Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, tender, and incredibly easy meal that the whole family will love? Then look no further! This Chop Steak Crock Pot recipe is your answer. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, delivering juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chop steak with minimal effort. It's the perfect healthy meal and quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, ideal for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
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Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): For added flavor and a beautiful crust, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steak cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the overall taste. Set aside.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seared (or unseared) steak cubes on top.
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Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf (if using).
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Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the steak and onions in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chop Steak:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the liquid to circulate around the steak. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a Good Quality Steak: While chuck steak is economical, investing in a slightly better cut will result in even more tender results.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the steak and mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for another 15 minutes on high, or until thickened.
- Serve it Up: Serve your delicious chop steak over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery for a heartier meal. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Mushroom Lovers Delight: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for an extra layer of umami flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy crock pot chop steak recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and healthy meals. Its simplicity and amazing flavor make it a true weeknight winner – perfect for busy families and anyone looking for a satisfying and effortless dinner. Enjoy!