Tender, juicy beef patties slow-cooked with fresh mushrooms, garlic, and aromatic herbs in a rich, savory gravy. This easy, comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or meal prep.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes–5 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (for optional searing)
For the Mushroom and Garlic Base
16 oz (450 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
For the Gravy
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
Mix gently with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the beef patties tough and dense.
Step 2: Shape the Beef Patties
Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thick, round patty about 3/4 inch thick.
Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help it maintain its shape during cooking. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes if the mixture feels too soft.
Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Base
Wash and slice the mushrooms, then slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Spread the sliced mushrooms and onions evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, butter, olive oil, tomato paste, dried thyme, and rosemary.
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and distribute the seasonings.
Step 4: Sear the Beef Patties (Optional)
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the beef patties in the hot skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. You do not need to cook them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Searing is optional, but it adds a deeper, richer flavor and helps the patties hold together.
Step 5: Arrange Everything in the Slow Cooker
Carefully place the beef patties over the mushroom and onion mixture in the slow cooker.
Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or overlap them slightly if necessary. Spoon a little of the mushroom broth over the patties to keep them moist during cooking.
Sprinkle the remaining black pepper and salt over the top, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Slow-Cook the Beef Patties
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cook until the patties are tender and fully cooked. Check the internal temperature in the center of a patty with a food thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases heat and can increase cooking time.
Step 7: Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
Once the beef patties are fully cooked, carefully transfer them to a serving plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the mixture into the hot mushroom liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
For a creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream during the final few minutes of cooking. Warm gently without boiling.
Step 8: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked beef patties to the slow cooker and spoon the thick mushroom gravy over them.
Allow everything to warm together for 5 minutes so the patties absorb some of the savory sauce.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings without optional heavy cream. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
430 kcal
Protein
32 g
Total Fat
27 g
Saturated Fat
10 g
Carbohydrates
13 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
780 mg
Cholesterol
125 mg
Nut Information (Q/S)
Q/S: Quantity / Serving
Tree nuts: 0 g intentionally added
Peanuts: 0 g intentionally added
Almonds: 0 g
Walnuts: 0 g
Cashews: 0 g
Other nuts: None intentionally added
Potential allergens:
Egg: From the egg used in the patties
Wheat: From regular breadcrumbs
Soy: From soy sauce
Dairy: From butter and optional heavy cream
This recipe contains no intentionally added nuts. However, always check ingredient labels for nut cross-contact warnings, especially if preparing it for someone with a nut allergy.
Cooking Tips
Choose the right ground beef: An 80/20 blend provides enough fat to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
Avoid overmixing: Combine the ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough patties.
Sear for extra flavor: Browning the patties before slow-cooking adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide a rich, earthy taste and release moisture as they cook.
Don’t add too much liquid: Mushrooms release moisture during cooking, so the broth quantity is designed to keep the sauce flavorful without making it too watery.
Thicken the gravy at the end: Adding the cornstarch slurry after cooking helps create a smooth, rich consistency.
Check doneness: Always use a food thermometer to ensure the patties reach 160°F (71°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious beef patties with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed white or brown rice
Buttered egg noodles
Roasted carrots and broccoli
Steamed green beans
Garlic bread
Roasted baby potatoes
The rich mushroom gravy pairs especially well with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, making the meal extra satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover beef patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooled patties with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a little beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Heat until the leftovers reach 165°F (74°C).
Meal prep: You can shape the beef patties a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put raw beef patties directly into the slow cooker?
Yes. Raw patties can be placed directly over the mushroom mixture. Searing is optional, although it adds extra flavor and improves the texture.
2. How do I keep the beef patties from falling apart?
Use breadcrumbs and egg as binders, avoid overmixing the beef, and handle the patties carefully when placing them into and removing them from the slow cooker.
3. Can I use frozen beef patties?
Thaw the patties safely in the refrigerator before cooking. Using thawed patties helps them cook more evenly and safely in the slow cooker.
4. Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Yes. You can replace the mushrooms with additional sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers. The recipe will still have a delicious, savory flavor.
5. How can I make the mushroom gravy thicker?
Mix 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid and allow it to cook until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Patties with Mushrooms are a hearty, comforting meal made with simple ingredients and minimal preparation. The juicy beef patties, tender mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and rich homemade gravy come together to create a satisfying family dinner. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a delicious homemade meal everyone can enjoy.