Homemade Salisbury steak is one recipe that instantly brings me back to my childhood. My mom would make it often for dinner and it was a favorite recipe then. When I make it now for my family, I stand over the stove top and just think of my mom. I would watch her make it and wonder what she added to make it so good! After making it for my own family for so many years, I have perfected her recipe!

Why you are going to love Salisbury steak

What makes Salisbury steak so special? It’s budget-friendly, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight from a classic diner menu. The best part—everything cooks in one skillet, so clean-up is a breeze. Everyone needs another ground beef recipe and this one is one of my all time favorites!

Homemade Salisbury Steak Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients for this quick and easy dinner recipe. I bet you already have most of them on hand!

• ground beef
• bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• milk
• onion
• garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• salt & pepper
• olive oil (for frying)
• butter
• flour
• beef broth

Salisbury Steak Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated. Try not to overwork the mixture—doing so can make the patties tough instead of tender.

2. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Use your hands to form each portion into an oval-shaped patty about 1/2 inch thick. This shape not only gives the dish its iconic look but also helps the patties cook evenly.

3. Cook the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned. Don’t worry if the patties aren’t fully cooked through at this stage—they will finish cooking in the gravy later. Transfer the browned patties to a plate and set aside.

4. Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they’re softened and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. This step creates the base of the rich, flavorful gravy, so take your time and let the onions develop a deep golden color.

5. Make the Roux

Once the onions are soft and fragrant, sprinkle the flour evenly over the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and cook the flour for 1–2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a smooth, velvety gravy.

6. Add the Liquids

Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to remove any lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Finish Cooking the Patties

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through. This simmering step infuses the beef with the deep flavors of the gravy.

8. Season and Serve

Give the gravy a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, generously topped with that delicious onion gravy. They pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak

Mix Up the Meat Want even richer flavor? Try blending your ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey. A 50/50 mix gives the patties a soft, juicy texture.
Add Mushrooms If you love a more robust gravy, toss in some sliced mushrooms when you sauté the onions. They’ll add depth and an earthy richness to the dish.
Don’t Overmix When combining the meat mixture, stop as soon as everything is evenly blended. Too much handling can make the patties dense.
Make it Ahead This dish reheats wonderfully. Store leftover patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Salisbury steaks are ready, you have plenty of serving options:

• Mashed potatoes: a classic pairing that soaks up the gravy beautifully.
• Buttered noodles: simple egg noodles tossed with butter make a cozy side.
• Rice: perfect for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and freshness.

Other ground beef recipes to try

Ground beef is something we always have in the fridge or freezer. Here are some of our other favorite ways to use it up:

• Smash burger tacos – kids LOVE these!
• Beef and rice casserole – double it and freeze a batch!
• Korean lettuce wraps – take out flavor!
• Homemade sloppy Joes – another approved one!
• Ground beef enchiladas – perfect for taco Tuesday.
• Mom’s meat loaf – another recipe from my momma!
• Homemade hamburger helper – bye bye box!

Homemade Salisbury Steak

Yield: 4 patties

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

How to make the best homemade Salisbury steak!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• For the Gravy:
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix to avoid tough patties.

2. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape them into oval patties about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

5. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook the flour mixture for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

6. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

7. Finish Cooking the Patties: Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

8. Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Salisbury steaks hot, smothered in gravy, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 pound patty
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 876Total Fat: 56gSaturated Fat: 23gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 272mgSodium: 688mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 69g

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love if you left a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Homemade Salisbury Steak appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Let’s dive into the art of making this beautifully layered soup — from perfectly caramelized onions to that irresistible blanket of melted Gruyère cheese.

I love a good bowl of soup during the colder months! Some people are soup people year round – but not me. I want a hot bowl of soup when it’s cold or snowing. Don’t get me wrong, you can have this classic French Onion soup any time! I’m just part of the small percent of people who prefer hot soups when the weather is cool.

What is classic French Onion soup?

French Onion Soup, or Soupe à l’oignon gratinée, has humble beginnings. Originally considered peasant food, it was made to stretch a few simple ingredients — onions, bread, and broth — into something hearty and filling. Over time, French chefs elevated it into a refined dish, transforming slow-cooked onions into a deep, flavorful base and adding toasted bread topped with gooey cheese. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food found in brasseries across Paris and beyond.

French Onion Soup Ingredients

To make an authentic French Onion Soup, start with quality ingredients — each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• yellow onions, thinly sliced
• butter
• olive oil
• garlic
• dry white wine
• beef stock
• bay leaves
• dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• baguette
• Gruyère cheese

Each ingredient is classic — nothing fancy or fussy. The magic lies in the method.

How to make classic French Onion soup

? Step 1: Slice and Prepare the Onions

The heart of this soup is, of course, the onions. Begin by peeling and thinly slicing 2.5 pounds of yellow onions. Try to keep the slices even so they cook uniformly. Yellow onions are ideal for this dish because they caramelize beautifully, turning sweet and golden without becoming overly soft.

? Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

This step is where patience pays off. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced onions and stir until they’re coated in the butter mixture.

Cook them for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions will gradually transform from pale and soft to deeply golden brown and jammy. This is where the flavor builds — don’t rush it!

In the last few minutes, add your minced garlic and cook gently, making sure it doesn’t burn. The aroma at this stage is incredible — rich, sweet, and savory all at once.

? Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor gold.

Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take roughly 5 minutes. This deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the onions with a gentle acidity.

Now, add your 6 cups of beef stock, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it bubble away for about 30 minutes. This gives the soup time to meld into something truly special — rich, savory, and deeply comforting.

Before serving, remove the bay leaves.

? Step 4: Toast and Broil the Baguette

While the soup simmers, prepare the topping that makes French Onion Soup so iconic: the cheesy bread.

Preheat your broiler and place 8 slices of baguette on a baking sheet. Toast them lightly on both sides. Then, top each slice with grated Gruyère cheese — about 1 cup in total — and broil just until the cheese is bubbly and golden, around 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; broilers can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!

? Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into individual bowls. Carefully float a cheesy baguette slice (or two!) on top of each bowl. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, blending everything together in perfect harmony.

Serve immediately — and take a moment to appreciate that first spoonful. The sweetness of caramelized onions, the depth of the broth, and the creamy Gruyère create a flavor that’s both nostalgic and luxurious.

? Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup

1. Use patience when caramelizing. This is the most important step. Low and slow heat brings out the natural sugars in the onions, giving the soup its signature sweetness and color.
2. Choose the right wine. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best, adding just the right touch of acidity. Don’t buy a whole bottle just for this recipe though! Extra beef broth will work just fine!
3. Don’t skip the deglazing. Scraping up the browned bits adds incredible flavor depth.
4. Homemade broth makes a difference. While store-bought stock works fine, a rich homemade beef stock will elevate the soup to restaurant quality.
5. Gruyère is traditional — but flexible. If you can’t find it, try Swiss or Comté cheese for a similar nutty flavor.

?? Make-Ahead and Storage

French Onion Soup actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen and mellow overnight, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat.

If you’re storing leftovers, keep the soup and bread separate. The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat and top with freshly broiled cheese to restore that signature texture.

Other Soup Recipes to Try

Looking for other soup recipes that will warm you up? Check out these other classic soup recipes:

• Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup
• Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
• One Pot Lasagna Soup

Classic French Onion Soup

Yield: 4 cups of soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

You are going to fall in love with this classic French Onion soup recipe!

Print

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs of yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine
• 6 cups of beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of baguette
• 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the onions. Make sure they are cut evenly.
2.  Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them with the butter mixture. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions start to soften and turn translucent.
3.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized to a rich golden brown color. Add the garlic in the last few minutes of cooking, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce by half, which will take around 5 minutes.
5. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. Broil the Cheese: Preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet, top with grated cheese and broil them in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the baguette from the oven and place them in the bowl of soup. Serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious homemade French Onion Soup!

Notes

Can use additional beef broth in place of wine.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1581Total Fat: 101gSaturated Fat: 45gUnsaturated Fat: 57gCholesterol: 407mgSodium: 799mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 4gSugar: 14gProtein: 119g

For informational purposes only. Please use discretion.

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner or soup board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Classic French Onion Soup Recipe appeared first on mom makes dinner.

We are getting into the fall months – the “ber months” if you will – and that means I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy dinner recipes. I bet that it would take about the same about of time to whip this up as it would to grab something similar in the drive thru. So skip the drive thru and make this honey garlic chicken with broccoli.

What is honey garlic chicken?

This dinner recipe starts with a chicken base and is enhanced with honey and garlic flavors. It is an Asian inspired dish made with chicken breast, spices and topped with sesame seeds. Roasted broccoli is added to the mix to make it an almost complete meal. A side of rice and dinner is ready!

Honey garlic chicken ingredients

Another thing that I personally love about this recipe is that you only need a handful of common ingredients – most you probably already have one hand! You will need:

• chicken
• oil
• cornstarch
• broccoli
• honey
• soy sauce
• orange juice
• garlic
• ginger
• ketchup
• sesame seeds
• salt/pepper

Chicken – You can use any boneless version of chicken here. I prefer chicken breasts, so that is what we use for our honey garlic chicken.

Oil – You will want a neutral oil here. I would recommend olive or avocado oil.

Cornstarch – Helps crisp up the chicken while cooking. You can find cornstarch in the baking aisle.

Broccoli – There are 2-3 cups of broccoli in this recipe. That would be one large head or two smaller crowns of broccoli.

Sauce ingredients – To get the almost authentic flavor, you will need honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, orange juice, ginger, ketchup, salt and pepper and sesame seeds. You can find most of these in the main aisles of the grocery store but may have to travel down the Asian food aisle for the soy sauce and sesame oil.

How to make honey garlic chicken at home

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you will also need to grab – measuring cups and spoons, steamer basket for the broccoli, mixing bowl and a large skillet.

Step 1: Prep the ingredients. Cut your chicken into 1 inch pieces. You can do this with a knife or kitchen scissors. You will also want to wash and cut the broccoli to prepare it for the steamer.

Step 2: Make the sauce. In your mixing bowl combine the sauce ingredients – honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, orange juice, ketchup and salt and pepper. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Cook the broccoli and chicken. In your steamer basket, add some water and steam the broccoli. While the broccoli is steaming, coat your chicken in the cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add a bit of oil to the skillet and cook until golden brown.

Step 4: Add in the sauce. Pour half of the sauce over the cooked chicken and continue to cook for 6-7 minutes. You want the sauce to almost start to caramelize. Add the rest of the sauce and cook down for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add broccoli. Turn off the heat and stir in the broccoli. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and then add a squeeze of lemon juice over the top. This is optional but a great addition!

Side dish recommendations

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily whip up a whole meal in under 30 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, you can get the sides going and have everything ready around the same time. Some great side dishes would be:

• Sesame cauliflower
• Homemade egg rolls
• Quick roasted carrots
• Steamed rice
• Homemade crab rangoons

How to make in the slow cooker

Want to make this recipe even easier? Check out my slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe! It’s great for busy weeknights when you want to have dinner ready when you walk in the door.

Honey garlic chicken tips and FAQs

What type of chicken do you need? You can use any boneless, skinless chicken for this honey garlic chicken recipe. I like using chicken breasts but chicken thighs are a great option as well. You can also use leftover chicken, if you needed to.

Tip: Make sure to coat the chicken completely in the cornstarch. This helps to keep the chicken moist with a slightly crispy exterior.

What is the honey garlic sauce made of? The sauce used for this chicken recipe is made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, sesame sauce, orange juice, ginger and bit of ketchup! You are going to absolutely LOVE this sauce!

Tip: To save a little time, buy broccoli that is pre-cut from the produce section.

