Tillie Doyle
Cooking a thick steak in a crock pot is a great way to make cheap cuts of meat tender and tasty. It's an easy way to cook a delicious steak with minimal effort. The key to a good crock-pot steak is in the preparation and seasoning, with the right cuts of meat and a simple recipe, you can make a rich and tender steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of steak | Thick with a decent amount of fat, e.g. ribeye, tenderloin, top sirloin steaks, flank steaks, skirt steak, chuck steak, and round steaks |
| Preparation | Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and/or sage |
| Searing | Recommended to lock in juices and enhance texture and flavour |
| Cooking time | 3-8 hours depending on temperature and desired level of doneness |
| Cooking temperature | Low (6-8 hours) or high (3-4 hours) |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, egg noodles, chow mein, potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Tender or Tough Cuts
The tenderness of a steak depends on the muscle group from which it is sourced. Tender steaks, such as filet mignon, ribeye, strip steak, and T-bone, come from lesser-worked muscles with minimal connective tissue. These cuts are ideal for quick cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. On the other hand, tougher cuts like flank, hanger steak, and chuck eye steak have higher amounts of connective tissue and intramuscular fat, making them more suitable for slow cooking to break down these tissues and achieve a tender texture.
Marbling and Fat Content
The amount and distribution of fat within the steak, known as marbling, play a crucial role in flavour and juiciness. Well-marbled cuts, such as coulette steak (top sirloin cap), have higher levels of intramuscular fat, giving them a buttery tenderness. These cuts are excellent choices for crockpot cooking as the fat melts slowly during the long cooking process, infusing the meat with flavour and moisture. Leaner cuts like round steak or bottom sirloin are also options but may require additional fat sources to enhance flavour and texture.
Bone-In or Boneless
The presence of bones in your steak cut can impact the cooking method and flavour. Bone-in cuts, such as bone-in beef shank or T-bone steaks, provide a richer flavour due to the marrow in the bone. However, bones can make it challenging to sear the steak properly in a skillet. Boneless cuts, such as chuck-eye steak or boneless beef short ribs, are more versatile and suitable for various cooking methods, including crockpot recipes.
Size and Thickness
Selecting the appropriate size and thickness of steak cuts is crucial for even cooking. For crockpot recipes, thicker cuts like chuck-eye steak or tri-tip are ideal as they benefit from the slow cooking process, becoming tender and flavourful. Thinner cuts may dry out or overcook in a crockpot, so ensure your chosen cut has enough thickness to withstand the long cooking time.
Personal Preference and Availability
Lastly, consider your personal preferences and what is readily available to you. Some cuts, like porterhouse or tenderloin, are premium options that come with a higher price tag. Others, like chuck steaks or round steaks, are more affordable but can still deliver excellent flavour and texture when slow-cooked properly. Choose a cut that fits your budget and taste preferences.
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Seasoning and searing the steak
First, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This step is essential as it helps the seasonings stick to the steak's surface. Then, season the steak generously on both sides with your desired seasonings. Kosher salt and ground black pepper are popular choices, but you can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or sage. Be careful not to overdo it with potent spices like sage or rosemary. You can also add some steak sauce to the bottom of your crock pot before placing the steak inside.
After seasoning, it's time to sear the steak. Searing adds a crispy brown outer edge that enhances the texture and flavour of the meat. It also locks in natural juices, preventing the steak from drying out during slow cooking. To sear the steak, heat a skillet with butter or oil and cook the steak on high heat for about three to four minutes on each side. If your steak is exceptionally thick, you may also want to sear the edges. You can also sear the steak in a stovetop-safe crock pot, like the Crock-Pot® DuraCeramic® cooking pot, eliminating the need for an extra pan.
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Preparing the crock pot
Next, prepare your ingredients. Cut your chosen vegetables—such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes—into your desired sizes. Chop or crush some garlic. You can also prepare your chosen seasonings, such as salt, pepper, rosemary, and sage.
