Steak is one of the most versatile foods you can make and eat. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Steak University in a while, you might want to hop on over to see several different ways you can cook steak and prepare it for meals. It’s a meat that’s nothing short of miraculous, really.
Slow cookers are one of the more popular tools for the kitchen because they let you focus on set-it-and-forget-it meals that take little fuss to create a full meal for the family or yourself. For many types of meat, especially, a slow cooker is an excellent gadget to use to avoid overcooking and dryness.
But what about steak? You’ll find a lot of pork and chicken recipes when you look for new slow cooker dishes, but steak isn’t a meat that’s mentioned a lot. Is steak a meat you can stick in the Crock Pot?
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Is Cooking Steak in a Crockpot a Good Idea?
You might know what we’re going to say here if you do happen to frequent Steak University. Honestly, you can do almost anything you want with steak and, yes, the crockpot is an optional cooking tool. In fact, it might become a new favorite method to cook steak because of how easy it is to do and how delicious the results turn out to be.
The tricks to cooking steak in a slow cooker are to use the right cuts of beef and preparing them for the best results.
How to Get the Best Steak Results in a Slow Cooker
First, let’s talk steak cuts. Whenever you visit the grocery store or butcher, you have a lot of steak options in front of you, from tenderloins to pot roast to rib eye steak and everything in between. You can ruin almost any steak, even the best steak cuts, by using the wrong cooking techniques. Likewise, you can transform any so-so steak into an incredible steak dinner by knowing how to prepare, cook, and garnish it.
You can’t choose just any steak for the Crock Pot, though. You’ll want one that’ll tenderize during the cooking process to avoid becoming dry, tough, and not at all appetizing. It’s a good idea to choose steak that’s known for being tender, like a tenderloin or ribeye, because their fat content will keep the meat tender as the slow cooker works its magic.
When you order from the Chicago Steak Company, you’re guaranteed to get some of the best steaks your money can buy. Our Premium Angus Beef Ribeye and USDA Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse should do wonders for your taste buds after getting cooked in the Crockpot.
Next, let’s talk preparation. As with most cooking methods you use for steak, you’ll need to show your steaks a little TLC before putting them in the slow cooker, for best results. That means – you guessed it – searing them before adding them to the pot.
Searing is an important step because it adds the crispy brown outer edge that enhances the texture and flavor of the meat. More importantly, it locks in as much natural juice as possible to keep the steak from drying out.
Give your steaks a quick sear on both sides by heating a skillet with butter or oil and cooking them on high heat for about three to four minutes on each side (and on the edges, if you have an exceptionally thick cut of steak).
Once you put the steak in the slow cooker, you’ll want to add about ¼ cup of beef stock over it before putting the lid on. You can add more than one steak to the crock pot, but make sure they fit in a single layer. Cook on low for four to six hours, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (here’s a steak temperature guide to help you with that).
Cooking Steak in a Crockpot
Steak comes through yet again as a versatile piece of meat that you can cook just about any way you’d like to. For more tips and tricks for steak meals, be sure to check out our steak articles, recipes, and tips at Steak University.
Then, enjoy browsing our selection of steaks you can order online to ship conveniently to your home to use for your next steak dinner. Don’t forget to sign up for our Steakalicious Rewards program to earn points every time you shop with Chicago Steak Company!
Can you put a raw steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can add raw steak to a slow cooker to cook it to your desired doneness level. Slow cooking steak is a convenient way to cook steak over several hours, tenderizing it and adding exceptional flavor along the way.
How long does steak take to cook in a slow cooker?
Cooking steak in a crock pot can take anywhere from two to six hours. The length of time depends on the steak type, steak thickness, how you like your steak, and the temperature on which you set your slow cooker.
What steak is best for a slow cooker?
Learning how to cook steak in a crock pot starts with the right cut of steak. Choose a thick cut with a decent amount of fat, like ribeye or tenderloin, for best results. The slow cooker breaks down the steak’s fats as it cooks the meat, keeping the steak tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Is it better to slow cook or fast cook a steak?
If you like your steak medium-rare, fast-cooking is usually a better option. This method provides an excellent sear while avoiding overcooking the middle. However, higher doneness levels, like medium and medium-well, favor slow cooking, which requires longer heating periods to allow the internal temperature to rise.
