Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is an easy slow cooker ground beef dinner recipe that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish is packed with flavor and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. The creamy sauce makes it a standout meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef and creamy mushroom sauce creates a deliciously savory dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or even on its own for a hearty meal.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the comforting taste of this classic dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Saute pan
• Whisk
• Ziploc bag
• Rolling pin or heavy-bottomed pot

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Provides a hands-off cooking experience, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without mess or hassle.
• Whisk: Helps ensure that sauces are well blended for an even flavor throughout.

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 Beef Patties

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 and Brown the Patties

1. Divide the meat mixture into four evenly sized balls.
2. Flatten the balls into patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the patties to the heated pan and cook until browned on one side (about 3 minutes).
5. Flip the patties and continue cooking until browned on the other side (about another 3 minutes).
6. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble in Crock Pot

1. Spray inside of 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.

Step 4: Prepare Sauce Mixture

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

Step 5: Cook in Crock Pot

1. Place lid on crock pot; set to cook on LOW for about 4 hours.
2. After cooking time, remove lid from crock pot; transfer cooked patties to a plate.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

1. Stir contents of crock pot well.
2. In a small bowl, combine water and corn starch; stir until dissolved.
3. Pour corn starch mixture into crock pot; whisk well to combine.
4. Return patties to crock pot; let cook for at least 10 more minutes to thicken sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm and enjoy this delightful meal with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Classic Plating

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the Salisbury steak over a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting combination.
• Rice Pilaf: Pair the steak with fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the delicious gravy, enhancing each bite.

Sandwich Style

• Open-Faced Sandwich: Place a patty on a slice of toasted bread and top it with gravy for a delightful open-faced sandwich.
• Slider Buns: Serve mini patties on slider buns for a fun twist, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Vegetable Pairings

• Steamed Broccoli: Add some steamed broccoli on the side for a pop of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Carrots: Roasted carrots provide sweetness and crunch, complementing the savory flavors of the Salisbury steak.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

To ensure your Crock Pot Salisbury Steak turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Mixing: Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution throughout the patties.
• Bold Browning: Don’t skip browning the patties before placing them in the crock pot; this adds depth and enhances flavor.
• Bold Timing: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can dry out the patties. Stick to 4 hours on LOW for best results.
• Bold Gravy Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the thickness of your gravy by adding more or less corn starch based on your preference.
• Bold Flavor Boosting: Add garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bold Leftover Usage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days; they reheat beautifully!

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience with Crock Pot Salisbury Steak. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery delight is perfect for soaking up any extra gravy from your plate.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast and balances the rich flavors of the steak.
3. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add elegance and texture to your dinner table.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory dishes beautifully; grill or boil it for quick prep!
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with savory meats like Salisbury steak.
6. Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower mash as a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Salisbury Steak, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the patties before adding them to the crock pot can lead to a less flavorful dish. Take the time to sear them for enhanced taste.
• Ignoring Measurements: Failing to accurately measure ingredients like broth or soup can alter consistency and flavor. Always use precise measurements for best results.
• Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Placing too many patties at once might prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation by layering properly.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause the patties to dry out during cooking. Follow the recipe’s liquid amounts closely for juicy results.
• Neglecting Time Management: Cooking on high instead of low may lead to tough meat. Stick to low and slow for tender, flavorful Salisbury steak.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water and reheat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is a comforting, slow-cooked dish made with ground beef patties simmered in a creamy sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative while still providing great flavor in your Crock Pot Salisbury Steak.

How do I customize my Crock Pot Salisbury Steak?

Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Seasonings can also be adjusted according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to cook?

Cooking on low takes about 4 hours, ensuring tender and juicy patties that soak up all the delicious sauce flavors.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot has enough capacity and adjust cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weekdays or special family dinners—give it a try!

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