Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Steak
This slow cooker poor man’s steak is a classic budget dinner recipe that delivers big comfort with almost no effort. Made with hamburger patties and cream of mushroom soup, this old-fashioned favorite transforms simple pantry staples into tender, steak-like patties simmered in a rich, savory gravy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-go crockpot meal requires no browning, no breading, and no babysitting. Just shape the patties, pour everything into the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow until dinner is irresistibly tender and full of flavor. It’s the kind of cheap family dinner that disappears fast and brings everyone back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Budget-friendly Made with affordable ground beef and pantry staples
Only 5 ingredients Simple, no-stress cooking
Set-it-and-forget-it Perfect slow cooker meal for busy days
Comfort food classic Rich gravy and tender patties everyone loves
Great for leftovers Reheats beautifully for next-day meals
Serve this comforting dish over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or white rice to soak up every bit of the mushroom gravy. Add a simple vegetable like green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad to round out this hearty, satisfying meal.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Poor Man’s Steak
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1½ pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Lightly grease a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or oil.
In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with black pepper until just combined.
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape into flat patties about ½–¾ inch thick.
Place the raw hamburger patties in a single layer in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the patties, fully coating them.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with plenty of gravy.
Tips & Variations:
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
Add sliced onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture
Stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for deeper savory notes
Leftovers make excellent open-faced sandwiches over toast or biscuits
