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Slow Cooker French Onion Salisbury Steak

A cozy, slow cooker meal featuring tender Salisbury steak patties simmered in a rich French onion gravy and topped with melted provolone cheese.
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Two Salisbury steaks with melted cheese on mashed potatoes, served with bread and a drink in the background.
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 10.5-ounce can French onion soup
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 slices provolone cheese for topping

Instructions

  • Step 1: Mix the beef mixture - In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined. Try not to overmix, as that can make the patties dense instead of tender.
  • Step 2: Form the patties - Shape the mixture into oval patties. You should end up with about four evenly sized pieces. Keeping them similar in size helps them cook evenly.
  • Step 3: Place patties in the slow cooker - Arrange the patties in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible. A little overlap is fine, but try to keep them mostly spread out.
  • Step 4: Add the soup and seasoning - Pour the French onion soup over the patties, making sure they are well coated. Then sprinkle the dry soup mix evenly over the top. This is where that deep onion flavor really starts to build.
  • Step 5: Pour in the broth - Add the beef broth to the slow cooker. This helps create enough liquid for the gravy and ensures everything cooks evenly.
  • Step 6: Cook low and slow - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. The patties will become tender and soak up all that rich flavor as they cook.
  • Step 7: Make the slurry - In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the gravy.
  • Step 8: Thicken the gravy - Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens to a smooth, glossy consistency.
  • Step 9: Add the cheese - Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a creamy layer.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Ground turkey: You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: These can replace regular breadcrumbs for a slightly lighter texture.
  • Chicken broth: Works in place of beef broth if that is what you have on hand, though the flavor will be less rich.

Variations

  • Mushroom addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra depth and a more earthy flavor.
  • Swiss cheese topping: Swap the provolone for Swiss cheese for a slightly sharper finish.
  • Serve with noodles: Instead of mashed potatoes, try serving this over egg noodles for a different take.

Tips and Tricks

  • Do not overmix: Keeping the beef mixture lightly mixed ensures tender patties instead of dense ones.
  • Layer flavors: Using both canned soup and dry mix creates a deeper, more complex onion flavor.
  • Thicken at the end: Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end keeps the gravy smooth and glossy.
  • Check seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt if needed.
  • Use low heat: Cooking on low helps the patties stay tender and juicy.

Serving Ideas

  • Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the rich onion gravy.
  • Steamed rice: A simple base that soaks up all the flavor.
  • Egg noodles: Adds a slightly different texture while still being comforting.
  • Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that savory sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables: A great way to balance the richness with something fresh.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions for longer storage and thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the patties in advance and keep them chilled until ready to cook.

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Servings: 4 servings
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