Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is an easy slow cooker ground beef dinner recipe that brings hearty flavor and comfort to your table. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a delightful blend of tender patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker while savoring a classic American favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply mix the ingredients and let your crock pot do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef and creamy mushroom soup creates a savory sauce that elevates this dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: This comforting dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers, you can easily make this ahead of time and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Ziploc bag (for crushing crackers)
• Rolling pin or heavy pot
• Large sauté pan
• Crock pot

Why These Tools Matter

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Ziploc bag: Perfect for crushing crackers without creating a mess in your kitchen.
• Large sauté pan: Ideal for browning patties evenly before adding them to the crock pot.
• Crock pot: Allows for convenient slow cooking, enhancing flavors over time with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
– 1 egg, large
– 1 oz onion soup mix
– 1/4 cup milk
– 20 Ritz crackers
– 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: Form Patties

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

Step 3: Brown the Patties

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef patties to the heated pan.
3. Cook until the bottoms of the patties are browned (about 3 minutes).
4. Flip the patties and continue cooking until the other side is browned (about 3 minutes).
5. Remove the pan 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 ground beef patties in a single layer on top of diced onions; they may overlap slightly.

Step 5: Prepare Gravy Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, dump in cream of mushroom soup.
2. Add brown gravy mix and beef broth to this bowl.
3. Whisk all ingredients together well.
4. Pour this mixture over ground beef patties in the crock pot.

Step 6: Slow Cook

1. Place lid on crock pot and set it to cook on LOW.
2. After 4 hours of cooking time, remove lid from crock pot and transfer cooked ground beef patties to a plate.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

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

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Salisbury Steak!

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. The rich flavors of the beef patties combined with the creamy sauce make it an excellent choice for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory sauce perfectly, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Top with Gravy

• Drizzle extra gravy over the patties for added moisture and flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots add color and nutrients to your plate, balancing out the meal.

Enjoy on a Bun

• For a casual twist, serve the Salisbury steak on toasted buns as a hearty sandwich option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Serve with Rice

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice is an excellent base for the rich sauce, providing a filling and comforting side.

Add a Salad

• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak, enhancing your dining experience.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Perfecting your Crock Pot Salisbury Steak can enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to make your dish even better:

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, keeping your dish lighter while still flavorful.
• Combine ingredients well: Thoroughly mixing the meat mixture ensures that flavors are evenly distributed throughout each patty.
• Sear the patties: Browning the patties before adding them to the crock pot adds depth of flavor and enhances their texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels based on personal preference; feel free to add additional herbs or spices for more flavor.
• Thicken sauce properly: Make sure to mix corn starch well with water before adding it to avoid clumps in your sauce.
• Let it rest: Allowing your dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Pairing side dishes with Crock Pot Salisbury Steak can enhance its appeal and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Buttered Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter provide a light yet satisfying accompaniment that absorbs sauce well.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and is perfect for dipping into the rich gravy of the Salisbury steak.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts bring a touch of bitterness that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
4. Creamed Spinach: This rich side adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the savory beef, creating a classic combination.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crispness and acidity, balancing out the hearty flavors of your main dish.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory notes of Salisbury steak nicely while offering nutritional benefits.
7. Corn on the Cob: Seasonal corn offers sweetness and crunch, making it an enjoyable side that pairs well with any protein-rich main course.
8. Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, this creamy side provides comfort without adding too many carbs to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Overmixing the meat: Mixing too much can result in tough patties. Combine ingredients just until blended.
• Skipping browning the patties: Not browning can lead to less flavor. Always brown the patties before adding them to the crock pot.
• Ignoring cooking time: Cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender results.
• Using low-quality beef: Lower quality beef can affect taste and texture. Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and consistency.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust can lead to blandness. Always sample and season as needed before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before placing in the fridge.

Freezing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a hearty dish made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will work well while keeping the same savory flavors.

How do I make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz and check that your cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix are also gluten-free.

Is it possible to cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours if you’re short on time, but low cooking gives better flavor development.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor!

Conclusion

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a delightful combination of flavors that makes it an ideal comfort food. Its versatility allows you to customize with various proteins or additional vegetables based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

---