After preparing the ingredients, it's time to layer them into the crock pot. Scatter the vegetables and garlic over the base of the pot. You can also add your seasonings directly to the pot or wait until after searing the steak.
Finally, before adding the steak, it's recommended to sear it first. Heat a skillet with butter or oil and cook the steak on high heat for about three to four minutes on each side. This step adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor by locking in the natural juices. Once seared, place the steak in the crock pot on top of the vegetables and seasonings.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a thick steak in a crock pot depend on several factors, including the type of steak, its thickness, the desired doneness, and the temperature setting of the crock pot.
For a thick-cut steak with a decent amount of fat, such as ribeye or tenderloin, the cooking time can range from two to six hours. The slow cooker breaks down the fat in the steak during the cooking process, keeping it tender and juicy. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, faster cooking methods are recommended to achieve the desired doneness without overcooking. For higher doneness levels like medium or medium-well, slow cooking is more suitable, as it allows more time for the internal temperature of the steak to rise gradually.
When using a crock pot, you have the option to cook on low or high settings. For a thick steak, cooking it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours is recommended. This longer cooking time at a lower temperature ensures that the steak cooks evenly throughout, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome.
It is worth noting that some recipes suggest searing the steak before adding it to the crock pot. Searing adds a crispy brown outer layer to the steak, enhancing its texture and flavor. It also helps lock in the natural juices, preventing the steak from drying out during the slower cooking process. To sear a thick steak, heat a skillet with butter or oil and cook the steak on high heat for about three to four minutes on each side, and the edges if necessary.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the specific crock pot model and its temperature settings. Each crock pot may have unique heating characteristics, influencing the overall cooking time. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or user manual for specific instructions and temperature recommendations.
In summary, cooking a thick steak in a crock pot requires a balance between time and temperature. By adjusting the settings based on the type of steak, its thickness, and the desired doneness, you can achieve a tender and flavorful outcome. Remember to consider the option of searing the steak beforehand to enhance its overall quality.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your thick steak cooked in a crockpot:
Mashed Potatoes
For a classic combination, serve the tender steak with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The gravy from the crockpot can be drizzled over the potatoes, adding extra flavour and moisture.
Rice
Rice is a great option if you prefer a lighter meal. White rice is a popular choice, but you could also try Instant Pot Rice or egg noodles. The sauce from the crockpot will complement the rice, and you can add extra gravy for a richer dish.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted potatoes are another option to accompany your steak. For a well-rounded meal, serve with roasted broccoli or green beans. You can also add sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the crockpot itself for extra flavour and texture, and serve these with the steak and a side of your choice.
Dinner Rolls and Fries
Warm dinner rolls and French fries are also suggested as sides to accompany your steak. For a more indulgent meal, you could serve the steak with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, and fries.
Gravy
If you want a thicker gravy, you can make a slurry with cornstarch or flour mixed with water. This will create a rich, velvety texture to drizzle over your steak and chosen sides.
Salad
For a healthier option, serve your steak with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over the salad, and you can add extras such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
There are numerous ways to serve your thick steak, so feel free to get creative and adapt these suggestions to your taste.
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Frequently asked questions
First, season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or sage. Next, sear the steak on a stovetop or skillet on high heat for about three to four minutes on each side. Then, place the steak in the crock pot with about 1/2 cup of liquid per pound of meat—water, beef broth, or steak sauce will do. Finally, cook the steak on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Tougher, cheaper cuts of steak with different kinds of marbling are perfect for slow cooking because it makes them more tender. Some cuts to try include top sirloin steaks, flank steaks, skirt steak, chuck steak, and round steaks.
You can serve crock pot steak with desired vegetables and potatoes. Some specific recommendations include onions, peppers, tomatoes, and celery.
Cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the steak, your desired level of doneness, and the temperature of your crock pot. In general, cooking steak in a crock pot can take anywhere from two to eight hours.
