Crockpot Salisbury Steak

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Crockpot Salisbury Steak

🕒 Recipe Overview

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)

  • Servings: 4–6

  • Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Patties:

  • Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (85% lean is best for flavor without excess grease)

  • Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (plain or Italian seasoned)

  • Egg: 1 large (lightly beaten)

  • Milk: 1/4 cup

  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp

  • Seasonings: 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

For the Gravy:

  • Condensed French Onion Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)

  • Brown Gravy Mix: 1 packet (standard size)

  • Water or Beef Broth: 1/2 cup

  • Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced (optional but highly recommended)

  • Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (to thicken at the end).

🍳 Instructions

  1. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork it!). Shape into 6 oval patties.

  2. The Sear (Optional but Better): For the best texture, brown the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through; this just locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart.

  3. Layer the Crockpot: Place the patties in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced mushrooms over the top.

  4. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the French onion soup, gravy mix, and water/broth. Pour this over the beef.

  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.

  6. Thicken: 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker gravy.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • Don’t Overmix: Over-handling the meat makes the patties tough. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.

  • The Searing Secret: If you skip the searing step, the patties will still cook fine, but they might be a bit softer and look “boiled.” A quick pan-sear adds a nice crust.

  • Drain the Fat: If you use higher-fat beef, you may want to skim any excess oil off the top of the gravy before serving.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories Protein Fat Carbs
380 28g 22g 16g
Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

✨ Benefits of This Dish

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef rather than expensive steaks.

  • Meal Prep King: Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

  • Family Favorite: Even picky eaters usually enjoy “meatballs in gravy form.”

❓ Common Q&A

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead? A: Absolutely! Just be sure to add a little extra Worcestershire or beef bouillon to the meat mix to maintain that savory “beefy” profile.

Q: What should I serve this with? A: It is practically mandatory to serve this over mashed potatoes, but egg noodles or steamed green beans are fantastic runners-up.

Q: Can I freeze this? A: Yes! You can freeze the cooked patties in the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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