Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a comforting and hearty meal that brings the delightful flavors of home-cooked goodness right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this easy slow cooker recipe combines flavorful ground beef with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. The best part? You can set it and forget it while the Crock Pot does all the work, leaving you with more time to relax or enjoy with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply mix ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup creates a deliciously savory sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly Dish: This recipe is sure to please picky eaters, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Great Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day, as the flavors only get better!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Ziploc bag
• Rolling pin or heavy-bottomed pot
• Large sauté pan
• Crock Pot

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Mixing Bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Ziploc Bag: Ideal for crushing crackers without any mess.
• Crock Pot: Allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.

Ingredients

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is an easy slow cooker ground beef dinner recipe.

For the Beef Patties:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 egg, large
• 1 oz onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup milk
• 20 Ritz crackers

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onions
• 21 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (2 x 10.5 oz cans)
• 0.87 oz brown gravy mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

How to Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. Dump the lean ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the egg, onion soup mix, and milk to the bowl.
3. Place the Ritz crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a heavy-bottomed pot.
4. Pour the cracker crumbs into the bowl with the ground beef.
5. Use your hands to combine all ingredients well.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

1. Divide the meat mixture into four evenly sized balls.
2. Flatten each ball into patties.

Step 3: Brown the Patties

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef patties to the heated pan.
3. Cook until browned on one side (about 3 minutes).
4. Flip patties and cook until browned on both sides (another 3 minutes).
5. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Set Up Your Slow Cooker

1. Spray inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray.
2. Pour diced onions into the bottom of the Crock Pot.
3. Place browned patties in a single layer on top of onions; they may overlap slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, dump in cream of mushroom soup.
2. Add brown gravy mix and beef broth; whisk together until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture over ground beef patties in your Crock Pot.

Step 6: Cook It Low and Slow

1. Place lid on Crock Pot; set it to cook on LOW for about 4 hours.
2. After cooking time is up, remove lid and transfer cooked patties to a plate.

Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce

1. Stir contents of Crock Pot well.
2. Combine water and corn starch in a small bowl; stir until corn starch dissolves completely.
3. Pour corn starch mixture into Crock Pot; whisk well to combine.
4. Return ground beef patties to Crock Pot; leave dish cooking for at least another 10 minutes to thicken sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Crock Pot Salisbury Steak hot over mashed potatoes or rice, enjoying every bite of this hearty dish!

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a comforting meal that can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the savory gravy, soaking up all the flavors from the dish.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Bright and colorful steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add nutrition and balance to your plate.

In a Sandwich

• Place the patties on a toasted bun with some gravy for a hearty sandwich option that’s great for lunch or dinner.

Over Rice

• Serving the Salisbury steak over fluffy white or brown rice allows you to enjoy the tasty sauce while adding extra texture to your meal.

With Fresh Salad

• A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the steak, refreshing your palate between bites.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

To make your Crock Pot Salisbury Steak even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose lean ground beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Don’t skip browning: Browning the patties before adding them to the crock pot enhances flavor and adds depth to the dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add extra herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or pepper, for added flavor.
• Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for richer taste compared to store-bought options.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit after cooking lets flavors meld together and improves overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak pairs well with numerous side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
2. Perfect for sopping up gravy, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch alongside your meal.
3. Roasted Potatoes
4. Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty and satisfying side that complements the steak.
5. Coleslaw
6. A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Salisbury steak.
7. Corn on the Cob
8. Sweet corn on the cob brings seasonal freshness and sweetness that balances out your plate.
9. Baked Beans
10. Hearty baked beans add a touch of sweetness and protein, making them a filling addition to your meal.
11. Cauliflower Rice
12. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is great at soaking up juices from the steak without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Browning: Not browning the patties before adding them to the slow cooker can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always sear them first for better taste.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Placing too many patties in the crock pot can cause uneven cooking. Make sure they are in a single layer or cook in batches.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high instead of low may lead to dry meat. Stick to low heat for tender results over 4 hours.
• Not Adding Enough Liquid: Insufficient broth or sauce can dry out the patties. Always include enough liquid to keep everything moist during cooking.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not adjusting seasonings based on personal taste can result in bland flavors. Taste and tweak as needed before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep the Crock Pot Salisbury Steak in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steak in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of beef broth over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak from scratch?

To make this dish from scratch, follow the provided recipe using fresh ingredients like ground beef, onions, and seasoning blends.

Can I substitute ground beef in Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Yes! You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.

What sides pair well with Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

This hearty meal pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner experience.

How long does Crock Pot Salisbury Steak take to cook?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak typically takes about 4 hours on low heat for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Is it possible to customize the sauce in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to enhance the sauce’s flavor according to your preference.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is not only an easy recipe but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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