Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of tender Salisbury steak smothered in rich, savory gravy. Growing up, my mother made it the old-fashioned way — sizzling patties in a cast iron pan. But once I started experimenting with my slow cooker, I realized I could capture all that nostalgic flavor with half the effort. This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy is hearty, aromatic, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day — simple, soulful, and utterly satisfying.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steaks:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Garlic Herb Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but delicious)

To Serve:

• Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into 6 oval patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the patties on both sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
4. Place sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Arrange browned patties on top.
6. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, and parsley. Pour over the meat.
7. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3 hours.
8. In the last 30 minutes, stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
9. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice, drizzling plenty of garlic herb gravy on top.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip searing — it locks in juices and adds rich flavor.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Make it gluten-free with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• For creamier gravy, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter before serving.
• Store leftovers up to 4 days; the flavor deepens overnight!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

This recipe turns a humble classic into a luxurious, slow-cooked meal. The garlic herb gravy infuses every bite with savory depth, while the slow cooker ensures the patties stay juicy and tender. It’s protein-packed, balanced, and made with simple pantry staples. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed cauliflower for a complete, wholesome dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal — right from your crockpot.

Nutrition & Storage Table

The Secret to the Perfect Garlic Herb Gravy

The secret lies in layering flavors: a base of browned onions and mushrooms, a touch of soy for umami, and thyme for that herby aroma. As the gravy simmers, it thickens naturally, coating the steaks in a silky, flavorful glaze. For an extra Mediterranean touch, add a hint of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving — it brightens the richness beautifully.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can prepare the patties ahead of time, freeze them raw or cooked, and then add them directly to the slow cooker on busy days. The gravy also freezes wonderfully — reheat gently, whisking to restore its smooth texture. Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy

If you make this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Garlic Herb Gravy, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Tag your photos — I love seeing your cozy, home-cooked plates.

Final Tip

For the richest flavor, make your gravy a day ahead — it thickens beautifully and tastes even better once the herbs meld together overnight.