How Long To Cook Steak In A Slow Cooker: From Tough to Tender

Cooking steak in a slow cooker is a great way to create a flavoury and tender steak that requires minimal effort. Slow cooking of steak allows the steak to absorb the flavors of the ingredients in the pot, resulting in a juicy and delicious steak. However, it is important to know how long to cook steak in a slow cooker to achieve the desired level of doneness. 

Cooking steak in a slow cooker requires lower temperatures and longer cooking times than other cooking methods. Here are the recommended cooking times and temperatures for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: Cook for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. The internal temperature should be around 125°F (51°C).
• Medium-rare: Cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
• Medium: Cook for 6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
• Medium-well: Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. The internal temperature should be around 155°F (68°C).
• Well done: Cook for 8-9 hours on low or 6-7 hours on high. The internal temperature should be around 165°F (74°C).

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and type of the steak you’re cooking. 

How Long Should I Cook Steak In A Slow Cooker

When cooking steak in a slow cooker, a few factors can impact the cooking time, including the temperature, size of the steak, recipe, family size, and dietary preferences.

• Temperature: Slow cookers are designed to cook at low temperatures, typically between 170°F (77°C) and 280°F (138°C). Cooking steak at a lower temperature for a longer time helps to break down the connective tissue and create a tender, flavoury steak. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired internal temperature.
• Size of Steak: The size of the steak will also impact the cooking time. Thicker cuts of steak will require more time to cook than thinner cuts. 
• Recipe: Different recipes may have different cooking times and temperatures based on the ingredients and cooking methods. Following the recipe instructions and adjusting the cooking time and temperature is important based on your preferences.
• Family Size: The size of your family or the number of people you cook for can also impact the cooking time. If you’re cooking a larger steak, it will take longer to cook than a smaller steak. Additionally, if you’re cooking for a large family or group, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure everyone’s steak is cooked to the desired level.
• Dietary Preferences: Some people may prefer their steak cooked more or less than others based on their dietary preferences. For example, those who follow a paleo or keto diet may prefer their steak cooked medium-rare or rare, while others may prefer their steak well-done.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Slow Cooker Cooked Steak

Slow cooker steak is a delicious and convenient way to prepare various cuts of steak. However, cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as personal preferences for doneness. Below is a table of different steak cuts and their recommended cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature for the perfect slow cooker steak.

The cooking time for the perfect slow cooker steak varied depending on the cut of the steak and desired doneness. 

Doneness Level For The Perfect Steak Cooked in a Slow Cooker

Cooking the perfect steak in a slow cooker requires attention to detail and an understanding that the desired level of doneness is crucial. From rare to well-done, each level of doneness has a unique flavor and texture. Here is a table of different types of steak with their doneness levels:

Remember that the steak must be removed from the slow cooker at the right temperature to achieve the desired doneness level.

Slow Cooker Cooked Steak Recipe: How to cook steak on a Slow Cooker 

While it’s not a traditional method of cooking steak, you can cook steak in a slow cooker for a tender and flavoury steak. Here’s a simple recipe for cooking steak in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs. of steak (sirloin, chuck, or round)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth or red wine
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Whisk together the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
• Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the seasoned steak on top of the onions and garlic.
• Pour the beef broth or red wine mixture, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch over the steak.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the steak is tender and fully cooked.
• Once the steak is cooked, please remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
• Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and serve it as a sauce over the sliced steak.

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the steak, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Using a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness is always a good idea.

Watch this video for a practical guide on cooking steak in a slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook steak in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for steak in a slow cooker will depend on the type and thickness of the steak, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 5-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to cook steak fully in a slow cooker.

What type of steak is best for slow cooking?

Tougher cuts of steak such as chuck, round, or sirloin are best for slow cooking as they have more connective tissue that breaks down during the long cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavoury steak.

Do you need to sear the steak before slow cooking it?

It is unnecessary to sear the steak before slowly cooking it, but searing helps to develop the flavor and texture of the steak. If you have time, sear the steak on the stovetop before placing it in the slow cooker.

Do you need to add liquid to the slow cooker when cooking steak?

You should add liquid to the slow cooker when cooking steak to help keep it moist and flavoury. Beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey are all great options for adding flavor and moisture to steak.

Can you overcook steak in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can overcook steak in a slow cooker, resulting in a tough and dry texture. It is important to check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove it from the slow cooker once it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Slow Cooker Cooked Steak Recipe

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs. of steak (sirloin, chuck, or round)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth or red wine
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Whisk together the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
• Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the seasoned steak on top of the onions and garlic.
• Pour the beef broth or red wine mixture, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch over the steak.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the steak is tender and fully cooked.
• Once the steak is cooked, please remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
• Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and serve it as a sauce over the sliced steak.

Video

Notes

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the steak, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. It is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Keyword cornstarch, minced garlic, seasoned steak, soy sauce

Conclusion

Cooking steak in a slow cooker is ideal for the long cooking of steak, resulting in a tender and flavoury steak. While using a slow cooker slow may not be the traditional method for cooking steak, it is a convenient way to prepare a delicious steak without needing to monitor the cooking process constantly.

When cooking steak in a slow cooker, it is important to choose the right type of steak, add plenty of liquid for moisture and flavor, and cook the steak for the appropriate amount of time to avoid overcooking.