Marianne Martinez
Cooking cross rib steak in a crock pot is a great way to make a tender and tasty meal without breaking the bank. While some recipes call for searing the steak first, it is possible to skip this step if you don't want to make a mess on the stove. Seasoning the steak with salt, pepper, and dried thyme before adding vegetables and a sauce mixture is a great way to build flavor. With a cook time of 6-7 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, you can have a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock Pot Style | Slow cooker |
| Ideal for | Less expensive portions of meat |
| Outcome | Tender and tasty |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, dried thyme, olive oil |
| Sear | Lock in juices, add flavor and color |
| Meat Temperature | 200°F |
| Cooking Time | 6-7 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, Brussel sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the steak
If you want to add more depth of flavor to your cross rib steak, consider using a meat marinade. You can purchase ready-made marinades or make your own by combining ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices. Massage the marinade into the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, before cooking. This process will help the flavors penetrate the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of salt when seasoning your cross rib steak. Regular table salt or sea salt are good options, but you can also try using flavored salts like garlic salt, herb salt, or smoked salt. These specialty salts can elevate the taste of your steak and give it a unique flavor profile.
In terms of pepper, freshly ground black pepper is always preferable as it has a more robust flavor. However, you can also use white pepper or a blend of different peppercorns to create a complex and nuanced flavor. If you want a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in your seasoning mix.
Lastly, don't be afraid to include fresh herbs in your seasoning blend. Thyme is a classic choice, but you can also use rosemary, basil, oregano, or parsley to add freshness and aroma to your steak. You can chop these herbs finely and mix them with the salt and pepper, or you can tie them into a bundle and use them as a garnish when serving the steak.
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Searing the steak
While searing your cross rib steak before putting it in the crock pot is not necessary, it is highly recommended. Searing the steak adds a nice crust and extra flavor, and it also helps to lock in the juices as the steak cooks, keeping the meat tender. If your steak has a lot of excess fat, searing will render the fat, making the steak melt-in-your-mouth tender.
To sear your cross rib steak, start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the skillet. Place the steak in the skillet and sear each side for about one minute, or just until it develops some color. You don't need to cook the steak all the way through at this stage, as it will continue cooking in the crock pot.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your steak, you can season it before searing. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. You can also try other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or paprika.
Once the steak is seared, you can add it directly to your crock pot along with the vegetables and sauce. However, if you want to make your steak ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
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Adding vegetables
While a crock pot is typically used for cooking meats like ribs and roasts, you can also use it to cook vegetables. In fact, cooking your vegetables in a crock pot can be a great way to save space in your oven and ensure that your meal is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
When it comes to adding vegetables to your cross rib steak crock pot meal, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can pre-cook your vegetables in the microwave with some water until they are almost tender, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Then, simply add the vegetables to the crock pot along with the steak. This method is especially useful if you are using smaller steaks that may cook faster than the vegetables.
Another option is to add the vegetables directly to the crock pot without pre-cooking them. This approach works well for heartier vegetables like root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, and parsnips. Simply season your steak with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, sear it in a skillet, and then place it in the crock pot. You can then add your desired vegetables on top of the steak, along with a can of mushrooms and onion soup mix.
If you want to add a sauce or gravy to your meal, you can whisk together a mixture of brown gravy, water, spices, and garlic, and then pour it over the steaks and vegetables before cooking. This will infuse your vegetables with the delicious flavours of the seasonings and steak. Cover the crock pot and cook the meal for 6-7 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your preference.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of vegetables to find your favourite combinations. Some popular options include frozen chopped kale, canned potatoes and carrots, green beans, corn on the cob, and Brussels sprouts. Remember to let your steak rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the crock pot to prevent the meat from drying out. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious cross rib steak and vegetable crock pot meal!
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Making the sauce
While cooking cross rib steak in a crock pot, you can make a sauce to pour over the steak and vegetables. This sauce will complement the ribeye and enhance the overall flavour of the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the sauce:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients for the sauce: garlic, soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. These ingredients will add flavour and thickness to the sauce.
Step 2: Combine and Whisk
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients mentioned above. Use a whisk to mix them until they are well blended and homogeneous. This step ensures that all the flavours come together harmoniously.
Step 3: Pour Over the Steak and Vegetables
Once you have a smooth and well-combined sauce, it's time to pour it over the steaks and veggies in the crock pot. Drizzle the sauce evenly over the steaks and vegetables, ensuring that everything is coated generously.
Step 4: Enhance the Flavour
To further enhance the flavour of the dish, consider adding mushrooms and onions. These ingredients pair exceptionally well with the sauce and the steak. You can add them directly to the crock pot, allowing them to cook alongside the steaks and absorb all the delicious flavours.
Step 5: Adjust and Customise
Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a tangier sauce, you might want to add a bit more ketchup or Worcestershire sauce. For a thicker sauce, you can gradually add more cornstarch, whisking continuously until you achieve the desired consistency.
By following these steps, you'll create a mouthwatering sauce that will elevate your cross rib steak cooked in the crock pot. Remember, cooking is a creative process, so feel free to experiment and adjust the flavours to suit your palate.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, season the steaks generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides. Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Now, sear each side of the steaks for about a minute or just until they get some colour. You can skip this step, but searing adds a nice crust and extra flavour to the steak, and also helps to lock in the juices.
Next, place the steaks into the bottom of the crock pot. If you are cooking vegetables with the steak, you can place them at the bottom of the pot first. Sliced onions and mushrooms are a great combination with steak. You can also add frozen chopped kale to make the dish more nutritious. If you are using potatoes, it is recommended to cook them beforehand.
Now, make the sauce mixture. Combine garlic, soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Pour the mixture over the steaks and vegetables. Cover the crock pot and cook the steaks for 6-7 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
Finally, remove the steaks from the crock pot and let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing them. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing the meat from drying out. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steaks are cooked to your preferred temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sear them in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil for about a minute on each side. Place the steaks in the crock pot with sliced onions and mushrooms. Combine garlic, soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch, and pour the mixture over the steaks and veggies. Cover the crock pot and cook for 6-7 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
No, but it is recommended. Searing adds a nice crust and extra flavor to the steak, and helps lock in the juices as it cooks, keeping the meat tender.
Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, and Brussel sprouts are all great options. You can also add frozen chopped kale to make the dish tastier and more nutritious.
