Have you ever had one of those days where the world seems to be spinning a bit too fast, and all you crave is a dinner that feels like a warm hug? Well, let me introduce you to my trusty sidekick:
the slow cooker Salisbury steak. This delightful dish is like a culinary time machine, transporting you back to simpler days, where the only thing on your mind was savoring every juicy bite.
Imagine tender beef patties nestled in a savory gravy that’s thick enough to cling to your fork, yet smooth like a Sinatra ballad. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to kick off your shoes, pour a glass of wine, and just let the chaos of the day melt away.
Oh, and speaking of melting—did you catch the latest on the Paris Fashion Week? It’s all the rage, just like this dish will be in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who just learned how to boil water last week, this recipe is your ticket to a dinner that’s both effortless and utterly satisfying. So, let’s get those slow cookers ready and dive into a meal that promises pure comfort with each forkful.
Steps
- Combine ground beef, chopped green onions, crumbled Ritz crackers with Italian seasoning, and a cornstarch/flour mixture in a bowl. Shape the mixture into patties.
- In a hot skillet, brown each patty for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice crust. Remove the patties and set them aside.
- Sauté sliced onions and mushrooms in the same skillet until they are tender and fragrant. This adds depth to the flavor.
- In a slow cooker, place the browned patties, then pour over a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and any remaining onion soup mix.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to become tender.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks over a bed of mashed potatoes, pairing with broccoli or another preferred side dish for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs or substitute with crumbled Ritz crackers and Italian seasoning
- 1 packet (or 1/2 packet for less salt) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet Au Jus mix or substitute with beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) beef gravy
- 1/4 cup beef broth (if substituting for Au Jus mix)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Cornstarch/flour mix for breading patties
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I make substitutions for certain ingredients in the Salisbury Steak recipe?
- Yes, many people have successfully made substitutions. For instance, if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use crumbled Ritz crackers with Italian seasoning. Instead of onion soup mix, you can use beef bouillon and chopped green onions. Cream of mushroom soup can also be used instead of cream of chicken.
- How can I reduce the saltiness in the Salisbury Steak recipe?
- To address concerns about saltiness, you can use only half of the onion soup mix instead of the full packet. Several people have found this adjustment helpful.
- Can this recipe be made using an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
- Yes, the Salisbury Steak can be made in an Instant Pot. You can brown the patties and then sauté the mushrooms and onions in the Instant Pot. After adding the other ingredients, cook on high pressure for about 3 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
- What side dishes pair well with Salisbury Steak?
- Salisbury Steak is often served over mashed potatoes, which complement the flavors nicely. Adding a side of broccoli or other vegetables can also enhance the meal.
- Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stovetop?
- Absolutely, you can make this dish on the stovetop if you’re short on time. Brown the patties, prepare the gravy with your chosen soup and other ingredients, and let it simmer until everything is cooked through.
Tips
- Consider using only half of the onion soup mix to reduce saltiness, as some have found the full amount makes the dish too salty.
- Experiment with substitutions if you’re missing ingredients; for example, use beef bouillon and green onions instead of onion soup mix, or substitute Ritz crackers with Italian seasoning for bread crumbs.
- If pressed for time, try preparing the dish on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker. Browning the patties and sautéing the mushrooms and onions beforehand can enhance the flavor.
- Enhance the dish by adding mushrooms and using cream of mushroom soup for a richer gravy. This substitution has been popular among those who tried it.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for the original slow cooker preparation method.
- Instant Pot – As an alternative method used by some reviewers.
- Non-stick Skillet – For browning the patties if you choose to do so on the stovetop.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the patties are cooked through (if not using a slow cooker).
