Lazy Man's Smothered Crockpot Hamburger Steak Recipe

 THE ULTIMATE LAZY MAN'S COMFORT FOOD:

Hey Y'all and welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  Let's be honest, some days you just don't feel like cooking.  You want something warm, hearty, and homemade, but the idea of standing over the stove for an hour?  No thank you!  That's where this Lazy Man's Smothered Crockpot Hamburger Steak Recipe swoops in to save dinner time.

This recipe takes all the rich, savory goodness of classic smothered hamburger steak and makes it totally hands-off.  We're talking tender beef patties, smothered in a flavorful onion and mushroom gravy, with minimal effort.  Just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.  Dinner doesn't get easier (or more delicious) than this.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Effortless:  Toss it in the crockpot and walk away.
• Comforting:  Rich gravy, tender beef, and savory veggies; need I say more?
• Family Approved:  Even picky eaters love this one.  

This Lazy Man's Smothered Crockpot Hamburger Steak is everything you love about comfort food.  Easy, hearty, and packed with flavor.  Perfect for busy weeknights or those "I just can't" kind of days.

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

Serves:  4-6

Prep Time:  10 Minutes

Cook Time:  4-6 hours on LOW

• 6 Frozen Hamburger Patties
• 2 packets Brown Gravy Mix
• 2 cups Beef Broth or water
• 1 Onion, sliced
• 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch with 2 Tbsp Water (slurry for thickening)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE LAZY MAN'S SMOTHERED CROCKPOT HAMBURGER STEAK:

1. Layer the Veggies:  Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the bottom of your crockpot. 
2. Add the Frozen Patties:  Place the hamburger patties right on top of the veggies.  No need to thaw.  this is lazy man's cooking after all!
3. Season the Patties:  Season the patties with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper (adjust salt at the end).
4. Mix the Gravy:  In a bowl, whisk together the brown gravy packets with the beef broth, garlic, and Worcestershire Sauce.  
5. Pour It On:  Pour that luscious gravy mixture evenly over the hamburger patties.  
6. Cook:  LOW for 5-6 hours HIGH for 3-5 hours.  Patties will be fork tender.
7. Thicken the Gravy:  If you would like a thicker gravy, add the slurry to the liquid durning the last 30 minutes of cooking.  Adjust seasonings if need be. 
8. Serve and Enjoy:  Spoon that rich, savory gravy over each patty and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or butter noodles.  

TIPS & VARIATIONS:

• Extra Creamy:  Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream before serving for a velvety finish. 
• Boost the Flavor:  Add a splash of soy sauce or Gravy Master for more depth and color.  
• Super Shortcut:  Use pre-sliced frozen onions and peppers to make it truly lazy.  

SERVING IDEAS:  

Pair this cozy meal with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Buttered egg noodles
• A side of green beans, roasted carrots, or broccoli.  

FAQs:

Can I use fresh hamburger patties instead of frozen?

Absolutely!  Just reduce the cooking time by about and hour since they'll cook faster.  

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes!  You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, cover it, and refrigerate.  In the morning, just set it to cook.  

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely!  Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and add and extra 1/2 cup of broth or water.  

So, if you're craving comfort without the hassle this Lazy Man's Smothered Crockpot Hamburger Steak is your new best friend.  It's rich, flavorful, and totally foolproof.  Serve it up with mashed potatoes and watch everyone come back for seconds!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~