Other chicken recipes to try

Looking for other quick chicken recipes to try? I suggest:

• Creamy buffalo chicken soup
• Chicken enchilada casserole
• Buffalo chicken egg rolls
• Crock pot Mississippi chicken
• Instant Pot Kung Pao chicken

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. This recipe will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge, if stored properly.

Can you freeze this honey garlic chicken? Yes, you can freeze the recipe. I would suggest allow it to cool completely and then place it in a Ziplock baggie. Lay flat in the freezer. Will stay fresh for up to 3 months in a regular freezer and 6 months in a deep freezer.

To re-heat, place on the counter or in the fridge to thaw. Warm up in a skillet will a little bit of oil. This is a great freezer meal to make and save for a later date!

Honey garlic chicken with broccoli

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

How to make a flavorful Asian inspired chicken.

Print

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
• • 4 breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• • 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• • 2tbsp cornstarch
• • 2-3 cups broccoli florets
• • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• • Green onion for serving
• For the sauce:
• • 2 tbsp honey
• • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• • 2 teaspoons sesame oil or vegetable oil
• • 2tbsp orange juice
• • 2 garlic cloves, minced
• • 1tsp ginger grated
• • 1tbsp ketchup
• • 1tsp sesame seeds (black and white)
• • Salt and pepper to taste
• Other:
• • A half lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients:      
   Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.      
   Rinse and drain the broccoli florets.
2. Make the sauce:      
   Add the sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce,
   orange juice, ketchup, sesame seeds, ginger, salt, and pepper to taste in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the broccoli:      
   Use a steamer basket and steam the broccoli for 10-12 minutes.
4. Note: If you don't have a steamer basket, steam the broccoli in a pot of boiling water for 7-10 minutes or until tender.
5. Cook the chicken      
   Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.      
   Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well.       
   Add the chicken to the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then add the remaining sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat.    
   Add the broccoli to the chicken and stir gently.     
   Add salt and pepper if needed.     
   Add more sesame seeds if needed and squeeze a
   lemon.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 481Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 1430mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 9gSugar: 14gProtein: 35g

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner recipe board!

The post Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli appeared first on mom makes dinner.

When summer hits we always think things are going to slow down. School is out and kids are home more so the general idea is that summer is easy breezy. Well, in my house, summer is jam packed! We go from graduations to parties to BBQs to reunions to birthdays all summer long! Towards the end I am ready for the routine of the school year!

With the fast pace of summer, I am always looking for quick and easy dishes to toss in the car to go or to toss at my kids when they are hungry. These ham and Swiss sliders fit the ticket and are definitely a kid approved favorite!

What are ham and Swiss sliders?

Let’s start with the slider part – sliders are considered mini versions of burgers or sandwiches. These sliders are a smaller portion of a traditional ham and cheese sandwich. They are great because they are pre-portioned thanks to the Hawaiian rolls! Simply add your slider ingredients, bake and pull the apart to serve.

Ham and Swiss Slider Ingredients

Another great thing about homemade sliders is that you only need a few common ingredients to whip them up. For my ham and Swiss version you will need:

• Hawaiian slider rolls
• deli ham
• Swiss cheese
• mayonnaise
• dijon mustard
• butter
• minced onions
• poppy seeds

Hawaiian slider rolls – These can normally be found in the deli or bread section at the grocery store. Kings Hawaiian is a popular brand, but there are others you can choose from.

Deli ham – Grab a half pound of your favorite deli ham. Black forest, honey ham, ham off the bone – they all work! You can even uses leftover ham slices from Easter or Christmas meals!

Swiss cheese – You will need 12 slices of your favorite Swiss cheese for these sliders.

Condiments – There are a few common condiments that you will need to make these sliders. You will need mayo, dijon mustard and butter.

Spices – Make sure to grab some minced onion and poppy seeds for your sliders.

How to make Ham and Swiss Sliders

Once you have gathered your ingredients, you are also going to want to grab –

• 8×10 baking dish
• mixing bowls and spoons
• pastry brush
• bread knife
• tin foil

These sliders can be broken down into the following steps – prepare, assemble, glaze and bake.

Step 1: Prepare. Using the bread knife, slice the Hawaiian slider rolls in the center – cutting them in half. Place the bottom half of the buns into the baking dish.

Step 2: Assemble. Spread the mayo on the top and bottom of the sliced buns. Start with Swiss cheese and cover the entire bottom of the buns. Add the ham on top of the cheese and finish with another layer of Swiss cheese.

Step 3: Glaze. Using a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, mustard, minced onion and poppy seeds. Place the top part of the buns over the layered meat and cheese and brush the glaze over the tops.

Step 4: Bake. After glazing, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes covered in tin foil. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the tops get a little crispy.

Step 5: Serve. Remove from the oven, allow to cool and then bread apart the rolls and serve with your favorite sides!

Side Dish Recommendations

These sliders are a good started or addition to your meal. I do suggest adding a couple of sides to go along with them. Some of our favorites are:

• Pineapple fluff
• Classic pasta salad
• Best ever potato salad
• Chips and dip
• Homemade French fries

Ham and Swiss Slider FAQs and Tips

I would consider these Hawaiian roll sliders a great beginner recipe. They would even be great to make with your kids! While these are simple to make, here are some frequently asked questions and tips to make them even easier!

Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese in place of the Swiss. Mozzarella, American or even Colby would make great substitutions in place of the Swiss in these sliders.

Tip: Pre-heat the oven before you start to assemble the sliders so it’s ready to go.

Do I need to grease the baking dish? Nope! The butter from the glaze helps with not sticking while baking. If you’d like, you can still add some butter or cooking spray to the bottom but its not necessary.

Tip: Pre-cut the rolls before adding the meat and cheese to easily pull them apart when they are done baking.

Leftovers and Storage

How do I store leftover ham and Swiss sliders? You can place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To enjoy after being in the fridge – place one slider in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can also re-heat them in the oven at 350 for 10 minutes.

