Are you tired of tough, chewy steak? What if I told you that the secret to melt-in-your-mouth steak lies in your humble crockpot? Many people think of grilling or searing as the only way to achieve steak perfection, but the slow cooker offers a surprisingly effective and incredibly easy alternative. Forget constant monitoring and potential burning; the Crockpot Steak Recipe is incredibly straightforward. So, let’s dive into the world of effortless cooking and discover how to create a delicious steak dinner that your family will rave about!
The beauty of cooking a steak in a crockpot is its hands-off nature, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine coming home to the aroma of tender, juicy steak, ready to be devoured. It’s a game-changer! We will also explore various ways you can enjoy your Crockpot Steak Recipe, from simple sides to gourmet pairings. This recipe is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and undeniably delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Steak Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do its magic. No need to babysit the stove!
- Tender & Juicy Steak: The slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful steak.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a winner for any dinner table.
- Budget-Friendly: Using less expensive cuts of steak and simple ingredients makes this a wallet-friendly meal.
- Versatile: You can customize the flavors with different herbs, spices, and sauces.
- Perfect for meal prepping: You can start cooking the beef in morning before going to work and enjoy a warm dish when coming back.
Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Recipe
- 1.5-2 lbs steak (chuck roast, sirloin, or round steak work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Substitutions:
- Beef broth: You can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth if needed.
- Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or balsamic glaze can be used as a substitute.
- Dried herbs: Fresh herbs are always great, but dried herbs work perfectly well in a crockpot. Use about 1 tbsp of fresh herbs for every 1 tsp of dried herbs.
How to Make Crockpot Steak Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Searing adds a delicious crust and flavor to the steak.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a bed for the steak and prevents it from sticking. Spread the minced garlic over the onions.
Step 3: Add the Steak and Sauce Ingredients
Place the seared steak on top of the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with dried thyme and rosemary.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and cut of the steak.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the steak from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded steak to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip the searing (if possible): Searing the steak before slow cooking adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If the meat is though, continue cooking until it’s tender.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Deglaze the pan: After searing the steak, deglaze the pan with a little beef broth or red wine to scrape up any browned bits. Add this flavorful liquid to the crockpot for extra richness.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the crockpot for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the onions for a savory mushroom steak.
- Vegetable: Toss in some carrots and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Serving Suggestions
The Crockpot Steak Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich steak and gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful touch.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
- Egg Noodles: Toss the shredded steak and gravy with egg noodles for a comforting and hearty dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Crockpot Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the steak in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the steak in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Crockpot: You can also reheat the steak in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours.
FAQ about Crockpot Steak Recipe
Can I use a frozen steak?
- While it’s best to use a thawed steak for optimal results, you can cook a frozen steak in the crockpot. However, it will take longer to cook, and the texture may not be as tender. Add about 2 hours to the cooking time if using a frozen steak.
What if my steak is tough after cooking?
- If your steak is tough, it likely needs to cook longer. Continue cooking on low until the steak is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Every crockpot is a little different and different meat cuts cook differently.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
- Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms are great additions to the crockpot. Add them along with the onions at the beginning of the cooking process.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the steak in the crockpot ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I double the Recipe?
- Yes, you can, but don’t over fill the crockpot.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Steak Recipe
The Crockpot Steak Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Easy preparation, tender steak, and delicious gravy make it a family favorite. I hope this recipe brings joy and convenience to your kitchen. If you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board for future reference. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how you like the recipe! And if you’re looking for similar recipes, be sure to check out my other summer crockpot recipes .
Or you might enjoy these keto crockpot recipes and fall crockpot recipes. Try this healthy crockpot recipes. Or If you enjoy soups try these crockpot soup recipes.
Additionally, subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking! If you want to try chicken check out these chicken crockpot recipes, easy crockpot chicken recipes, quick crockpot recipes and these best crockpot recipes, you may also enjoy these vegetarian crockpot recipes.
Crockpot Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
- skillet,
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs steak (chuck roast, sirloin, or round steak work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening the sauce
- 2 tbsp cold water optional, for thickening the sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. (Optional but recommended)
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot. Spread the minced garlic over the onions.
- Place the seared steak on top of the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with dried thyme and rosemary.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the steak and shred it. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour slurry into crockpot, stir, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Return shredded steak to the crockpot, stir to combine with sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
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