Tender, juicy hamburger steaks slow-cooked in a rich, savory mushroom gravy with onions, garlic, and flavorful seasonings. This easy Crockpot dinner requires simple ingredients and delivers comforting, homemade flavor with very little effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
– 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup breadcrumbs
– ¼ cup milk
– ½ small onion, finely minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning
For the Mushroom Gravy
– 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Hamburger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Shape the Patties: Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into oval hamburger steaks about ¾ inch thick. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
3. Brown the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the hamburger steaks for approximately 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to cook completely because they will finish cooking in the Crockpot.
4. Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Place sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the browned hamburger steaks over the vegetables.
6. Add the Gravy: Pour the mushroom gravy mixture evenly over the hamburger steaks, making sure the patties are mostly covered.
7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the patties are fully cooked and tender. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Thicken the Gravy: About 20–30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the gravy around the patties. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, until thickened.
9. Serve: Carefully remove the hamburger steaks and spoon the creamy mushroom gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These Crockpot Hamburger Steaks taste delicious with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Buttered egg noodles
– Steamed white or brown rice
– Roasted green beans
– Garlic mashed cauliflower
– Roasted carrots or broccoli
– Fresh garden salad
The mushroom gravy is especially delicious spooned over mashed potatoes or rice.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftover hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
– Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
– Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated to 165°F (74°C). Add a little beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
Estimated Nutrition Information
Per serving, based on 6 servings and excluding side dishes.
– Calories: 430
– Protein: 31g
– Carbohydrates: 13g
– Fat: 28g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 3g
– Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ground beef, condensed soup, broth, and breadcrumbs used.
Nut Information and Allergens
Nut Information
– Peanuts: No peanuts are included in the standard recipe.
– Tree Nuts: No almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, or other tree nuts are included in the standard recipe.
– Nut-free preparation: Check all packaged ingredients for allergen statements and possible cross-contact warnings.
Other Allergens
– Eggs: Contains egg.
– Dairy: Contains milk and typically dairy ingredients in condensed cream of mushroom soup.
– Gluten/Wheat: Regular breadcrumbs and many condensed cream of mushroom soups contain wheat.
– Soy: Some packaged soups, broths, and Worcestershire sauces may contain soy or soy-derived ingredients.
– Mushrooms: Contains mushrooms.
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and verified gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Always check labels carefully, especially when cooking for someone with food allergies.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I put raw hamburger patties directly into the Crockpot?
Yes. You can place the uncooked patties directly into the slow cooker, but browning them first adds deeper flavor and helps them hold their shape. Make sure the centers reach 160°F (71°C).
Q: Do I have to brown the hamburger steaks first?
Browning is recommended for better flavor and texture, but it is not absolutely necessary. If skipping this step, handle the raw patties carefully and ensure they cook completely.
Q: How do I keep hamburger steaks from falling apart?
Use an egg and breadcrumbs as binders, avoid overmixing, and brown the patties gently before adding them to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works as an alternative. Because it is leaner, avoid overcooking and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushroom soup?
Fresh mushrooms can be used, but the condensed soup provides the creamy base for this gravy. To replace it, make a homemade mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
Q: Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Prepare a homemade gravy using butter, flour, beef broth, and sautéed mushrooms. Add a splash of cream or milk for extra richness.
Q: How can I make the mushroom gravy thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the hot gravy. Cook for another 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes. Shape the hamburger patties and refrigerate them separately in a covered container. Slice the vegetables and prepare the gravy mixture ahead of time. Assemble and start cooking the next day.
Q: Can I cook hamburger steaks on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours. LOW is generally preferred for more tender results.
Q: Can I add potatoes to the Crockpot?
Absolutely. Add peeled and cubed potatoes beneath the hamburger steaks so they cook in the flavorful gravy.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?
The traditional recipe contains breadcrumbs and condensed soup, so it is not strictly keto. For a lower-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use a low-carb homemade mushroom gravy.
Q: How do I know when the hamburger steaks are done?
Use a food thermometer to check the center of the thickest patty. Ground beef must reach 160°F (71°C) before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked hamburger steaks with gravy?
Yes. Allow everything to cool, then freeze in airtight portions. The gravy may change texture slightly after thawing, but stirring gently while reheating can help bring it back together.
Q: What is the best side dish for hamburger steaks with mushroom gravy?
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they soak up the rich mushroom gravy beautifully. Egg noodles and rice are also excellent options.