Can I freeze these sliders? Yes! You can freeze these sliders. Make them according to the directions and then place them in a Ziplock bag. Remove all the air and place them in the freezer. They will stay fresh for 3 months in the freezer. To re-heat, allow them to thaw and then heat in the microwave or oven.

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Super simple and delicious sliders for any occasion!

Print

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian slider buns
• 1/2 pound deli ham
• 12 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Slice the Hawaiian buns in the middle, cutting the entire loaf in half.
3. Place the bottom half in an 8x10 baking dish.
4. Spread mayo on the top and bottom of the rolls.
5. Add a layer of Swiss cheese to the bottom layer of rolls.
6. Add the layer of ham.
7. Finish with one more layer of Swiss cheese. Add the top of the rolls back on.
8. Mix together the melted butter, minced onion and poppy seeds.
9. Spread over the tops of the buns.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
12. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 527mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a comment below! Want to make them later? Pin the image below to your favorite sandwich board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Ham and Swiss Sliders appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Ribs are one of those foods that ALL my kids like! There aren’t many foods that all 4 kids like at the same time. Ribs are one of them! We try to make them at least once a month so that we know that we have at least one meal that everyone will love! These honey garlic spare ribs are our go-to on rib night!

What are Spare Ribs?

Spare ribs come from the belly portion of the pig. They tend to be thicker and meatier than the baby back ribs. (Now I have that old Chili’s jingle in my head.. I want my baby back baby back riiiibs). You can find them in most grocery stores or butcher shops.

Crock Pot Spare Rib Ingredients

One of the best things about these honey garlic ribs is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients! A few simple ingredients and you have amazing slow cooked ribs! You will need:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs
• garlic
• soy sauce
• honey
• onion powder
• paprika powder
• cumin

Spare ribs – Grab a rack of spare ribs from the meat section of the grocery store. You are going to want to grab one that is 8-10 pounds. Although that may sound like a lot, the bones factor in as well as the juices from the meat. That size rack of ribs should feed 4-6 people.

Garlic – I suggest 4 cloves of garlic for these slow cooker ribs. Here’s the thing about garlic though – you measure with your heart. Four cloves will make these ribs have a good garlic flavor. Want a stronger flavor? ADD MORE GARLIC! Heck, add powdered garlic and garlic cloves. We are measuring with our hearts here!

Soy Sauce – I used 2 different soy sauces for these ribs – dark and sweet. Can’t find one or the other? No worries! Any soy sauce will do as long as you have 1/2 cup total. I also love using coconut animos (a soy free soy sauce) in this recipe.

Honey – You will need a fourth of a cup of honey. This does two things – helps bind everything together and cuts the garlic just a bit. If you can – raw, local honey is best, but whatever honey you have on hand or prefer to use will work just fine.

Spices – Onion, paprika and cumin round out the ingredients for these ribs. I suggest starting with these spices and then adding your favorites. Spices are an easy way to personalize a recipe.

How to Make Ribs in the Slow Cooker

The good thing about these ribs is that the ingredients are easy to find and the prep is QUICK! There are only 4 steps from start to finish to make fall off the bone ribs in your slow cooker. Let’s get started –

Step 1 – Combine the spices to make a dry rub for the ribs. Mix together the onion powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the spices over the whole rack of ribs.

Step 2 – Make the marinade. Mince the garlic and add it to the soy sauces and honey. Mix until combined – the garlic will make it chunky. Use a pastry brush to brush over the dry rub. (Make sure the you rub the spices in so you don’t lose any when you add the marinade.) Reserve some of the marinade.

Step 3 – Cut the ribs. Some ribs may come pre-cut OR your ribs may fit in your slow cooker. Most racks of ribs will not – so you will need to cut them in half to get them in there. You can cut them before or after you add the marinade, your choice.

Step 4 – Cook. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 hours on high. Remember that marinade that we saved? Brush some of that one every hour or so to keep the ribs moist and juicy during cooking. No time to brush it on? Save it for the last 30 minutes of cooking and add it on the ribs. You want all that extra flavor – trust me!

Side dish recommendations

This is BBQ food so we need BBQ related sides here. Some of my suggestions for the side dishes for slow cooker spare ribs are:

• Grandma’s potato salad
• Mac and cheese
• Classic coleslaw
• Macaroni salad
• Baked potatoes

Slow Cooker Spare Rib Tips and FAQs

This rib recipe is pretty straight forward and I would say it’s a beginner cook friendly recipe, but here are some quick tips and questions that may make it even easier.

How do you cook spare ribs in the slow cooker? Easy – start with a dry rub, add a marinade and cook for 4-5 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on HIGH. The marinade will keep the pork ribs juicy while cooking and you will get fall of the bone ribs when they are done.

TIP: Start with the spices listed in the recipe and add your own to customize the flavor!

Should ribs be covered in liquid in the slow cooker? No, they don’t have to be. Why? Because the ribs release their own juices while cooking, as done most meat. You can add a 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker if you would like, but it is not necessary when cooking the ribs.

TIP: Reserve some of the marinade to brush over the ribs will they are cooking. While the meat releases juices, this will keep the ribs moist.

What’s the difference between spare ribs and baby back ribs? Spare ribs come the belly area of the pig making them fattier and larger. Baby back ribs come from the spine area and they are thinner, less meat and more curved in nature.

Other slow cooker recipes to try

Looking for other slow cooker recipes to try? We love them in our house! Here are some of our favorites:

• Mongolian Beef
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Ground Beef Tacos
• French Onion Beef Roast

Slow cooker spare ribs

Slow Cooker Spare Ribs

Yield: 1 rack of ribs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

How to make tender, fall off the bone honey garlic spare ribs in your slow cooker.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 rack of baby back ribs
• 4 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup dark soy sauce
• ¼ cup sweet soy sauce
• ¼ cup raw honey
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika powder
• ½ tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Combine the onion powder, paprika powder and cumin, and rub the ribs with dry rub.
2. Mince the garlic and add the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce and honey. Mix until well combined. Brush over the ribs. Save some of the marinade.
3. Cut the ribs in half and place them in the slow cooker. Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
4. Brush the rack of ribs every hour with the remaining marinade.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1742mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 21g

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? PIN THE IMAGE to your favorite dinner board!

