Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a comforting and delicious meal that brings the family together around the dinner table. This easy slow cooker ground beef dinner recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends and promises rich flavors with minimal effort. With tender patties simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a dish that will please everyone. Plus, its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply mix the ingredients and let your Crock Pot do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef and creamy mushroom sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfectly pairs with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Crock Pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Saute pan
• Whisk
• Ziploc bag

Why These Tools Matter

• Crock Pot: Ideal for slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Saute Pan: Essential for browning patties before slow cooking, enhancing flavor.
• Whisk: Helps in smoothly blending sauces and mixes for even consistency.

Ingredients

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

For the 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 tablespoon 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 with a rolling pin or heavy-bottomed pot.
4. Pour the cracker crumbs into the bowl with the ground beef.
5. Use your hands to combine all of the ingredients well.

Step 2: Shape Patties

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

Step 3: Brown the Patties

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saute 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 continue cooking until browned on the other side (about 3 minutes).
5. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble in Crock Pot

1. Spray the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray.
2. Pour diced onions into the bottom of the crock pot.
3. Place browned patties on top of diced onions, slightly overlapping if needed.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce Mixture

1. Dump cream of mushroom soup into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add brown gravy mix and beef broth; whisk together until well combined.
3. Pour this mixture over patties in the crock pot.

Step 6: Slow Cook

1. Place lid on crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. After cooking, remove lid and transfer cooked patties to a plate.
2. Stir contents of crock pot well.
3. Combine water and corn starch in a small bowl; stir until corn starch dissolves completely.
4. Pour corn starch mixture into crock pot; whisk well to combine.
5. Return patties to crock pot; leave to cook for an additional 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Crock Pot Salisbury Steak with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The smooth texture complements the rich gravy from the Salisbury steak, making for an indulgent experience.

Over Egg Noodles

• Butter Egg Noodles – Lightly buttered egg noodles absorb the flavors of the sauce, creating a delightful combination that’s quick to prepare.

With Rice

• Fluffy White Rice – Serve the Salisbury steak over fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious gravy, offering a satisfying and filling meal.

With Vegetables

• Steamed Green Beans – Fresh green beans add a nice crunch and color to your plate while balancing out the richness of the dish.

On a Bed of Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the savory steak, making it a lighter option.

As a Sandwich

• Salisbury Steak Sandwich – Place the patties on a toasted bun with some gravy for an easy and tasty sandwich alternative.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Perfecting your Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.

• Use Lean Ground Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to ensure your patties are juicy without being overly greasy.
• Let Ingredients Combine – Allowing the meat mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps flavors meld together.
• Brown Patties Well – Browning the patties before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• Adjust Gravy Consistency – If you prefer thicker gravy, simply increase the corn starch in your slurry mixture.
• Experiment with Seasonings – Feel free to add garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low heat allows flavors to develop fully, resulting in tender and flavorful patties.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak pairs well with numerous side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up gravy; simply toast slices with garlic butter until golden.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add great texture and flavor contrast alongside the steak.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich meat dish.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements savory flavors; grill or boil it lightly for best results.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory steak and adds nutritional value.
6. Buttered Peas – Simple yet delightful; buttered peas bring color and sweetness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not Browning the Patties: Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. Always brown your patties in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot for richer taste.
• Overcooking the Dish: Leaving it in too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time and check for doneness.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can make the dish bland. Use ample salt and pepper or additional herbs for enhanced flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients may compromise taste and texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality beef and broth for best results.
• Skipping the Thickening Step: Neglecting to thicken the gravy can result in a watery sauce. Always use cornstarch to achieve that desired thickness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, ensuring even warming.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a flavorful slow-cooked dish made with ground beef patties simmered in a creamy mushroom gravy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

How can I customize my Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different seasonings as well!

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, substitute regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free ones and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.

How long does it take to cook?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak typically takes about 4 hours on low heat, making it a convenient meal option!

Conclusion

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile and satisfying. You can customize it with various ingredients or sides, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes. Give this delicious recipe a try today!

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