Tiffany Haney
Slow cookers, or crock pots, are a great way to cook cheaper cuts of meat, making them tender and tasty. While some cuts of steak are not suitable for slow cooking, cube steak is a great option for a hearty meal. It's also a good idea to brown the meat first, to get a good sear on it. This recipe is perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner and can be served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot type | 6-quart slow cooker |
| Ingredients | Cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, cornstarch, water, cubed steaks, beef broth, onion soup mix, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic |
| Steak type | Cube steak, chuck eye, London broil, sirloin tip roast, rump roast |
| Steak preparation | Sear both sides, brown with onions, celery, and carrots |
| Cooking time | 3-8 hours |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and searing the steak and chicken
Seasoning:
Start by patting your steak and chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick to the surface and also promote better searing.
For the steak, a simple seasoning of salt and pepper is classic and effective. You can also add some garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavour. If you want to get creative, try using other seasonings like rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning.
For the chicken, you can use similar seasonings as the steak, but feel free to experiment with other options like paprika, thyme, or lemon pepper. You can also try marinating the chicken overnight in a mixture of your choice. A simple marinade could include soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic.
Searing:
To sear your steak and chicken, you'll need a hot skillet or pan. Cast iron skillets work particularly well for searing. Heat your skillet over medium-high to high heat, depending on your stove's settings. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan to prevent the meat from sticking.
For the steak, place it in the hot skillet and sear for a few minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms. You're not trying to cook the steak through, just sear the exterior. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
For the chicken, the process is similar. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Like the steak, you're just looking to brown the surface, not cook it all the way through.
Once your steak and chicken are seared, they're ready to be added to your crockpot along with the other ingredients for slow cooking. Remember, searing adds flavour and helps lock in juices, so don't skip this step!
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Preparing the gravy
To start, combine all the ingredients for the gravy in a 6-quart slow cooker and whisk until smooth. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add some water if the mixture is too thick.
For a heartier gravy, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. To do this, simply combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Then, gently move the steaks to one side of the slow cooker or transfer them to a plate. Stir the slurry into the gravy and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the gravy thickens.
If you're using a crockpot, you can also make use of the juices to create a delicious gravy. Combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour in a pan over medium heat. Stir until the flour is combined with the butter and begins to thicken. Then, pour in about 1 1/2 cups of juice from the crockpot and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create a gravy that suits your taste preferences. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less liquid to the mixture.
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Cooking the steak and chicken
Firstly, prepare the crock pot by lining it with a slow cooker bag or liner. If you don't have a bag or liner, lightly spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, season the 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.
After seasoning the steaks, layer the ingredients in the crock pot. Scatter sliced onions over the bottom of the pot, then pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Place the seasoned steaks on top of the onions, then sprinkle French onion soup mix and minced garlic on top. Finally, lay pats of butter and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the steaks.
Now it's time to cook the steak and chicken. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 8 hours, or until the meat is cooked to your liking. For a steak that is melt-in-your-mouth tender, cook for closer to 8 hours. If you're using chicken thighs, remove them from the pot about halfway through the cooking time, chop them up, then return the meat to the pot.
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Making side dishes
There are several side dishes that can be served with steak cooked in a crock pot. Here are some ideas:
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with steak. They can be served as a base for the steak, with the juices from the meat adding extra flavour to the potatoes. Alternatively, they can be served on the side, with the steak bites or slices placed on top. For a lighter option, mashed cauliflower can be used as a substitute.
Rice
Rice is another popular side dish that can be served with crock pot steak. White rice, such as instant pot rice, can be used, or for a more nutritious option, try brown rice. The steak and gravy can be served on top of the rice, or the rice can be mixed with the steak bites and other ingredients to create a bowl-style dish.
Pasta
Pasta is a versatile side dish that can be served in various ways with crock pot steak. Try thick, hearty pasta shapes that can stand up to the rich gravy, such as penne or fettuccine. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and use it to create a pasta salad with the leftover steak bites.
Vegetables
There are several vegetables that can be served as side dishes with crock pot steak. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or oven-roasted vegetables are all tasty options. For a lighter option, a crisp and refreshing arugula pear salad can be a perfect accompaniment.
Bread
Warm dinner rolls can be a delicious side dish to crock pot steak. They can be used to soak up the juices from the steak or dipped into the gravy. For a heartier option, thick toast can be served instead.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing and reheating steak or chicken cooked in a crock pot requires careful handling to ensure food safety. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Storing Leftovers
After cooking steak or chicken in a crock pot, it is essential to cool the meat as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of serving. Place the crock pot in an ice bath laced with salt to rapidly lower the temperature. You can then transfer the meat to an airtight container, preferably Tupperware or similar lidded containers, and refrigerate it. Aim to refrigerate within two hours to maintain freshness and food safety.
Reheating in a Crock Pot
Reheating food in the same crock pot is not recommended due to the time it takes to reach a safe temperature, which may promote bacterial growth. However, if you choose to reheat in the crock pot, ensure it is preheated, and the food is chilled, not frozen, before placing it inside.
Alternative Reheating Methods
The preferred method for reheating steak or chicken is to use alternative cooking methods such as a microwave, saucepan, oven, or stovetop. When using a microwave, cover the meat with a damp paper towel to prevent drying and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. For stovetop reheating, adding a small amount of butter or water can help maintain moisture.
It is crucial to ensure that reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any bacteria. Additionally, remember that chicken should only be reheated once to avoid potential food safety issues.
Long-Term Storage
If you plan to store the leftovers for more than a few days, consider freezing them. Place the leftovers in a suitable container and store them in the freezer. Frozen leftovers can be safely stored for an extended period but are best consumed within a few months for optimal quality.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook the steak tips in a crock pot for 6-8 hours on low heat.
You will need cubed steaks, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, water, and cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Cut chicken tips into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat with butter or oil. Add the meat to the crock pot and combine with beef broth, onion soup mix, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours.
It is recommended to use less expensive cuts of steak for crock pots, as the slow cooking method is ideal for making cheaper cuts of meat more tender. Before adding the steak to the crock pot, sear the steak in a pan and brown some onions, celery, and carrots.