The post Slow Cooker Spare Ribs appeared first on mom makes dinner.

My whole family loves tacos. And I’m not surprised or even mad about it. I was born and raised in South Texas and my kids spent a good amount of time there as well. We all love a good taco. These smash burger tacos are a fun fusion food that everyone loves at our house.

What are Smash Burger Tacos?

Think a Big Mac in taco form! That’s what these smash burger tacos remind me (and my kids!) of. They are a combination of ground beef, “special sauce”, and lettuce wrapped up into a tortilla. The best part? They are easier than regular tacos! You cook the beef right onto the tortilla and save some time in the kitchen or on the grill.

Smash Burger Taco Ingredients

These burgers are so simple to make and require common ingredients. I bet you have at least some already in your kitchen! You will need:

• hamburger
• spices
• cheese
• tortillas
• lettuce
• onions
• mayo
• dill pickle relish
• Dijon mustard
• vinegar

Hamburger – You can use any variety of burger here. Burger with fat content 80/20 is normally the most common, but you can use lean burger or any kind of burger meat you prefer.

Cheese – Mozzarella is our favorite cheese to use for these tacos. Feel free to use mozzarella or your favorite cheese.

Tortillas – We use the street taco size tortillas for these smash burger tacos. You can find them with the rest of the tortillas at the grocery store.

Lettuce/Onions – Grab some from the fresh produce section at the store. We prefer iceberg lettuce and sweet onions for these tacos.

Special sauce ingredients – These wouldn’t be Big Mac inspired smash burgers without the special sauce! You will need mayo, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, vinegar and spices to make it. Don’t want to make it at home? You can use thousand island dressing instead!

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Once you have gathered all your ingredients you will also need to grab a couple of mixing bowls, measuring spoons, spatula and a skillet. These can also be done on the grill or your blackstone.

Step 1: Season and shape. Season your ground beef with your spices. Then portion out your burger into 8 balls. These will be the inside of the tacos after you smash them.

Step 2: Smash and cook. Take the one hamburger ball and flatten it out onto one side of the tortilla. Then place them on a hot skillet to cook, burger side down. Press the outside of the tortilla with a spatula to flatten it even more. Allow to cook for 2 minutes.

Tip: Do not overcrowd your skillet! You can cook 1-2 tacos at a time depending on your skillet size.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce. While the tacos are cooking, make your special sauce. Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Add toppings. Flip the tacos over and add the cheese on top of the burger. Allow to melt for about a minute. Remove and add the lettuce, onions and special sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Side Dish Recommendations

Wondering what to pair with these smash tacos? Some good side dishes would be:

• Homemade guacamole
• Homemade french fries
• Tater tots
• Spanish rice

Basically anything that goes with tacos or burgers!

Smash Burger Taco TIPS and FAQs

These Smash Burger Tacos are fairly simple to make. Here are some tips and frequently asked questions to help make your smash burger taco making experience even better!

Can I make these on my Blackstone? You absolutely can! This would speed up the process as you can add more than 1 tortilla to your grill top. All of the instructions stay the same.

Tip: Want to make this low carb? Use low carb tortillas!

What is a smash burger taco? These tacos are considered a fusion food – a combination between a taco and a burger! These ones happen to be Big Mac inspired and taste just like the burger chains!

Tip: Add your favorite burger toppings to these tacos!

Other Tacos to Try

I mentioned that we love tacos in our house and probably have some at least once a week. Some of our other favorites are:

• Ground beef taco boats
• Slow cooker chicken tacos
• Slow cooker ground beef tacos
• Mango shrimp tacos

How to Store leftovers

These tacos are great the next day! Once you have cooked your tacos, store them without toppings and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can re-heat them in a skillet before adding your toppings.

Can you freeze these tacos?

I haven’t tried, but I would think that you can freeze them. I would cook the tacos and allow them to cool. Place the tacos in a Ziplock bag with a piece of parchment paper between the layers before freezing. Thaw in the fridge and re-heat in a skillet.

Smash Burger Tacos

Yield: 8 tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

A fun fusion food that is delicious AND easy to make!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper
• shredded lettuce
• chopped onios

Instructions

1. Make the Smash Burgers: Start by seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper. Then, divide it into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
2. Take each meatball and press it down onto a tortilla, using your fingers to flatten it out.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet with the meat side down. Use a spatula or another flat tool to press the beef down, creating a thin patty that covers most of the tortilla's surface.
5. Cook the burger on one side for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until the beef begins to brown. If desired, use the back of the spatula to press down on the burger to flatten it further.
6. Flip the tortilla and burger over and immediately sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the cooking beef patty.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and continue cooking for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
8. Remove the smash burger from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat this process with the remaining smash burger tacos.
9. Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully blended. Set the sauce aside.
10. Assemble the Smash Burger Tacos: Sprinkle the chopped onions over the shredded iceberg lettuce.
11. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the toppings. Adjust the sauce amount according to your taste.
12. To assemble each taco, place a generous amount of shredded iceberg lettuce with onions on top of the burger.
13. Fold the tortilla in half, creating a taco shape.
14. Serve the smash burger tacos immediately and enjoy the delicious fusion of smash burgers and tacos!

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make these smash burger tacos later? PIN the image below! THANK YOU for supporting my small business.

The post Smash Burger Tacos appeared first on mom makes dinner.

I remember the first time I had this spinach artichoke dip. I know that may sound weird, but it was so good – it’s hard to forget! I was at my parents house and my mom used her vintage Crock Pot to make the dip for Easter. (Yes, I even remember what holiday it was made for!) I was hooked. I asked her for her recipe and have been making it ever since.

What is spinach dip?

