Slow Cooker Salisbury-Style Beef Patties with Mushrooms and Rich Gravy
There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic diner meal. Tender beef patties smothered in savory brown gravy, topped with perfectly cooked mushrooms, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles—it’s simple, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.
Now imagine achieving that same slow-simmered, rich flavor without standing over the stove.
This slow cooker beef patties and mushrooms recipe delivers that classic diner-style comfort with minimal effort. By tossing seasoned beef patties and mushrooms into the slow cooker with gravy mix and a few flavorful additions, you create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering in a country kitchen all day long.
Let’s walk through the full recipe, step by step.
What This Dish Is Inspired By
This recipe is inspired by classic Salisbury steak—the beloved comfort food made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich onion and mushroom gravy.
Traditionally, Salisbury steak is pan-seared and then simmered in gravy on the stovetop. But this slow cooker version allows the patties to cook gently over several hours, becoming fork-tender while absorbing deep flavor from the gravy and mushrooms.
The result?
Juicy beef patties infused with savory onion and garlic notes, surrounded by silky brown gravy and tender mushrooms that taste just like your favorite diner plate.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Gravy and Mushrooms
2 packets brown gravy mix (or onion gravy mix)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
1 small onion, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet (optional for browning)
Slow cooker (5–6 quart recommended)
Spatula or spoon
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Milk
Minced onion
Garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Thyme (if using)
Mix gently with your hands until everything is combined.
Important tip: Avoid overmixing. Overworking ground beef can make the patties dense and tough. Mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 oval-shaped patties. Salisbury-style patties are typically oval rather than round, but shape doesn’t affect flavor—so feel free to shape them as you like.
Make them about 3/4-inch thick. They will hold together better and stay juicy during slow cooking.
Place the shaped patties on a plate.
Optional Step: Brown the Patties First
While you can place the patties directly into the slow cooker, browning them first adds extra depth of flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil.
Sear each patty for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned (not fully cooked).
You’re not cooking them through—just developing a flavorful crust.
Transfer the browned patties to the slow cooker.
This step is optional but highly recommended for diner-style flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base
In a bowl, whisk together:
Brown gravy mix packets
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Dijon mustard
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
The combination of Worcestershire and mustard adds subtle tang and depth, balancing the richness of the beef.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Layer sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the beef patties on top.
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over everything, making sure patties are mostly covered.
The mushrooms and onions will cook down beautifully and blend into the gravy.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook:
On LOW for 6–7 hours
OR
On HIGH for 3–4 hours
Low and slow is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
During cooking, the patties will release juices, enriching the gravy even more.
Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and increases cooking time.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (If Needed)
If you prefer a thicker gravy:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
Stir until smooth to create a slurry.
Pour into the slow cooker and gently stir the gravy (without breaking the patties).
Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white rice
Roasted green beans
Glazed carrots
To serve, place a patty on a plate, spoon generous amounts of mushroom gravy over the top, and add your side dishes.
For extra comfort, serve with warm dinner rolls to soak up the gravy.
What Makes This Taste Like a Diner Favorite?
Several key elements create that classic flavor:
Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth.
Browning the patties enhances richness.
Mushrooms provide earthy balance.
Onion-infused gravy delivers savory warmth.
Slow cooking melds everything together.
It’s hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying.
Flavor Variations
Creamy Version
Add 1/4 cup sour cream at the end for a creamier gravy.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Double the garlic in the patties and add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the gravy.
Extra Mushroom Version
Use 12 ounces of mushrooms for an even more pronounced flavor.
Swiss Cheese Version
Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
The flavors deepen even more the next day.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Tips for Success
Use 80/20 beef for juicy patties. Lean beef may dry out.
Don’t skip seasoning the meat.
Brown for best flavor.
Use fresh mushrooms for best texture.
Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for thicker gravy.
Why the Slow Cooker Works So Well
The slow cooker:
Gently tenderizes the beef.
Allows flavors to meld gradually.
Prevents overcooking.
Creates rich gravy with minimal effort.
It transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it required hours of active cooking.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 350–450 (depending on sides)
Protein: High
Carbohydrates: Moderate
Fat: Moderate
Iron: Excellent source
Serving with vegetables balances the meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef patties and mushrooms recipe captures everything people love about classic diner comfort food—but with the ease of modern convenience.
Juicy, seasoned beef.
Tender mushrooms.
Savory brown gravy.
Minimal prep.
It’s a meal that feels nostalgic, hearty, and deeply comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Set it, forget it, and come home to a kitchen filled with rich, savory aroma.
Comfort food doesn’t get much easier—or more satisfying—than this.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire