Slow-Cooker Mushroom-Stuffed Beef Patties

Ingredients

For the hamburger steaks

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp milk

Mushroom gravy

• 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt, or to taste

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Optional: ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream for a creamier gravy

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef mixture.
   Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and thyme. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Form the patties.
   Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into thick oval patties, approximately ¾–1 inch thick.

3. Optional but recommended — brown the patties.
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties for about 2–3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through.

4. Layer the slow cooker.
   Put about half of the sliced onions and mushrooms on the bottom. Place the hamburger steaks on top, then add the remaining mushrooms and onions.

5. Make the sauce.
   Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, pepper and salt. Pour around and over the patties.

6. Slow cook.
   Cover and cook:

   • LOW: 4–5 hours

   • HIGH: 2–3 hours

   Cook until the beef reaches at least 160°F (71°C) internally.

7. Thicken the gravy.
   Near the end, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in about 1½ cups of the slow-cooker liquid. Return the thickened gravy to the slow cooker and stir gently around the patties.

8. Finish.
   Cook another 10–15 minutes until the gravy is thick and glossy. Add sour cream or cream at the end if desired.

 Serving suggestions

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice

• Egg noodles

• Roasted vegetables

• Green beans

• Crusty bread

Nutrition — approximate

Per 1 hamburger steak with mushrooms/gravy, assuming 4 servings and 80/20 beef:

Nut information: This recipe contains no tree nuts or peanuts as written. Check packaged breadcrumbs, broth, and seasonings if you’re cooking for someone with a nut allergy because formulations can vary.