This dip has been around for quite some time. It’s the type of dip that once you try, you can’t stop thinking about it. Spinach dip is a warm dip that is full of cheese, spinach and artichokes. It can be made on the stove top, but we love the ease of this slow cooker version. It’s warm, creamy, delicious and all made in your Crock Pot. It’s great for new cooks and even one the kids can help with too!

Slow Cooker Spinach Dip Ingredients

One of the things that makes this dip so good is that you only need a handful of common ingredients. The artichokes are the most exotic thing you need and even they are easy to find at most grocery stores. To make slow cooker spinach dip you will need:

• spinach
• artichokes
• cream cheese
• sour cream
• mozzarella
• spices

Spinach – You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this dip. I like using frozen so I don’t have to worry about the spinach going bad in the fridge. On the other hand, fresh spinach is easier because you don’t have to squeeze out the water. Feel free to use whatever you prefer.

Artichokes – Canned artichokes work best for this recipe. You can find them in the canned good aisle. They are normally near the beans.

Cream Cheese – Any type of cream cheese for your spinach artichoke dip will work. If you want lower fat cream cheese, feel free! I suggest taking the cream cheese out 30 minutes to an hour before you want to make the dip so it softens.

Sour cream – Grab a tub of sour cream to add to the dip.

Mozzarella – Shredded mozzarella cheese is needed in this recipe. It helps makes the dip even creamier. You can use pre-shredded cheese or you can grab a brick and shred it yourself. I love using his manual cheese grater for shredding our own cheeses!

Spices – There are only a few spices needed for this warm spinach dip: garlic powder, onion powder plus salt and pepper.

How to make spinach artichoke dip in the slow cooker

This recipe can be broken down into 3 steps – prep, mix and stir. The slow cooker does the rest of the work!

Step 1: Prep the ingredients. Chop the cheese cream into blocks. Drain the artichokes and chop them into pieces as well. Use your heart to decide how big you’d like the artichokes. If you want bigger chunks, I would give them a quick chop. Smaller pieces? Dice the artichokes more finely.

NOTE: If you are using frozen spinach, allow it to thaw completely. Press out the spinach between your hands until most of the water is removed. Then add it to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add to slow cooker. Place everything in the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour. Be sure to stir everything at the half way mark.

Step 3: Stir and serve. Give the dip one final stir before serving warm. You can serve it directly from the Crock Pot or transfer it to serving dish. Add crackers or tortilla chips to the the serving dish.

Suggestions for dippers

This dip is so good you can easily eat it by the spoonful. But some dipper suggestions are:

• crackers
• tortilla chips
• carrot sticks
• bagel chips
• celery
• pita chips
• sliced bell peppers

Tips and FAQs for warm spinach dip

Tip: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray so that the dip comes out easier. If you leave your slow cooker on, the dip with start to dry out around the edges and using spray or butter will help with clean up.

What is spinach artichoke dip made of? This warm spinach dip combines spinach and artichokes with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese and spices. Once combined this dip has amazing flavor!

Tip: Use fresh spinach to get the best flavor. While frozen spinach has its advantages, using fresh spinach in this dip will yield the most flavor.

What size slow cooker do you need? You can use any size slow cooker for this dip. I used an 8 qt Crock Pot, but any size will work.

Tip: Be sure to stir the dip at the half way cooking mark. So 30 minutes if you are cooking on high and 1 hour if you are cooking on low. A silicone spatula works best for this.

How to make in the oven

Don’t want to use your slow cooker? No problem! You can easily make this dip in the oven. Follow the steps for prep and then place everything in a prepared baking dish. I suggest spraying it with cooking spray before adding the ingredients. I would reserve some of the mozzarella cheese for the top of the dip. Cook for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftovers in a Tupperware or Ziplock bag and put in the fridge. The spinach artichoke dip will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. To heat it, remove from the fridge and warm in the microwave.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the dip. Prepare it as described below and then allow to cool completely. Place in a Ziplock bag and flatten it out. Place in the freezer to be stored for up to 3 months. To eat, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight and place in the microwave to warm through. You will need to stir it to combine everything again.

Other dip recipes to try

Looking for other dip recipes to try other than this slow cooker spinach dip? I suggest:

• Shrimp scampi dip
• Easy taco dip
• Margherita pizza dip
• Caramel apple dip

Slow Cooker Spinach Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How this creamy spinach artichoke dip in your slow cooker!

Print

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh spinach
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts
• 1 container (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the artichoke hearts into bite sized pieces.
2. Cut the softened cream cheese into 8 inch blocks.
3. Place everything in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring half way through.
5. Stir before serving.
6. Enjoy!

Notes

Can cook on high for 1 hour.

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love if you could leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to make it later? Pin the image below. THANK YOU for the support!

The post Slow Cooker Spinach Dip appeared first on mom makes dinner.

We love quick and easy dinners around here. We also love quick and easy dinners that taste just like take-out that we can make at home. With 4 kids and all of them in some sort of activity, we need all the help we can get. This Mongolian beef checks all the boxes and leaves everyone happy after dinner. We love this slow cooker Mongolian beef because:

• Fast prep time
• Deliciously tender beef
• Everyone in the house loves it

What is Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef is a Asian inspired dish that consists of thinly sliced beef, typically flank steak, made with vegetables and covered in a flavorful sauce. It is a common menu item in most Chinese restaurants and is often paired with steamed rice. This version takes some of the elements of classic Mongolian beef and uses the slow cooker to give you a super tender and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Another thing that I love about this quick and easy dinner recipe, is that you only need a handful of common ingredients. Even the ones that aren’t as common are great additions to your kitchen for future Asian inspired dishes. To make Mongolian beef in the slow cooker you will need:

• flank steak
• garlic
• ginger
• scallions
• soy sauce
• brown sugar
• cornstarch
• water
• avocado oil
• sesame oil
• sesame seeds
• salt and pepper

Flank steak – This is my personal favorite cut of beef. It is so tender when cooked correctly and flavorful on it’s own. It comes from the ab muscle on the cow. I love it for fajitas too!

