Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Steak (5-Ingredient Comfort Classic)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

2. Season the Meat

In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with black pepper. Don’t overwork it — that’s the key to tender patties.

3. Form Patties

Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into flat patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick.

4. Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place patties in a single layer at the bottom. It’s okay if the edges slightly touch, but avoid stacking.

5. Make the Gravy

Whisk together:

Cream of mushroom soup
Dry onion soup mix
Water

It should be thick but pourable.

6. Pour & Cook

Pour the mixture evenly over the patties so they’re completely covered.

Cook:

LOW for 5–6 hours
HIGH for 2½–3 hours

The patties should be fully cooked through and very tender.

7. Serve

Spoon plenty of that mushroom-onion gravy over the patties and whatever you’re serving alongside.

What to Serve with Poor Man’s Steak

This dish absolutely shines over:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white rice
Roasted green beans
Sweet corn
Buttery dinner rolls

The gravy is the star here — you’ll want something to soak it up!

Tips for Success

Use 80–85% lean beef for best flavor and tenderness.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
For thicker gravy, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating).

General Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours (LOW)
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine Style: American comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I brown the patties first?

You can, but it’s not necessary. The slow cooker keeps them tender without that extra step.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and avoid stacking too tightly.

How do I know they’re done?

The patties should have no pink in the center and reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Steak proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With five simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you get tender, gravy-soaked patties that taste like pure nostalgia.

It’s hearty. It’s practical. And it’s the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.

If you love cozy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy: