Crock Pot Country Fried Steak: Tender Comfort Food

how to cook country fried steak in crock pot

Country fried steak is a hearty meal that can be made in a crock pot for added convenience and flavour. This recipe involves tenderising cube steaks, pan-frying them, and then slow-cooking them in a creamy gravy. The dish is best served hot and can be paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. For a more crispy texture, reheat any leftovers in the oven or a skillet at a low temperature.

Characteristics Values
Type of Steak Cube steak
Amount of Steak 1.5-2 pounds
Seasoning Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce
Other Ingredients Flour, vegetable oil, water, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup, milk
Cooking Method Pan-fried, slow-cooked in a crock pot
Cooking Time 2-2.5 hours on high, 8-10 hours on low
Calories 436-495
Carbohydrates 3-14 grams
Protein 38-46 grams
Fat 24-32 grams
Sodium 923 mg
Fiber 1 gram
Sugar 3 grams
Serving Suggestions Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, salad, green beans, cornbread, biscuits

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Seasoning the steak

Start by seasoning the steak with a generous amount of salt and pepper. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. If you are sensitive to salt or prefer less salty dishes, you can reduce the amount of salt used during this step and add more later if needed. Remember to season both sides of the steak evenly.

After seasoning with salt and pepper, you can enhance the flavour by adding other spices and herbs. For example, you can use garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder to add a savoury kick to the steak. These spices will give the steak a nice golden colour when fried and develop a deeper flavour as they cook in the crock pot. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Brazilian steak seasoning or thyme, adjusting the quantities to your taste.

Another option is to use Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle powdered Worcestershire sauce over the steak, or if you are using liquid Worcestershire sauce, brush it onto the steak generously. This sauce adds a tangy and savoury flavour to the meat. Alternatively, you can add the Worcestershire sauce directly to the crock pot along with other ingredients like mushroom soup and water.

If you want to add a crispy coating to your steak, dredge it in flour after seasoning. Make sure the steak is evenly coated, then shake off any excess flour. You can even double-coat the steak by dipping it in a buttermilk mixture after the first flour coating, and then dredging it in flour again. This technique creates a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the steak tender and juicy on the inside.

Remember, when seasoning the steak, feel free to adjust the quantities and add your own twist to find the perfect flavour combination for your country fried steak.

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Pan-frying the steak

To make country-fried steak in a crock pot, you'll first need to pan-fry the steak. Here's a step-by-step guide to pan-frying the steak to perfection:

Start by seasoning your cube steaks with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder. You can also try seasoning the flour with additional spices for extra flavour. Ensure your steaks are at room temperature before cooking for the best results.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to the pan. You'll know the oil is hot enough when it starts to shimmer. It's important to not overcrowd the skillet, so fry the steaks in batches if necessary, giving each steak enough space to brown evenly.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the steaks to the pan. Fry the steaks for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. You may need to adjust the heat to medium to prevent burning.

When the steaks are browned on both sides, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. If you're making gravy, you can reserve some of the oil and solid remnants from the skillet to use as a base.

By pan-frying the steaks first, you create a delicious crust and lock in the juices before slow cooking them in the crock pot. This combination of pan-frying and slow cooking results in a tender, flavourful country-fried steak that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

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Preparing the gravy

Allow the steaks to cook for 8-10 hours. The low and slow cooking process will ensure that the steaks become incredibly tender, and the mixture will form a delicious, savoury gravy. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the steaks once they are cooked and set them aside, keeping them warm. Then, turn the crock pot to a higher heat setting and allow the gravy to thicken.

If you want to add more flavour to your gravy, you can whisk in some flour to thicken it further. Start with a small amount, around 4 to 5 tablespoons, and gradually add more if needed. You can also add some milk or stock to thin out the gravy if it becomes too thick. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder.

This crock pot country fried steak with gravy is a hearty and comforting meal that can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It's an easy and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.

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Cooking the steak in the crock pot

To cook country fried steak in a crock pot, you'll first want to prepare your ingredients. You'll need cube steaks, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, water, and cream of chicken soup.

Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper, and then dredge them in flour until coated. Shake off any excess flour. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cube steaks and cook each side until golden brown. In a separate bowl, combine water and cream of chicken soup until blended. Place most of this soup mixture in the bottom of the crock pot, reserving about 1/3 to 1/2 cup. When the steaks are browned, place them on top of the soup mixture in the crock pot and drizzle the remaining soup on top.

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours or until the steaks are tender. You can also cook on low for 8-10 hours for a more hands-off approach. If you want to add extra flavour, season the flour with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder before coating the steaks.

Once the steaks are tender, you can make the gravy. Remove the steaks from the crock pot and set them aside. To make the gravy, whisk together flour and the broth from the crock pot, adding more flour or broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Place the steaks back into the crock pot and cook for another 20-30 minutes on high to thicken the gravy.

Serve the country fried steaks hot with the gravy. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles, and a side of vegetables. Enjoy!

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Storing and reheating the steak

Country fried steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispy texture, it is best to reheat it in the oven or a skillet at a low temperature. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm it evenly.

If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the steak in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Before serving, thaw and reheat the steak. You can also freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to cook the steak on high for 2 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.

You will need cubed steaks, flour, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, water, and cream of chicken soup.

First, season the steaks with salt and pepper and dredge them in flour. Next, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the steaks until golden brown. Then, place the steaks in the crock pot with the soup and water mixture and cook until tender.

Some side dish options include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, green beans, cornbread, and a salad.

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