory, creamy gravy, and left to cook until they practically melt under your fork.
The best part? It’s incredibly low-effort. You can prepare it in the morning, let the slow cooker work its magic, and serve up a hearty comfort food dinner by evening — with plenty of gravy for mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Why This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Works So Well
- Low prep, big payoff — Just a little browning up front, then the slow cooker does the rest.
- Deep, savory flavor — Onion soup mix, au jus, and cream of chicken soup combine into an irresistible gravy.
- Family-friendly — A cozy, filling meal that’s perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- Lean ground beef — 2 lbs
- Breadcrumbs — ½ cup
- Milk — ¼ cup
- Onion soup mix — 1 (1 oz) packet
- Dried thyme — ½ teaspoon
- All-purpose flour — ¼ cup (for dredging)
- Extra virgin olive oil — 2 tablespoons
For the Slow Cooker Base & Gravy
- White onion — 1, sliced
- Condensed cream of chicken soup — 2 (10 oz) cans
- Water — ¾ cup
- Au jus mix — 1 (1 oz) packet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Mix and Shape the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, and dried thyme. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make patties tough. Shape the mixture into 8 even patties.
Step 2 — Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Spread the sliced white onion evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that will infuse the beef as it cooks.
Step 3 — Dredge and Brown
Place the flour on a plate and lightly coat each patty, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the patties on both sides. You don’t need to cook them through — just aim for a golden crust.
Step 4 — Assemble and Cook
Arrange the browned patties over the onions in the slow cooker, stacking them in layers if needed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, water, and au jus mix until smooth. Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the patties.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and tender enough to cut with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairing: Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes to catch every drop of gravy.
- Pasta night: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a homestyle twist.
- Lighter option: Ladle over steamed rice with a side of green beans.
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