A simple but exceptionally delicious way to prepare steak is to use a slow cooker, and just use onion soup mix! This recipe needs little preparation and just a few simple ingredients; the result-fork-tender, juicy steak-which is bursting with savory flavor. The hard work gets done for you, as the slow cooker takes care of that, which makes the meal a perfect choice for hurried weekdays or when you have a desire for something warm and comforting. Only two staple ingredients—steak and onion soup mix, is all you require to successfully create this good dish of all time!
Now let’s explore this simple slow cooker recipe and discover a new favorite steak dish!
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Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of steak (such as chuck, sirloin, or flank steak)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (like Lipton Onion Soup Mix)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Slow Cooker
- Season the Steak: Place the steak on a plate and season with salt and pepper, if desired. You can also add minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the steak in the bottom of the slow cooker. If using, scatter the sliced onion on top of the steak.
- Add the Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the steak. This mix will infuse the steak with its savory flavor as it cooks.
- Pour in the Liquid: Pour the beef broth (or water) and Worcestershire sauce (if using) around the steak, not directly over it, to help distribute the flavors and keep the steak moist.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
- Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours. The steak is done when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Check for Doneness: Depending on the thickness of your steak, check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking. You want the steak to be tender and juicy.
Step 4: Serve the Steak
- Plate the Steak: Carefully remove the steak from the slow cooker using tongs or a spatula, as it will be very tender. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a green salad. Spoon some of the delicious onion gravy from the slow cooker over the steak for added flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve hot with sides like rice, mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for soaking the gravy with onion flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be sealed in an airtight container and stored inside the refrigerator for a maximum period of 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on a skillet or in the microwave till it warms up. Badly needed if the steak gets dry as thin streams of added beef broth or water will keep moisture in.
Helpful Notes:
The Cut: slow cook with the cheaper but tougher cuts of steak–like basket steaks from Beef Round, chuck, or flank–that become more tender and juicy with slow cooking.
Seasonings: Adding salt to the onion soup mix means you should be very cautious with additional seasoning. Taste your gravy for seasoning before serving.
Flavor Addition: To enhance the flavors even more sear the steak on a very hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side before the slow cooker.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Ein Garten: Ein Garten recommended adding a bit of red wine to the slow cooker so that it becomes flavorful, nutritional and adds another essential taste.
Gordon Ramsay: Gordon recommends resting the steak after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and every bite to be therefore juicy and flavorful.
Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): Ree suggests placing a few sprigs of herbs, like thyme or rosemary, in the slow cooker to get a tinge of aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can another meat type be employed?
Yes, alternates differ, like brisket, pot roast, or even pork shoulder. The kind of meat used should decide the cooking period.
Can veggies be added to the mix?
By all means! Other great items to add are the potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms in with the steaks to offer a full meal. Toss in at the start to boil together.
Is browning the meats necessary before they go into the slow cooker?
Some persons are partial about browning the meat itself before placing in the slow cooker, but it really adds flavor. If you have the time, quickly brown both sides of the steak on a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
Is it possible to transform this recipe into a gluten-free version?
Yes, depending on the use of gluten-free onion soup mix, you also need to ensure that the beef broth is gluten-free.
How can you best avoid the meat getting dry?
Ensure there is plenty of liquid covering your meat in the slow cooker. Cook it at a low temperature for a longer time to keep in the moisture.
Can I double this recipe?
Moreover, yes. You can just as easily double this recipe if you run out of a giant slow cooker. Keep the steaks spread out in a single layer; this will make for even cooking.
What can be done if the gravy is thinner than preferred?
If the gravy is too thin, it can be transferred to a saucepan useful to reduce and thicken over moderate heat. Moreover, you could just add a cornstarch mixture to thicken it quickly.
High temperature cooking is a concern?
Cooking can be done at high temperatures-3-4 hours-but low and slow yield the best results; the taste and tenderness are unmatched
What can I serve with this steak?
For a fitting savory onion sauce in a traditional style comfy dinner, combine the steak with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or a baguette that has some crust.
What are a few ways to enhance the flavor of the cooking in question?
A Worcestershire sauce, a dab of Dijon mustard, and/or some fresh herbs can each sing their own complimenting solo to a grand symphony of flavors.
Conclusion:
Get ready because it’s as straightforward as they come, easy, and delicious all rolled into one with great marinated steak from your Slow Cooker. Only a couple of ingredients, a weeknight full of work, and then the aromas of this irresistible recipe fill the air in a house where the children would ultimately ask for the dish be perfected! Rejoice! This tasteful treat will bring such instant joy and flavor moments to you.