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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook cubed steak, the crock pot is the perfect tool. Cooking cubed steak in a crock pot is a convenient and hands-off method that results in a tender and flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a simple weeknight meal, the slow cooker is a great option.
The cooking time for cubed steak in a crock pot can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steaks, as well as the specific recipe you’re using. In general, you’ll want to cook cubed steak on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also infusing it with the flavors of any seasonings or sauces you’re using.
It’s important to note that cubed steak is a tough cut of meat that benefits from long, slow cooking. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. If you try to cook cubed steak at high heat for a short amount of time, it will likely come out tough and chewy. So, be sure to give it plenty of time to cook low and slow in the crock pot.
In conclusion, cooking cubed steak in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to prepare this tough cut of meat. By cooking it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, you’ll end up with a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your crock pot and get cooking!
How to Cook Cubed Steak in Crock Pot
Cubed steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in a crock pot. Cooking cubed steak in a crock pot allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, making it an easy and delicious meal option. Here is a simple recipe to help you cook cubed steak in a crock pot.
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds of cubed steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed steak with salt and pepper.
- Add the cubed steak to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. This helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor to the meat.
- Transfer the browned cubed steak to the crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the cubed steak in the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cubed steak and the power of your crock pot.
- Once the cubed steak is tender and cooked to your liking, you can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of side dish. The meat can also be used in sandwiches or salads.
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook flavorful and tender cubed steak in a crock pot. Enjoy!
Preparing the Cubed Steak
Before cooking the cubed steak in a crock pot, you need to properly prepare the meat to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to get your cubed steak ready:
Gather the Ingredients
To make the most delicious cubed steak in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of cubed steak
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Tenderize the Steak
Before cooking, it’s important to tenderize the cubed steak to make it more tender and easier to chew. You can use a meat tenderizer or the backside of a fork to accomplish this. Pound the steak on both sides to break down the tough fibers and make it more tender.
Season the Steak
Season the cubed steak with salt and black pepper, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. This will add flavor to the meat.
Dredge the Steak
Next, dredge the cubed steak in flour to create a light coating. This will help to create a delicious crust on the meat when it is cooked in the crock pot.
Sear the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the cubed steak on both sides until it is browned. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meat.
Prepare the Crock Pot
Transfer the seared cubed steak to a crock pot. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the crock pot. These ingredients will add additional flavors to the dish.
Your cubed steak is now ready to be slow-cooked in the crock pot. Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or until the steak is tender and cooked to your liking.
Seasoning the Cubed Steak
Before cooking the cubed steak in the crock pot, it is important to season it properly to enhance the flavor. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Start by patting the cubed steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the cubed steak. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
3. If desired, you can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs. These seasonings will add depth and complexity to the dish.
4. Gently massage the seasonings into the cubed steak, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
5. Allow the cubed steak to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Now that the cubed steak is properly seasoned, you are ready to cook it in the crock pot. Follow the appropriate cooking instructions for your recipe to achieve a tender and flavorful meal.
Searing the Cubed Steak
Before you start cooking the cubed steak in the crock pot, it is important to sear the meat. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor to the dish. Here’s how you can sear the cubed steak:
- Remove the cubed steak from the packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure a good sear.
- Season the cubed steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Allow the oil to become hot.
- Carefully place the cubed steak in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of the meat pieces, you may need to sear the steak in batches.
- Let the cubed steak cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it develops a brown crust.
- Once the steak is browned on all sides, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to the crock pot.
Searing the cubed steak before slow cooking will enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust on the meat. It’s an important step in the cooking process that shouldn’t be skipped.
Adding Vegetables and Liquid
Adding vegetables and liquid to your cubed steak in the crock pot enhances the flavor and ensures a moist and tender final result.
1. Vegetables
The choice of vegetables is up to personal preference and can vary based on the recipe. Common vegetables to add to cubed steak in the crock pot include:
- Onions: sliced or diced onions add a nice flavor to the dish.
- Carrots: sliced carrots add sweetness and a pop of color.
- Potatoes: diced potatoes are hearty and make a great side dish.
- Celery: adds a subtle flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Mushrooms: sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and quantities of vegetables to suit your taste.
2. Liquid
Adding liquid to the crock pot prevents the steak from drying out and creates a flavorful sauce. The type of liquid you choose can depend on your preferences and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Common options include:
- Beef broth: adds richness and enhances the beefy flavor.
- Red wine: adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Water: a simple and neutral option.
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: adds a savory and umami taste.
It is recommended to use about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid, depending on the size of your crock pot and the amount of meat and vegetables you are cooking.
Cooking the Cubed Steak
To cook the cubed steak in a crock pot, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your crock pot to the desired cooking temperature. Low heat is recommended for tender and juicy results, but you can also cook it on high heat for a shorter time.
2. Season the cubed steak with your preferred seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like.
3. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed steak on both sides until browned. This step adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.
4. Transfer the seared cubed steak to the crock pot. Add any additional ingredients you want, such as chopped onions, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables.
5. Pour in enough beef broth or water to cover the cubed steak. This will ensure that the meat stays moist while cooking.
6. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the cubed steak for approximately 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of tenderness.
7. Once the cubed steak is cooked to your liking, serve it hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
Q&A
How long should I cook cubed steak in the crock pot?
For tender and fully cooked cubed steak, it is recommended to cook it in the crock pot for about 6-8 hours on low heat.
Can I cook cubed steak in the crock pot on high heat?
Yes, you can cook cubed steak in the crock pot on high heat, but the cooking time will be shorter. It is recommended to cook it on high heat for about 3-4 hours for tender results.
What should I add to the crock pot when cooking cubed steak?
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of cubed steak, you can add onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of seasonings. This will result in a delicious and flavorful dish.
Can I cook frozen cubed steak in the crock pot?
It is not recommended to cook frozen cubed steak directly in the crock pot, as it may not cook evenly. It is best to thaw the steak before cooking it in the crock pot for the best results.
What are some serving suggestions for cubed steak cooked in the crock pot?
You can serve cubed steak cooked in the crock pot with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or on a bed of rice. It pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.