Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Patties with Onion Gravy

Ingredients

For the beef patties

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef

• ½ cup (55 g) plain breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp oil, for browning if desired

For the onion gravy

• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced into rings

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme, optional

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp cold water

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Shape into 6 oval patties.

2. Brown the patties

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for about 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Browning adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape.

3. Prepare the gravy

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, mustard, garlic powder, thyme, and a little black pepper.

4. Layer in the slow cooker

Spread half of the sliced onions over the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the patties on top, then add the remaining onions. Pour the broth mixture over the patties.

5. Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the patties are tender and fully cooked. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

6. Thicken the gravy

Carefully transfer the cooked patties to a plate. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir it into the gravy, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, until thickened. Return the patties to the gravy.

7. Serve

Spoon the onion gravy over the patties. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or green beans.

Quick Recipe

1. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, and seasonings.

2. Shape into 6 patties and brown in a skillet.

3. Place sliced onions and patties in the slow cooker.

4. Pour over a mixture of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and mustard.

5. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry and serve.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, assuming 6 servings and excluding side dishes.

Values vary depending on the fat content of the beef and the broth used.

Nut & Allergen Information

• Peanuts: Not included in the standard recipe.

• Tree nuts: Not included in the standard recipe.

• Contains: Egg and wheat if using regular breadcrumbs.

• Possible allergens: Soy, wheat, or other ingredients may be present in Worcestershire sauce, broth, mustard, or packaged seasonings.

• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs, broth, and Worcestershire sauce; thicken with cornstarch.

Always check package labels and avoid cross-contact if preparing food for someone with a nut allergy.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use ground beef with enough fat to keep the patties moist.

• Brown the patties before slow cooking for deeper flavor.

• Avoid stacking too many patties on top of each other.

• Add mushrooms for an extra savory flavor.

• For a thinner gravy, use less cornstarch; for thicker gravy, add a little more slurry.

Storage and Food Safety

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours.

• Store for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

• Reheat until steaming hot throughout, reaching 165°F (74°C).

• Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Recipe Q&A

Can I skip browning the patties? Yes, but browning improves flavor and helps them hold their shape.

Can I use ground turkey? Yes. Make sure turkey patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare this ahead? Yes. Mix and shape the patties a day ahead and refrigerate them covered until ready to cook.

What should I serve with Salisbury steak? Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, steamed broccoli, or green beans pair well with the onion gravy.