Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Steak
This slow cooker poor man’s steak recipe is a true budget-friendly comfort meal that tastes like a fancy dinner with minimal effort. With only 4 simple ingredients, you’ll create tender, steak-like patties swimming in rich, glossy gravy. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, family-friendly meals, or slow cooker comfort food lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Budget-friendly: Only 4 ingredients, yet delivers a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work set it and forget it.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love these tender, juicy patties.
Versatile sides: Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or white rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1.5 oz dry onion soup mix (1 packet)
2 (10.5 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup water
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and dry onion soup mix. Gently mix with your hands until seasoning is evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the mixture into 6–8 oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Press the centers slightly for even cooking.
Optional: Brown patties in a skillet 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor and golden edges.
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker and arrange patties in a single layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth. Pour over patties, ensuring even coverage.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until patties are tender and gravy is glossy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, spooning plenty of gravy over each portion.
Tips & Variations:
Stretch the meal: Add sliced onions or mushrooms under patties before pouring the soup mixture.
Gravy hack: For thicker gravy, simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes or stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water.
Flavor swap: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a slightly different taste. Replace water with beef broth for deeper flavor.
Breadcrumb trick: Mix 1/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs into lean beef for better patty hold.
Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully; flavors deepen overnight.
Serving Suggestions:
Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed white rice.
Add buttered green beans, peas, or carrots for a complete farmhouse-style meal.
Serve with biscuits or crusty bread to soak up every drop of rich gravy.
