Will steak get tender in crock pot?

Whether steak can get tender in a crock pot is a common question for home cooks. The short answer is yes, steak can become tender when cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker – but there are some important things to know to get the best results.

How does a crock pot tenderize meat?

Crock pots and slow cookers work by cooking food at low temperatures (typically between 170-280°F) over an extended period of time. This long, slow cooking method helps break down tough cuts of meat and make them tender. Here’s a closer look at how it works:

• Low temperature – The relatively low temperature range means the meat is gently heated rather than seared at high heat like on the stove or grill. This avoids toughening up the proteins.
• Moist heat – Crock pots trap in moisture and steam, keeping the meat from drying out. The moisture helps soften muscle fibers.
• Time – Cooking meat for hours allows collagen and connective tissues to break down into gelatin, leading to tender and juicy results.

So in theory, the low and slow crock pot method should be an effective way to turn tough, cheap steak cuts into fork-tender meat.

Best cuts of steak for the crock pot

While it’s possible to braise steak in the crock pot, the results can vary depending on the cut of meat:

Recommended:

• Chuck steak – One of the most well-suited cuts for slow cooking. Has high connective tissue that melts into tenderness.
• Shoulder steak – Cut from the shoulder/neck. Contains a good amount of collagen that breaks down nicely.
• Round steak – Lean but tough round steaks become tender and juicy after low slow cooking.
• Flank steak – Fibrous but flavorful. The moisture helps soften the long muscle fibers.

Not recommended:

• Tenderloin – Already tender, so slow cooking will likely overcook it.
• Ribeye – This tender, marbled steak is better quickly cooked by grilling or searing.
• Strip steak – Also tender, so the crock pot would make it mushy rather than tender.

For the best results, choose affordable steaks labeled as chuck, round, shoulder, or flank steak. Well-marbled cuts like ribeye won’t benefit from moist heat braising.

Prep steak for the crock pot

Proper preparation is key when slow cooking steak to maximize tenderness:

• Trim off excess fat, but leave a little for moisture. Too much fat can make the dish greasy.
• Cut meat into 1-2 inch chunks to help it cook faster. Smaller pieces absorb flavor better.
• Season the meat well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc before cooking.
• Sear or brown the meat first for better flavor – the Maillard reaction enhances the taste.
• Add some liquid like broth, wine, or barbecue sauce to help braise the meat.

How long to cook steak in a crock pot?

Cooking time can vary based on the cut, amount, and size of the steak pieces. Some general guidelines are:

• 1-inch chunks: Low 6-8 hours, High 3-4 hours
• 2-inch chunks: Low 8-10 hours, High 4-6 hours

Check for doneness a little before the recipe time. Meat should shred easily when fully cooked. The connective tissue and collagen will have melted into the meat, leaving it fork-tender.

Tips for tender crock pot steak

Follow these tips to get the most tender, flavorful steak from your slow cooker:

• Use cheaper, tougher cuts like chuck or round steak.
• Trim excess fat, but leave a little for moisture.
• Cut meat into 1-2 inch chunks.
• Season well before cooking.
• Sear or brown meat first for better flavor.
• Add broth, wine or sauce to braise.
• Cook on Low for 6-10 hours depending on cut.
• Check tenderness and doneness before time is up.
• Let steak rest 10 minutes before serving.

Common mistakes

It’s easy to go wrong with crock pot steak. Avoid these mistakes:

• Using tender cuts like filet or ribeye – stick to tough cuts.
• Not browning meat first – searing adds lots of flavor.
• Cooking too long – this can make meat mushy and overdone.
• Not adding liquid – braising liquid is key for tender meat.
• Not seasoning properly – season before and after cooking.
• Not letting meat rest – resting allows juices to redistribute.

Crock pot steak recipes

Here are 3 delicious recipe ideas that use a slow cooker to turn steak melt-in-your-mouth tender:

Swiss Steak

• 2-3 lbs chuck steak, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
• Herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil

Directions:

1. Season steak all over with salt and pepper. Sear beef quickly in a pan.
2. Place onions in slow cooker, then top with steak pieces.
3. Mix together broth and soup and pour over meat.
4. Add desired herbs.
5. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours.
6. Slice meat across the grain and serve with cooking juices.

Barbecued Pulled Steak

• 2 lbs chuck roast, fat trimmed
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut roast into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place meat, onions, vinegar, and barbecue sauce in slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low for 8 hours until very tender.
4. Shred beef with two forks. Toss with cooking juices.
5. Serve on buns or over rice.

Pepper Steak

• 1 1/2 lbs round steak, sliced thin
• 1 each green, red, yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Directions:

1. In a pan, quickly sear seasoned steak slices.
2. Place peppers, onions, garlic in slow cooker. Top with steak.
3. Whisk together broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
4. Pour over ingredients and stir to coat.
5. Cook on Low 6-8 hours.
6. Serve over steamed rice.

Conclusion

While tenderloin and other pricey cuts won’t benefit, choosing the right tough, collagen-rich steaks can produce amazingly tender results after several hours in a slow cooker. Cook on Low with plenty of moisture, and be careful not to overcook. With the right cut, prep, seasonings, and cooking time, steak can become fall-apart tender using the low, moist heat of a crock pot.