Add a comforting family classic to your slow cooker rotation with this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Easy to prepare and perfect served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this recipe delivers tender beef patties simmered in a rich, savory gravy.
This version of Salisbury steak keeps things simple without skimping on flavor. Seasoned ground beef is mixed with onion soup mix, breadcrumbs and milk, shaped into patties, lightly dredged in flour and briefly browned to develop a caramelized crust. The patties then slow-cook in a creamy, beefy sauce made with condensed soup and au jus mix. As the dish simmers, the meat becomes tender and the sauce concentrates, melding mushrooms, onions and seasonings into a satisfying gravy. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the patties to absorb flavor while you go about your day.
The result is a tender, flavorful main course that’s both comforting and convenient. The browned exterior of the patties helps lock in juices, while the slow simmer creates a luscious gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice or buttered noodles. This recipe scales well for family dinners and leftovers reheat nicely, making it a reliable choice for busy evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What ingredients are needed for this recipe? A: You will need lean ground beef, an envelope of dry onion soup mix, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, condensed cream of chicken soup, a packet of au jus mix, and water.
Q: How long should I cook the patties in the slow cooker? A: Cook on Low for about 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is cooked through and tender.
Q: Why should I brown the patties before slow cooking? A: Browning the patties briefly in a hot skillet adds flavor and helps the patties hold together during cooking.
Q: Can I change the type of beef used? A: The recipe calls for ground beef, but you can experiment with blends such as 80/20 or leaner mixes depending on your preference for fat and flavor.
Q: Can I finish this in the oven instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes. If you prefer the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C), brown and bake the patties for about 20 minutes before adding the soup and au jus mixture and finishing the dish until cooked through.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
3.9 from 15 votes
A tender and easy slow cooker Salisbury steak made from seasoned ground beef patties, simmered in a creamy, savory gravy—ideal for a comforting family meal.
8
servings
20
minutes
5
hours
5
hours
20
minutes
Ingredients
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2 pounds lean ground beef
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1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
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1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 (1 ounce) packet dry au jus mix
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3/4 cup water
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then shape into 8 even patties.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off excess, and brown quickly on both sides to develop color. Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker, stacking them slightly if needed. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, au jus mix and water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the patties. Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is cooked through and tender. Serve the patties with the gravy spooned over mashed potatoes, rice or noodles.