Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak (Tender Patties in Rich Onion Gravy)
Comfort food made easy with juicy beef patties in a savory onion gravy, perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb 90% lean ground beef
- 1 oz packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Gravy / Sauce Ingredients
- 2 10.75-oz cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 oz packet dry au jus mix
Optional Ingredients
- Cracked black pepper for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley for serving
- Sautéed mushrooms or sliced onions stir into gravy if desired
- Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert (optional, but helps with cleanup).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dry onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and milk. Mix gently with clean hands just until combined—don’t overwork it.
- Shape the mixture into 8 even patties.
- Spread the flour on a plate and lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off excess.
Mixing / Assembling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, and au jus mix until smooth.
- Add a thin layer of gravy to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place half the browned patties in the slow cooker, then spoon about half the gravy mixture over them. Repeat with the remaining patties and gravy.
Cooking / Baking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, sear patties for about 5 minutes total, turning once halfway through.
- Transfer the browned patties into the slow cooker in layers, pouring gravy over each layer.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until patties are tender and reach 165°F in the center.
Resting / Finishing
- If the gravy looks a bit oily, skim off excess fat with a spoon before serving.
- Taste the gravy and add cracked black pepper if desired.
- Sprinkle with parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
For tender patties, mix the meat gently and stop as soon as combined. If gravy is too thick, stir in a splash of warm water or broth. If too thin, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp cold water.