Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is an easy slow cooker ground beef dinner recipe that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering, this dish features juicy beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom sauce. The unique blend of ingredients ensures every bite is satisfying, making it a favorite at the dinner table. Plus, the slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation – With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it!
• Rich Flavors – The combination of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup creates a savory sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal Option – Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish serves well with mashed potatoes or rice.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will enjoy the hearty flavors and comforting textures of this classic dish.
• Slow Cooker Convenience – Let your crock pot do the work while you focus on other tasks or enjoy some downtime.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large mixing bowl – A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without mess.
• Crock pot – Ideal for slow cooking, it ensures your Salisbury steak cooks evenly and develops rich flavors over time.
• Saute pan – Perfect for browning the beef patties before placing them in the crock pot; this step adds depth to the dish.

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 tablespoons corn starch

How to Make Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef 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 ingredients well.

Step 2: Form Patties

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

Step 3: Brown the Patties

1. Heat 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), then flip to brown the other side (another 3 minutes).
4. Remove from heat when both sides are nicely browned.

Step 4: Assemble in Crock Pot

1. Spray inside of the 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: Create Sauce Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, and beef broth.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

Step 6: Cook in Slow Cooker

1. Pour sauce mixture over patties in the crock pot.
2. Cover with lid and set to cook on LOW for about 4 hours.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

1. After cooking time is complete, 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 to thicken sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice for a delightful meal! Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Salisbury Steak!

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking for a comforting meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for the flavorful gravy from the Salisbury steak. They soak up the juices beautifully.

Pair with Steamed Vegetables

• Fresh steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a healthy crunch and color to your plate, balancing the richness of the dish.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of your Salisbury steak adds a burst of flavor and makes for an attractive presentation.

Enjoy with Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce. This adds texture and makes the meal even more satisfying.

Accompany with Rice

• Fluffy white or brown rice works well as a side, allowing you to enjoy every drop of gravy in a different way.

Add a Side Salad

• A simple green salad dressed lightly can provide freshness and contrast to the heavier elements of the dish, making it feel lighter overall.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Creating the perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak involves careful preparation and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while still keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• Don’t skip browning: Searing the patties before adding them to the crock pot builds flavor through caramelization that enhances the overall taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. You can add salt, pepper, or additional herbs based on your preference for enhanced flavor.
• Thicken sauce effectively: Mixing cornstarch with water ensures that it dissolves completely before adding it to the sauce, preventing lumps.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider for your meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a rich pairing that absorbs all the delicious gravy.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These slightly sweet yet savory sprouts add depth to your plate and offer great texture.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a light contrast and adds nutrients.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort food vibes that everyone loves, making it a crowd-pleaser.
5. Buttered Corn: Sweet corn tossed in butter complements the savory meat perfectly while adding bright color to your plate.
6. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the steak, providing balance.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs nicely with savory dishes like Salisbury steak.
8. Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans sautéed with almonds offer both elegance and crunch alongside this hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring meat quality: Always use lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Fatty meat can lead to greasy patties.
• Overmixing ingredients: When combining the meat mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
• Not browning the patties: Skipping the browning step can result in a lack of flavor. Browning adds depth and helps seal in juices.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the cooked patties rest before serving allows flavors to meld. Don’t skip this crucial step for better taste.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. You may want to add salt or spices to suit your preferences.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, separate the patties and sauce before freezing.

Reheating Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a comforting slow cooker dish made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer leaner options while keeping similar flavors.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

The cooking time is approximately 4 hours on low heat, making it perfect for busy days.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences for a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or changing seasonings. This dish promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite, so give it a try!

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