Football fare is generally hearty and filling, and these Salisbury Steak Bites are no exception. The meat mixture can be made ahead, shaped into small “steaks,” and browned. They are then threaded onto skewers with fingerling potatoes and placed in the slow cooker to cook until game time. These appetizers are definitely not “fru-fru” food – actually meat and potatoes on a stick - so everyone will be happy no matter whose team is winning!

This recipe is an adaptation of one of my Dad’s favorite dishes; he loved Salisbury steak served over mashed potatoes, but in this case, the potatoes are right on the skewers and already covered with gravy. Since Dad also loved football, I’m sure he would approve of this delicious appetizer. Your football fans will also approve, and it is unlikely that there will be any Salisbury Steak Bites left after half-time.

20 Steak Bites

12 soda crackers, (2 ounces)
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk, divided
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1/4 cup dehydrated onion flakes, (or 1 small onion, finely chopped)

2 pounds lean ground beef

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/3 cup flour
3 cups water
1 tablespoon granular beef bouillon

2 pounds fingerling potatoes, cut in half if really large

20 6" skewers

1. Crush the soda crackers into a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour 1/4 cup of the evaporated milk over and press down to soak.
3. Add salt, pepper, eggs, and onion flakes; mix well.
4. Add the ground beef and mix well.
5. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet.
6. Scoop small balls of the mixture (about two teaspoons each), roll in your hands, flatten into patties, and place into the hot oil.
7. Brown on both sides.
8. As they brown, remove to paper towels to drain.
9. Stir the flour into the drippings and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any crispy bits.
10. Add the remaining evaporated milk, the water, and the beef bouillon; whisk until slightly thickened and smooth.
11. Thread the "steak" patties onto the skewers with the potato chunks (3 patties and 2 potato chunks each) and place in a 4-7 quart slow cooker.
12. Pour the sauce over the skewers.
13. Cook on low for 3-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 212 Calories from Fat 101
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 48% Protein 23% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 47 mg
Sodium 299 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 12 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 13% Calcium 0% Iron 8%