Cody Casey
Cooking steak in a crock pot is a great way to make a rich, tender, and tasty meal with minimal effort. While some people prefer to cook steak on a grill or stovetop, using a slow cooker is an excellent alternative that requires little preparation and yields mouth-watering results. The key to a successful crock pot steak lies in choosing the right cut of steak and understanding how to prepare and cook it properly. With the correct techniques, you can transform an ordinary steak into an extraordinary one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal steak type | Tougher cuts with different kinds of marbling |
| Ideal steak fat content | A decent amount of fat |
| Ideal steak doneness level | Medium or medium-well |
| Crockpot liner | Slow cooker bag or liner, or non-stick cooking spray |
| Ingredients | Steak, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, potatoes |
| Cooking time | 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low |
| Preparation | Sear the steak first, then place in the crockpot |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
The key to a good steak in a crock pot is choosing the right cut of steak. While some people argue that steak is best cooked hot and fast, others swear by the crock pot for its ability to transform a cheaper cut of steak into a tender, juicy meal.
The best cuts of steak for slow cooking are typically those with a lot of connective tissue and marbling. These cuts tend to be tougher and benefit from long, slow cooking methods that help to break down the fibres and create a tender texture. Look for cuts with a decent amount of fat, like ribeye or tenderloin, which will keep the steak juicy throughout the cooking process.
If you're using a tough cut of steak, such as flank steak, you can add some acidic ingredients like red wine or vinegar to the crockpot to help break down the fibres. For leaner cuts like filet, consider a shorter cooking time as the lack of fat makes the perfect temperature window much shorter.
Round steak is another good option for the crock pot. While it might not be your first choice for the grill, this affordable cut from the hind leg of the cow can be transformed into a tasty meal with the help of a slow cooker. The top round is typically the most tender cut, but any cut will work in a crock pot.
Remember, while the crock pot is a versatile tool, you can't choose just any steak. Avoid wasting your money on premium cuts like porterhouse, which are better suited to other cooking methods.
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Preparing the crock pot
To prepare your crock pot, first gather and prep all your ingredients. For easy clean-up, line your crock pot with a slow cooker bag or liner. Alternatively, lightly spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat it with oil.
Next, season your steaks. Place the steaks on a clean work surface and pat dry with paper towels. Then, season the steaks generously on both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper. You can also season with garlic powder, or other seasonings like rosemary or sage.
Now, layer the ingredients in the crock pot. Scatter sliced onions, or other vegetables like celery and carrots, over the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add some steak sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then, add in the steaks and top with the remaining sauce.
If you want to sear your steaks first, heat a separate pan to a high temperature (around 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit). Sear the steaks for about 5 minutes per side, then transfer them to the crock pot. Alternatively, if you have a large slow cooker with a searing setting, you can sear the steaks directly in the crock pot.
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Seasoning the steak
Choose the Right Cut of Steak
Before you start seasoning, it's essential to select the appropriate cut of steak for your crock pot. Opt for a thick cut with a decent amount of fat, such as ribeye or tenderloin. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking because their fat content keeps the meat tender and juicy. Tougher cuts with different kinds of marbling are also suitable for the crock pot, as the slow cooking process helps break down the fibers and tenderize the meat.
Pat the Steak Dry
Once you've selected the perfect cut, place the steak on a clean work surface and use paper towels to pat it dry. Removing any excess moisture from the surface of the steak will help the seasoning adhere better and promote even browning during cooking.
Season Liberally with Salt and Pepper
Now it's time to season! Be generous with your salt and pepper, coating both sides of the steak evenly. Kosher salt and ground black pepper are excellent choices for a classic steak seasoning. Don't be afraid to use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Enhance with Additional Seasonings
While salt and pepper form the foundation of your seasoning, you can take it up a notch by incorporating additional ingredients. Try using garlic powder or minced garlic for a savory boost. If you enjoy spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or jalapenos to the mix. Alternatively, fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can lend a more subtle, earthy flavor to your steak.
Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature
After seasoning, allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step helps the steak cook more evenly, ensuring a juicy and tender result. It also gives the seasonings time to permeate the meat, enhancing the flavor.
Sear for Added Flavor (Optional)
Before placing the steak in the crock pot, you might want to consider searing it. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the pan is hot, sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, forming a delicious brown crust. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor to your dish.
Remember, when it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for steak in a crock pot depend on the type of steak, the desired doneness, and the addition of other ingredients.
For a simple crock pot steak recipe, the steak should be cooked for several hours on a low setting. This longer cooking time at a lower temperature is ideal for tougher cuts of steak with more connective tissue and marbling, as it helps to break down the fibers and tenderize the meat.
For example, a crock pot pepper steak recipe calls for cooking the steak on high for 3-4 hours or 45 minutes, then changing to low for 3 hours, and finishing on high for the last hour. This high-low-high cooking method can be adjusted based on the desired doneness of the steak, with longer cooking times for more well-done steaks.
If you prefer a medium-rare steak, fast-cooking methods like grilling or broiling at high heat may be better suited to achieve the desired doneness without overcooking. However, for higher doneness levels like medium and medium-well, slow cooking in a crock pot can be advantageous as it allows for longer heating periods to gradually increase the internal temperature of the steak.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the inclusion of other ingredients. For example, if you are adding vegetables such as onions, celery, carrots, or peppers, the steak may require a longer cooking time to ensure that both the steak and the vegetables are adequately cooked.
It is worth noting that some recipes recommend searing the steak before placing it in the crock pot, which can impact the overall cooking time. This step is optional but can add flavor and enhance the appearance of the steak.
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Adding vegetables and sides
When it comes to adding vegetables and sides to your steak crock pot, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Vegetables
- Onions: Yellow, red, or white onions, or shallots can add sweetness and texture to your dish. Sliced onions can be placed at the bottom of the crock pot or added after searing the meat.
- Peppers: Bell peppers, especially green, red, and yellow capsicums, can be added whole or sliced.
- Mushrooms: Sliced or whole mushrooms can be added directly to the crock pot or placed on top of the steak with butter.
- Tomatoes: Stewed tomatoes, either canned or fresh, can be added to the crock pot for extra flavour.
Sides
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, baked potato wedges, or roasted potatoes are classic side dishes that pair well with steak.
- Rice: White or brown rice, either plain or seasoned, can be a great base for your steak and vegetables.
- Pasta: Try serving your steak and vegetables over thick pasta noodles for a filling meal.
- Salad: A light and refreshing arugula pear salad can balance out the richness of the steak.
- Broccoli or Green Beans: Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans can add some extra nutrients to your meal.
Remember, you can add the vegetables directly to the crock pot or sauté them separately and add them later. You can also experiment with different combinations of vegetables and sides to find your perfect meal.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the level of doneness you prefer. For medium-rare steak, fast-cooking is a better option. For higher doneness levels, like medium and medium-well, slow cooking is preferable as it requires a longer heating period to allow the internal temperature to rise. As a general rule, cooking steak in a crock pot on a high setting takes around 3-4 hours, while cooking on low heat takes 6-8 hours.
Tougher cuts with different kinds of marbling are less expensive and perfect for slow cooking. However, some people use more expensive cuts such as ribeye and porterhouse. It is recommended to choose a thick cut with a decent amount of fat, such as ribeye or tenderloin, for the best results.
First, season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Some recipes suggest searing the steak in a separate pan or using a slow cooker with a searing setting before transferring it to the crock pot. Fill the bottom of the crock pot with steak sauce, beef broth, or water, and add vegetables such as onions, celery, and carrots if desired. Let the steak cook for the desired amount of time, and then serve with rice, potatoes, or noodles.
