Slow Cooker Steak

What is a steak? Technically, any thick-cut slice of beef (or even fish) sliced across the grain is considered a steak.

Higher quality cuts of steak are tender and do well with broiling or grilling at high heat. But tougher cuts with different kinds of marbling are less expensive, delicious, and perfect for slow cooking!

The crock pot steak recipe below has been made with tons of different cuts of steak (including some of the more expensive ones). It is a very basic steak recipe that is meant to just let the flavor of the beef shine through.

Other steak recipes, such as this crock-pot steak fajitas and slow cooker pepper steak recipe, use tougher beef that is cut up into smaller pieces.

Shopping list

To make this awesome crockpot meal, you will need:

• Steak
• Minced garlic
• Steak sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray or a slow cooker liner

How To Make the Best Crockpot Steak

It is as simple as adding some steak sauce, garlic, salt & pepper to the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add in steaks. Top with the remaining sauce, then let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. In a few hours, your home will smell as if someone has been slaving over a hot stove all day!

White rice, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, and egg noodles are all great side dishes. Cauliflower, broccoli, sugar snap peas, and corn on the cob can also turn your slow cooker steak into an easy meal.

Top your slow cooker steaks with some toasted sesame seeds, caramelized onions, roasted green peppers, or red pepper flakes. A simple salad is always perfect with beef recipes!

Substitutions

• To change things up, swap out half of the Worcestershire sauce with red wine or beef broth. Add a few tablespoons of soy sauce and you will have a different family favorite with little effort!
• Cuts of beef to try with this recipe include top sirloin steaks, flank steaks, skirt steak, chuck steak, and round steaks

Hints and Hacks

1. Some recipes call for searing the meat first. I am too lazy for this step as it requires dirtying another pan. It is delicious without searing first. If you have a slow cooker with a searing setting, try it both ways to see what you prefer. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!
2. I always recommend using a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up. If you would rather not, spraying with a non-stick spray will help with clean-up as well.
3. Add half of your steak sauce to your crockpot pot vessel before adding the meat. Then top the meat off with garlic and the rest of the sauce. This way, all sides are covered.
4. Meat thermometers are always a great way to confirm that your food is safe to consume. According to the USDA, beef is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. If you are in the market for a new slow cooker, my favorite comes with a built-in thermometer!
6. The low heat setting is the best way to allow the slow cooking process to produce the most tender steak. Although steaks can be cooked on high, the extra hours on low will produce the best results.