Cooking steak in a slow cooker might sound unusual to some, but it’s a fantastic way to get tender, juicy, and flavorful meat with minimal effort. Whether you have a tougher cut of steak or just want a hands-off cooking method, slow cooking is perfect. Here’s your friendly guide on how to cook steak in a slow cooker, with tips, ingredients, and easy steps to make a delicious meal.
Why Cook Steak in a Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are great for breaking down tougher cuts of meat, making them tender and juicy. Instead of grilling or pan-searing, slow cooking allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the steak while it simmers gently for hours. This method is especially ideal for budget-friendly cuts like sirloin, round steak, or chuck steak, which become melt-in-your-mouth soft after slow cooking.
What You’ll Need
– Steak: Choose cuts like sirloin, top round, ribeye, or chuck steak.
– Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any steak seasoning you like.
– Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and optional herbs like thyme.
– Liquid: Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, or a mix of broth and a splash of vinegar or soy sauce.
– Extras: Butter or pats of butter for richness; optional French onion soup mix or gravy mix for added flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Steak in a Slow Cooker
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker
For easy cleanup, you can line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner or lightly spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Season the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Place a bed of sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This adds flavor and keeps the steak from sticking. Pour in about 1 to 1½ cups of beef broth mixed with Worcestershire sauce or your choice of liquid.
4. Add the Steak
Lay the seasoned steaks on top of the onions and broth. Sprinkle minced garlic and optional French onion soup mix over the steaks. Add pats of butter and fresh thyme sprigs if you have them.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 5½ to 7½ hours. This slow cooking time ensures the steak becomes tender and flavorful. You can also cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time, but low and slow is best for tenderness.
6. Rest and Serve
Once done, transfer the steak and onions to a platter and tent loosely with foil. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices.
Serve your slow cooker steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or warm dinner rolls. The onions and cooking juices make a delicious topping or gravy.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Steak
– Searing is optional but recommended: For extra flavor, quickly sear the steak in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a rich crust and deeper flavor.
– Use a good cut of broth or stock: Low-sodium beef broth works well to keep the flavor balanced.
– Add mushrooms or bell peppers: For variety, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the slow cooker.
– Make gravy: After cooking, you can thicken the juices with a cornstarch slurry for a rich gravy.
– Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooked steak can become mushy.
Variations to Try
– Smothered Steak: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and brown gravy mix for a hearty smothered steak.
– Tangy Crockpot Steak: Use red wine vinegar and A-1 sauce for a tangy flavor twist.
– Herb-Infused Steak: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Final Thoughts
Cooking steak in a slow cooker is an easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef without the fuss. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to impress any day of the week. Give it a try and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Tender, juicy steak made easy-slow cooker style!