Name: Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 large onion, sliced; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my favorite Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. This dish is pure comfort food magic—perfectly seasoned beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom gravy that practically melts in your mouth. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and I guarantee you’ll feel the same. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a new family classic you’ll want on repeat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: Throw everything in the crock pot, and come back hours later to a comforting, delicious dinner without any stress.
Rich, Homemade Flavor: The mushroom gravy makes the steak patties super tender and packed with hearty, savory goodness.
Family Friendly: My kids and guests can’t get enough—it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters usually adore.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these right in your pantry and fridge already, so it’s a quick solution for busy days.

A white bowl holding a serving of two dark brown meat patties topped with a glossy brown sauce filled with slices of mushrooms and translucent onion rings, scattered with chopped green herbs. The patties rest on a base of creamy, smooth white mashed potatoes spread across the bottom of the bowl. The bowl is set on a soft gray cloth with fringes, against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, easy crock pot recipes, hearty beef dinner, comfort food recipes, slow cooker steak and gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is that it relies on familiar, straightforward ingredients that come together for incredible flavor. Buying fresh mushrooms and using good quality ground beef really elevates the dish, but it’s also super forgiving if you need substitutions.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef formed into a round patty, a small mound of golden breadcrumbs, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of deep brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of vibrant yellow mustard powder, one whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small pat of creamy butter, a handful of fresh brown mushrooms, half a large white onion sliced into thin rings, a small white bowl of rich brown beef broth, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of clear water, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, easy crock pot recipes, hearty beef dinner, comfort food recipes, slow cooker steak and gravy

Ground beef: I like 80/20 for juiciness but leaner works fine too if you want less fat.
Bread crumbs: They help bind your patties – plain or seasoned crumbs both work well.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: One of those magic ingredients that deepens the beefy taste.
Mustard powder: Just a hint to brighten the flavor, but don’t skip it unless you really dislike mustard.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the patties hold together nicely during cooking.
Salt and pepper: Always essential – season to your taste!
Butter: For browning patties and adding richness to the dish.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add earthy, umami depth to the gravy — I prefer cremini but button mushrooms are great too.
Onion: Sliced onions soften and cook down in the crock pot, adding sweetness and aroma.
Beef broth: The base of the gravy – homemade or store-bought both work fine.
Cornstarch and water: Used as a slurry to thicken that luscious gravy at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs—feel free to make it your own! A few tweaks can make it fit any taste or occasion.

Using ground turkey or chicken: I swapped the beef out for turkey once, and while the flavor was lighter, the mushroom gravy kept it juicy and satisfying.
Adding fresh herbs: Chopped thyme or rosemary stirred into the gravy give it a lovely fragrant lift that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Low-carb option: Skip the breadcrumbs and add grated Parmesan cheese or a flaxseed meal substitute to help bind the patties.
Extra veggies: Toss in sliced carrots or celery to the crock pot base for a sneaky veggie boost without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom and Onion Base

Start by layering your sliced mushrooms and onions right in the bottom of your crock pot. This creates a flavorful bed for the Salisbury steak patties to rest on during the slow cooking process. Pro tip: Using fresh mushrooms gives the gravy a hearty, earthy flavor that canned just can’t match.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Patties

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, egg, salt, and pepper. I usually mix with my hands because it’s easier to get everything evenly incorporated without overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into four oval patties—don’t make them too thin or too thick; about ¾-inch thick works perfectly for even cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Patties

Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown patties for about 3 minutes on each side. You’re not cooking them through here—just giving them a nice crust to lock in all those flavors. This step really elevates the final taste and texture, so I don’t recommend skipping it.

Step 4: Assemble and Pour the Broth Mixture

Place the browned patties on top of your mushrooms and onions in the crock pot. Then whisk together beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and pour evenly over the patties. This broth mixture simmers into a rich gravy that everyone will fight over.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Thicken

Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, whichever fits your schedule. Once done, carefully remove the patties and set them aside. To thicken the gravy, stir cornstarch mixed with water into the crock pot and let it cook a few minutes until it thickens. Return the patties to the pot and coat them in that dreamy mushroom gravy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side. I can’t tell you how many people have told me this tastes like a meal from their childhood. It just hits all the right comfort food notes.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the patties locks in flavor and keeps them from falling apart in the crock pot.
Use Fresh Mushrooms: They soak up the broth and release earthy richness into the gravy, taking the dish up a notch.
Check Your Salt: Season the beef mixture and broth well, but taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt if needed.
Thicken at the End: Adding the cornstarch slurry after cooking ensures a perfectly smooth, velvety gravy without lumps.

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of creamy white mashed potatoes spread evenly at the bottom. On top, there are two large portions of brown meatloaf, one of which is sliced open to show a dense, moist texture inside. The meatloaf is covered with a thick, rich brown sauce that has pieces of cooked mushrooms and bits of parsley scattered on top. A silver fork rests in the sliced meatloaf, pushing it slightly to the side, with a small amount of sauce dripping onto the mashed potatoes. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a greyish woven cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, easy crock pot recipes, hearty beef dinner, comfort food recipes, slow cooker steak and gravy

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the gravy. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little cracked black pepper on top as well—it just feels like the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up that luscious mushroom gravy so well. But you can also serve this with buttered egg noodles, creamy polenta, or even garlic roasted vegetables if you want a lighter option. My family especially loves pairing it with steamed green beans or a simple garden salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the Salisbury steak patties neatly on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes with a spoonful of mushroom gravy artfully drizzled over. Adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary makes it look extra inviting. It’s amazing how just a small detail can elevate a humble crock pot meal into something elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mushrooms tend to release more liquid overnight, so I give the gravy a quick simmer when reheating to bring it back to that perfect thickness. This recipe actually tastes great the next day—sometimes even better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

Freezing works well, too! I like to portion the patties with gravy into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the gravy doesn’t scorch. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of beef broth while reheating helps revive the gravy if it’s become too thick.

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and even the mushroom and onion base a day before and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble everything in the crock pot and follow the usual cooking steps. It’s great for meal prep or busy days.
What can I substitute if I don’t have mustard powder?

If you don’t have mustard powder, you can substitute with a teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard or Dijon mustard added directly to the beef mixture. It will change the texture slightly but keeps that tangy flavor that mustard powder provides.
Can I skip the browning step?

While it’s possible, I highly recommend browning the patties first. It adds depth of flavor, locks in juices, and prevents the patties from breaking apart during slow cooking—definitely worth the extra few minutes.
What’s the best side dish to serve with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes are a classic and favorite pairing because they soak up the mushroom gravy beautifully. But buttered egg noodles, rice, or even creamy polenta can be wonderful alternatives.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it turned a handful of simple ingredients into something so tender and flavorful. It quickly became a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners, and my family goes crazy over it every time. If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, give this recipe a shot—you won’t regret it. Let me know how yours turns out; nothing makes me happier than sharing good food stories with friends like you!