Crock Pot Steak: An Easy, Tender Treat

how to cook plain steak in a crock pot

Cooking steak in a crock pot is a great way to make cheap cuts of meat tender and tasty. It's also an easy way to cook a hearty meal with very little effort. You can use a variety of seasonings and sauces to flavour the steak, and you can add potatoes and vegetables to make a complete meal. The crock pot is also convenient as it doesn't require any additional pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Steak, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, butter, olive oil, beef broth/stock, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, baby potatoes, thyme, parsley, cornstarch, cold water
Prep Pat steaks dry with paper towels, season generously on both sides, scatter onions at the bottom of the crock pot, add broth and Worcestershire sauce, place seasoned steaks on top of onions, sprinkle French onion soup mix and minced garlic, add butter and thyme, cover and cook
Cooking Time 5.5 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat
Clean-up Line crock pot with a slow cooker bag or liner, or spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray
Notes Browning the steak before adding to the crock pot is not necessary but can add flavor and texture; some argue that steak should not be cooked in a crock pot as it is better suited for cheaper cuts of meat that need to be tenderized

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Seasoning the steak

Firstly, pat the steak dry with paper towels and place it on a clean work surface. This will ensure the seasoning sticks to the steak. Then, season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper. You can use kosher salt and ground black pepper, or simply season with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous, but remember you can always add more later if needed.

Next, you can add additional seasonings to enhance the flavour of the steak. You could use garlic powder, onion powder, fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, or sage. You could also add some Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato paste for depth of flavour. A little butter can also be added for richness. These additional seasonings can be mixed with the steak and other ingredients in the crockpot, or used to coat the steak before adding to the pot.

Remember, the key to seasoning a steak for the crockpot is to be generous and ensure an even coating. You can always add more seasoning later if needed, but it is better to start with a well-seasoned steak.

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Browning the steak

If you are using a crock pot with a stovetop-safe DuraCeramic® cooking pot, you can sear the steak in the pot itself before returning it to the slow cooker base. This has the advantage of not dirtying extra pots and pans.

After browning or searing the steak, transfer it to the crock pot or slow cooker. You can deglaze the pan and add the juices to the crock pot for extra flavour.

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Preparing the crock pot

Next, you'll want to season your steaks. Place the steaks on a clean work surface and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Generously season both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, but be careful not to overdo it as these herbs can be quite potent.

Once your steaks are seasoned, it's time to layer the ingredients in the crock pot. Scatter sliced onions over the bottom of the pot. You can also add other vegetables like celery and carrots if you'd like. Then, pour in your choice of liquid. This can be broth, beef or chicken stock, or even red wine for added depth of flavor. Place the seasoned steaks on top of the onions and pour over any remaining liquid. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, or butter at this stage.

Finally, cover the crock pot and set the temperature and timer according to your recipe. Slow-cooked steak is typically cooked for around 5-8 hours on a low setting, or 3-4 hours on a high setting, depending on your desired level of doneness.

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Adding ingredients to the crock pot

Once you've prepped your crock pot and seasoned your steaks, it's time to add the ingredients. First, scatter sliced onions across the bottom of the pot. You can also add other vegetables like celery and carrots, but make sure to sauté them first. Next, pour in the broth or beef stock. You can also use water, but broth will add more flavour. If you're making steak and potatoes, add the halved baby potatoes now, arranging them around the edge of the crock pot.

Place the seasoned steaks on top of the onions. You can use a variety of steak cuts, but it's recommended to cut the steak into cubes or strips to help the meat absorb the flavours and tenderise. If you want to add extra flavour, sprinkle a packet of French onion soup mix and minced garlic on top of the steaks. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or sage, but remember that a little goes a long way with these potent herbs.

Finally, add any remaining ingredients. A pat of butter on top of the steaks will add richness, and a splash of red wine will take your dish to the next level. Cover the crock pot and let it cook slowly until you have tender, juicy steaks.

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Slow cooking the steak

Slow cooking steak is an easy way to make a rich, tender, and savory dish. It is a good method for cooking cheaper cuts of meat to make them more tender and tasty.

To start, prepare your crock pot or slow cooker by lining it with a slow cooker bag or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This will make cleanup easier.

Next, season your steaks. Place the steaks on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

After seasoning the steaks, you can layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Scatter sliced onions, and other vegetables like celery and carrots, over the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add potatoes to make it a complete meal. Then, pour in your choice of liquid—this can be broth, beef or chicken stock, or water. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine for extra flavor. Place the seasoned steaks on top of the vegetables and pour any remaining liquid over the steaks.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5½ to 8 hours, or until the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness. For a steak that is fork-tender and fall-apart, aim for the longer end of the cooking time range.

Finally, serve your slow-cooked steak with your choice of sides. You can also make a gravy with the cooking juices by whisking in some cornstarch and water, then cooking on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Frequently asked questions

First, season the steak generously on both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned steak, cooking until browned on all sides. Transfer the steak to the crock pot and cook on low for 5½ to 8 hours, or until the steak is cooked to your liking.

You will need steak, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for onions, garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.

It takes between 5½ and 8 hours to cook plain steak in a crock pot on low heat. If you prefer, you can cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, but the meat won't be as tender.

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