There’s just something so comforting about Salisbury Steak — it’s like a big, cozy hug on a plate! This classic dish dates back to the late 1800s, thanks to Dr. James Salisbury, who dreamed it up as a healthier spin on traditional beef meals.
Our slow cooker version takes all that old-fashioned goodness and gives it a tasty upgrade with a rich garlic herb gravy. It’s the perfect easy meal for busy families, especially when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it makes your whole house smell amazing and is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters!
Serve this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes — they’re just made for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Toss some bright, tender green beans or sweet carrots on the side for a pop of color and a boost of nutrition. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that savory sauce! If you want to add a little extra freshness to the meal, a crisp garden salad would be a lovely finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking — let the slow cooker do the work!
- Rich, savory flavors with minimal prep.
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
- Classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on Low)
Servings: 6
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Slow cooker
- Spatula or tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry au jus mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, milk, dry onion soup mix, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until just combined — don’t overwork the meat!
- Shape the mixture into 6 even patties.
- Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off any extra.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side. (You’re just searing here — they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.)
- Arrange the browned patties in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, dry au jus mix, water, thyme, and rosemary until smooth.
- Pour this savory gravy over the patties, making sure they’re all nicely coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
- Spoon that luscious garlic herb gravy over the steaks before serving. Enjoy!
Variations to Try:
- Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions on top before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Stir a splash of heavy cream into the gravy during the last 30 minutes for an even richer sauce.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much depth of flavor to the beef patties.
- Use a slotted spatula when transferring the patties to the slow cooker to keep them from breaking apart.
- For extra tender patties, handle the beef mixture gently — over-mixing can make them tough.
- Want thicker gravy? Leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Enjoy your cozy, slow-cooked Salisbury steak — it’s the perfect way to end any day!
Print Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy is like a warm hug after a long day. Juicy beef patties are browned to perfection, then slow-cooked in a luxurious garlic herb gravy until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s hearty, simple, and packed with homestyle flavor that feels like it took hours of work — but really, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you.
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry au jus mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, milk, dry onion soup mix, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until just combined — don’t overwork the meat!
- Shape the mixture into 6 even patties.
- Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off any extra.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side. (You’re just searing here — they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.)
- Arrange the browned patties in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, dry au jus mix, water, thyme, and rosemary until smooth.
- Pour this savory gravy over the patties, making sure they’re all nicely coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
- Spoon that luscious garlic herb gravy over the steaks before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