Garlic and Ginger – Fresh garlic and ginger bring the most flavor to this dish. You can find both in the produce section of a grocery store. Minced or even powder garlic or ginger will work here too.

Soy sauce – We use coconut aminos whenever a recipe requires soy sauce. It is a soy-free alternative and tastes better if you ask me! You can find it in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store or buy our favorite coconut aminos here.

Brown sugar – Any brown sugar will work in this recipe. It helps create a caramelized taste and add a bit of sweetness.

Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce. Looking for a corn-free substitute? Try arrowroot powder! It works the same way.

Sesame oil – Sesame oil helps add a more authentic Asian flavor to this beef dinner. Once you buy sesame oil, you’ll be amazed at how often you use it! Buy it online here or at any grocery store.

How to make Mongolian Beef in a Crock Pot

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients you’ve done most of the leg work! You will also need to grab your Crock Pot, measuring cups and spoons and mixing bowls.

Step 1: Cut the beef. Slice the flank steak against the grain in strips. Then dice the beef into cubes. Place the steak in a bowl and toss with the cornstarch.

Step 2: Add spices. Mince the garlic and ginger. Add it to the beef/cornstarch mixture. Also add the brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, soy sauce and water. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook. Pour the oil into the slow cooker pot. Place the seasoned beef in and give it one more stir. Cook for 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.

Step 4: Serve. Slice the scallions and serve the Mongolian beef over rice. Use your Instant Pot to make steamed rice!

How to make in an Instant Pot

Forget to thaw the meat or just want to make it faster? Try this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef version!

Side dish recommendations

While this slow cooker Mongolian beef is an amazing entree, it does need some sides to round it out. The best side dishes that I can recommend are:

• Rice
• Fried rice
• Egg rolls
• Steamed broccoli
• Sesame cauliflower

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Slow cooker Mongolian beef is a beginner friendly recipe that I know everyone in your family will love! To make the recipe even easier, here are some tips and frequently asked questions about this dish.

What cut of beef do you need for Mongolian beef? The best cut of beef for Mongolian beef is flank steak. It is cut from the underside abdomen of the cow and is tender and juicy. You can use other cuts of beef, but be sure to slice them thin.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker? No, you do not need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. You can brown it to help lock in juices before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes! You sure can! Use THIS RECIPE to make Mongolian beef in the Instant Pot.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover Mongolian beef in a Tupperware or Ziplock bag and place in the fridge. Make sure the seal is tight and this beef will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Microwave or heat in a skillet to enjoy again.

Can I freeze Mongolian beef?

Yes, you can! Make the recipe as written and allow to cool completely. Place the beef in a Ziplock bag and remove all the air to ensure it lays flat. Put in the freezer for up to 3 months. Only freeze the beef, not the rice or other sides.

Other Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

Looking for more Asian inspired recipes to try? My family and I suggest:

• Beef and broccoli
• Honey garlic chicken – slow cooker recipe!
• Korean beef lettuce wraps
• Egg roll in a bowl – keto friendly!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lbs. flank steak
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 scallion
• ½ cup reduced salt soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Thinly cut the flank steak against the grain, and then dice. Put the steak in a bowl.
2. Season flank steak with salt and pepper to taste, and coat with cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
3. Mince your ginger and garlic.
4. At the bottom of the slow cooker, add the avocado oil and then add the steak.
5. Then add the garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and water. Mix until well combined.
6. Turn the slow cooker on 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Then stir when done cooking.
7. Slice the scallion.
8. Garnish the Mongolian beef with scallions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef appeared first on mom makes dinner.

My family loves slow cooker dinners. My kids know something good is for dinner when I start adding ingredients to the crock pot early in the morning. You could say that all my crock pot dinners are kid approved since there isn’t one they don’t like. This honey garlic chicken is no different – kid approved for sure! My whole family loves take-out so being able to make this take-out worthy meal on a busy weeknight is the best!

Honey garlic chicken

One of popular flavor combinations in Asian inspired food is honey and garlic. It is used in recipes like my sesame cauliflower and other dishes often. This chicken version combines the classic honey garlic flavor with the convenience of crock pot cooking. Your family will loves this meal because –

• it is full of flavor
• there is minimal prep required
• healthier option than take-out
• it can easily doubled and used for other meals

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Ingredients

One of the best parts of this honey garlic chicken recipe, is once you have the ingredients needed you can use them for other dishes. Most of the ingredients listed are common in Asian inspired cuisine.

• chicken
• soy sauce
• honey
• hoisin sauce
• vinegar
• sesame oil
• garlic
• scallions
• sesame seeds
• salt/pepper

Chicken – You can use any boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. I prefer breasts, but thighs will work too.

Soy sauce – Feel free to use your favorite soy sauce here. We use coconut aminos in all of our Asian inspired recipes at home, which is a soy free substitute.

Honey – Use locally sourced honey, if possible.

Hoisin sauce – This is a staple in Asian cuisine. You can find it in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store. Same goes for rice vinegar and sesame oil. These three are often used together.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is what you need for this honey garlic chicken. I use my garlic mincer to easily dice the garlic for meals.

Sesame seeds – These are great for topping your chicken. They are optional, but a great addition.

Scallions – This is the green part of green onions. You can find these in the produce section of the grocery store.

How to make slow cooker honey garlic chicken

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you will also need to grab measuring cups and spoons and your slow cooker. This crock pot dinner is really a dump go meal so the dishes needed for prep is minimal.

Step 1: Add ingredients. Add the chicken. Grate your garlic and then it and the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce plus salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine

Step 2: Cook. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Shred. Shred the chicken and serve over rice.

Side dish recommendations

This recipe makes a delicious chicken but you may be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some great side dishes that pair perfectly with this honey garlic chicken –

• Rice
• Honey roasted carrots
• Loaded broccoli salad
• Mashed cauliflower

Recipe FAQ and Tips

While this is a simple crock pot dinner, there are a few tips that can make it even easier. Here are our honey garlic chicken tips and frequently asked questions.

