Make Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Steak Your Go-To Recipe

If you’re a steak lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like a tender, juicy cut of meat that melts in your mouth. But how should you cook steak to achieve that perfect tenderness? Grilling, searing, oven-baking, and sous vide are all popular methods, but what if there was a way to make delicious, fall-apart-tender steak without all the fuss? Well, my friends, the secret lies in your trusty slow cooker!

About Slow Cooker Steaks

Using your slow cooker, you can have mouthwatering steak any time of the year without breaking a sweat. This simple recipe requires just 7 ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion when you want to enjoy a rich and tender steak.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Recipe

Aside from being incredibly easy to make, this slow cooker steak recipe offers several other advantages:

• Quick & Effortless: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll be greeted with fork-tender, fall-apart steak and a delightful au jus that rivals any restaurant.
• Made with Only 7 Ingredients: Chances are, you already have more than half of the ingredients on hand, making this recipe a convenient choice.
• Comforting & Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with meat, potatoes, and a lick-the-plate yummy gravy. It’s the perfect meal to warm both your body and soul.

So why wait? Get that crockpot out and start cooking up some mouthwatering steak!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Steaks

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker steak recipe:

• Steak: Choose your favorite cut, such as ribeye, NY strip, or top sirloin.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the jus.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Provides the base for a rich and flavorful jus. You can also use vegetable, mushroom, or chicken broth as substitutes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a hit of umami flavor and saltiness. Miso paste, Maggi seasoning, soy sauce, tamari, or fish sauce can be used as alternatives.
• French Onion Soup Mix: Gives the pan gravy a deep, seasoned taste. Feel free to replace it with your favorite steak seasoning.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic or garlic paste can be used for convenience.
• Butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the jus.
• Fresh Thyme (Optional): Adds a delicious herbal note and serves as a garnish. Dried thyme can be used as a substitute.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

While the recipe is already delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• From Scratch: Omit the French onion soup mix and create a homemade mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and French onion soup mix.
• Dairy-Free: Swap in vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes and/or diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
• Get Veggie With It: Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to bulk up your meal with extra veggies.

How to Cook Tender Steaks in a Slow Cooker

Wondering how to achieve tender steaks using a slow cooker? Look no further! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Line your crockpot with a slow cooker bag or lightly spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Season the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and generously season them with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
3. Add ingredients to the crockpot: Scatter sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Place the seasoned steaks on top of the onions and sprinkle them with the French onion soup mix and minced garlic. Finally, add pats of butter and fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
4. Slow cook the steak: Cover the slow cooker and cook the meat on low for 5½ to 7½ hours, or until the steaks reach your desired level of doneness.
5. Rest the steaks: Transfer the steaks and onions to a platter or clean work surface, and lightly tent them with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Pair the slow cooker steaks with your favorite side dish, such as warm dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, French fries, or creamed spinach.

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Steak

To enhance your slow cooker steak cooking experience, here are some expert tips:

1. Brown the steak before slow cooking: While optional, searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker will lock in the juices and create a nice crust. Even just browning one side of the meat can add lots of flavor if you’re in a rush.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To achieve your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For well-done, fall-off-the-bone texture, cook the steak until it reaches 165°F (74°C), but adjust the cooking time to your preference.
3. Let the steak rest: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
4. Short on time? If you’re short on time, you can cook the steak on high for 3-4 hours instead of cooking it on low for 6-8 hours. However, keep in mind that the steaks will not be as tender.
5. Prefer a steak sauce to au jus? Create a slurry of cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca starch with water and add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. Using a tough cut of steak? If you’re using a tough cut like flank steak, consider adding acidic ingredients like red wine or vinegar to the crockpot. This will help break down the fibers and make the meat more tender.
7. Adjust the seasonings to taste: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasonings to suit your preferences. Add more red pepper flakes or jalapenos for a spicier flavor, or reduce the amount of garlic or thyme for a milder taste.

FAQs: Steak in the Slow Cooker

What are the Best Cuts of Steak for Slow Cooking?

For slow cooking, the best cuts of steak are those with lots of connective tissue and marbling. These cuts tend to be tougher and benefit from long, slow cooking methods that break down the fibers and make the meat more tender. Here are a few examples of great cuts for slow cooking:

1. Chuck Steak: Known for its rich, beefy flavor, this cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow.
2. Brisket: Perfect for low and slow cooking, brisket comes from the breast area of the cow and is often used to make barbecue.
3. Short Ribs: These meaty, flavorful ribs come from the rib area of the cow and can be either boneless or bone-in.
4. Sirloin Tip: This lean cut from the hindquarters of the cow still benefits from slow cooking due to its connective tissue.
5. Flank Steak: Although it can be tough if cooked quickly, slow cooking can make flank steak tender and delicious.

That said, you can still use ribeye or strip steak in a slow cooker. No matter the cut, be sure to season it well and cook it low and slow for the best flavor and texture.

Can You Overcook Steak in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, it’s possible to overcook steaks in a slow cooker. While tough cuts of meat become tender with extended cooking time, leaving them in the slow cooker for too long can result in dry, stringy meat with dull flavors.

To avoid overcooking, closely follow the recipe and periodically check the meat’s doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, as cooking times can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the meat. Most slow cooker steak recipes take 4-8 hours on low heat, but adjust as needed.

Remember, this recipe braises the steak, so even cooking it to a well-done temperature of 165°F (74°C) will result in a juicy, fall-apart-tender steak, thanks to the ample moisture from the beef broth.

Serving Slow Cooker Steak

This slow cooker steak recipe is a winner for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. With each bite, you’ll experience the tender, flavor-packed beef infused with savory seasonings like thyme and garlic. The French onion soup mix adds extra depth, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a subtle tanginess.

The buttery sauce is rich and velvety, perfect for drizzling over the steak or sopping up with a piece of crusty bread. Every mouthful is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. This dish is hearty, comforting, and downright delicious.

Six Pairing Ideas for Slow Cooker Steaks

To complement your slow cooker steak, consider pairing it with the following:

• Fruits: Macerate fresh fruits and create a refreshing fruit salad for a light and healthy option.
• Salads: Pair your tender steak with your favorite salad, such as a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad or an Italian Chopped Salad Recipe.
• Potatoes: Meat and potatoes are a classic combination. Choose from baked potato skins, mashed sweet potatoes, rustic mashed potatoes, potato frittata, or mini roasted potatoes with garlic.
• Carbs: If you’re not a potato fan, serve your slow cooker steak with rice or egg noodles.
• Veggies: Add some color to your plate by including Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Corn Succotash, Corn on the Grill, or Roasted Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
• Crusty Bread: Savor the delicious onion jus by making garlic butter and dinner rolls for the perfect dipping combination.
• Drinks: Don’t forget to quench your thirst! Pair your slow cooker steak with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, a hoppy IPA or a rich porter for beer lovers, a classic whiskey cocktail like Pink Vodka Lemonade or an Old Fashioned, or a refreshing mocktail like sparkling water with a twist of lime.

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftover slow cooker steak, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating the leftovers, use a microwave or stovetop until the steak reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). You may need to add a little extra liquid, such as broth or water, to rehydrate the meat and prevent it from drying out.

Enjoy your leftover slow cooker steak in sandwiches, salads, or even as a pizza or nacho topping!

Are you ready to become a steak-ing genius? With this easy slow cooker steak recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy tender and flavorful steak any time you want, with minimal effort. So go ahead, grab your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you sit back and relax. Remember, good things come to those who wait!