Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy
Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners. Using your slow cooker makes this meal easy and hands-off, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully over time. The juicy beef patties simmer in a rich gravy, creating a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for a few reasons. First, it’s convenient; you can prepare it in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. Second, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! The savory flavor and tender texture of the patties in creamy gravy will have your family asking for seconds.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy
Making Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting meal that will satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry au jus mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions:
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, and minced garlic. Mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make them slightly larger than your target size to account for shrinking.
- Dust each patty with flour lightly, tapping off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Arrange seared patties in a single layer in the crockpot, avoiding overlap.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, au jus mix, warm water, thyme, and rosemary until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the patties in the crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until meat is fork-tender.
- Transfer patties to serving plates and ladle the gravy over them. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy
Serve Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The creamy gravy pairs well with these sides, soaking into them for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch if you’d like.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the gravy thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up when reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Patties with Gravy
- Don’t overmix the beef mixture; this keeps the patties tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
- If you like a little extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the gravy mixture.
Variation
You can add different herbs or spices to customize the flavor of your beef patties. For example, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative, but it may result in a different flavor and texture.
2. How long does it take to cook on HIGH?
If you need to cook the patties on HIGH, it will typically take about 2-3 hours until they are fork-tender.
3. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties or the cooked ones in gravy. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they should last for up to 3 months in the freezer.