Do I have to brown chicken before slow cooker? No, you do not need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. You can brown it, if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. Browning locks in flavor and keeps the chicken moist.

What type of chicken do I need? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work here as well. I do not recommend bone-in chicken as it will not shred as easily and then you have to worry about bones in the meat.

How much garlic do you need? You will need 6-8 cloves of garlic for this chicken. That may seem like a lot of garlic, but it mellows out a bit in the slow cooker.

Pro tip – Use a handheld mixer to easily shred the chicken while it’s still in the slow cooker.

Instant Pot directions

Want to make this chicken even faster? Use your pressure cooker! Follow the directions below –

• Add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
• Stir to combine.
• Add 1 cup of water.
• Pressure cook for 8 minutes on high pressure.
• Let pressure release naturally.
• Shred.
• Serve and enjoy!

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 days in the fridge. Remove and microwave to re-heat. You can also reheat it in a skillet with some water.

Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?

Yes! You can freeze this honey garlic chicken. Allow the chicken to cool and place it in a Ziplock bag. Remove all the air and lay flat on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, remove from the cookie sheet and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To re-heat – remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the fridge. Microwave the chicken or use a skillet with some water to warm it up.

Other chicken recipes

Are you looking for other chicken dinners? Here are some of our other favorites that make dinner time easier!

• Chicken fajitas – slow cooker recipe!
• Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole
• Baked chicken tenders
• Enchilada casserole – slow cooker recipe!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Make a tender and flavorful chicken in your slow cooker!

Print

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (4 pieces) of chicken breast
• 1 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 6-8 cloves of garlic
• 2 scallions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Grate your garlic.
2. In your slow cooker add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Make sure to flip the chicken breast over when cooked halfway.
4. Once fully cooked, shred the chicken. I use a hand mixer for easy shredding.
5. Serve with rice and top with scallions and sesame seeds

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on mom makes dinner.

My family has 2 meals almost every single week – some sort of taco and spaghetti. (I prefer my one pot spaghetti!) Our tacos vary between chicken and beef and sometimes we switch it up and have fajitas. But tacos are a must every week in our house. That’s why I love adding these slow cooker tacos to our menu! They are simple to make and everyone loves them.

You and your family will loves these ground beef tacos because:

• Prep takes a few minutes.
• Full of Mexican inspired flavors.
• Your slow cooker does most of the work!
• Come home to tacos on busy nights.

What are slow cooker ground beef tacos?

The name really gives it away – LOL! These tacos are made with ground beef and taco seasoning and slow cooked in your Crock Pot. They require very little prep and can be used in meal planning and prep. The best part of these tacos is that you can easily customize then to however your family likes! My family loves avocado in their tacos so we add extra when making them. Not an avocado fan? Feel free to omit them from your toppings!

Slow cooker ground beef taco ingredients

There are two parts to these ground beef tacos – the taco meat and the assembly. For the taco meat portion you will need:

• ground beef
• taco seasoning

Ground beef – You can use your favorite ground beef here. I do suggest using at least 80/20 fat content so that you have some juice while it’s cooking.

Taco seasoning – Feel free to use your favorite taco seasoning here. Stock bought or homemade will work. I love using my homemade taco seasoning for our tacos!

Taco topping suggestions:

• jalapenos
• avocado
• onions
• tomatoes
• lettuce
• cheese
• sour cream

How to make ground beef tacos in the slow cooker

The best thing about these tacos is how easy they are to make! No standing over the store and browning ground beef – not here! Simply add your ingredients (all 2 of them!) to your slow cooker.

Step 1: Add your ground beef. Add your ground beef to your Crock Pot and break it apart into pieces with a fork or spatula.

Step 2: Add spices. Add your taco seasoning to your ground beef. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4+ hours.

Step 4: Serve. Scoop the taco meat into your favorite tortillas and add your toppings.

FAQs about ground beef tacos

Is it safe to put raw ground beef in a slow cooker? Yes, it is. Slow cookers gradually cook the beef and as long as the internal temperature is 160 degrees and no pink remains, it is safe to eat.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it? No, you don’t have to brown it first. If you prefer to brown your ground beef, feel free.

What kind of tortillas do I need? Feel free to use your favorite tortillas for this recipe or even try your hand at homemade tortillas! We love corn tortillas but flour work too!

How many tacos will 3 pounds of ground beef make? This recipe makes a bunch of tacos! You can probably make 24 tacos if you fill each one with 1/4 cup of meat. The taco meat is great for meal prepping!

Do I need to add any liquid? No, no liquid is needed for these tacos. The ground beef will release some grease that can be drained later.

What toppings do I need? Whatever you like on your tacos! We love onions, avocados, tomatoes, cheese, jalapenos and sour cream! Feel free to add your favorite toppings.

Side dish recommendations

These tacos can be eaten alone or have a Tex-Mex inspired side dish added along with them! Some side dish suggestions are:

• Refried beans
• Guacamole
• Spanish rice

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover taco meat in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. The taco meat will keep for up to 5 days if stored properly. I do not suggest making the tacos and putting them in the fridge. The meat will make the tortillas soggy.

Can I freeze them? You can freeze the taco meat, but I do not recommend freezing pre-made tacos. To freeze the meat, place on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the frozen taco meat to a Ziplock bag and remove all the air. Place in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Other tacos to try

Who doesn’t love a good taco? Some of our other taco favorites are:

• Crock Pot chicken tacos
• Easy taco casserole
• Taco boats
• Baked chicken tacos
• Buffalo chicken street tacos

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos

Yield: 24 tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

How to make delicious ground beef tacos in the slow cooker.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground beef, thawed
• 3/4 cup taco seasoning

Instructions

1. Place the ground beef in the bottom of the slow cooker. Use a spatula to crumble it up.
2. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
3. Cook on HIGH for 2.5 hours or LOW for 4 plus hours.
4. Use a slotted spoon to drain the grease.
5. Assemble the tacos and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board! THANK YOU for the support.

The post Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos appeared first on mom makes dinner.