Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth steak dinner but short on time and energy? Then look no further! This slow cooker chuck eye steak recipe delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful results with minimal effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying, resulting in one of the best recipes you'll ever try.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pound chuck eye steak
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, begin by searing the chuck eye steak. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Sear the steak on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step isn’t essential, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared (or unseared) steak on top of the onion and garlic.
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Flavor Infusion: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. You can then either serve the shredded steak directly from the slow cooker, or return it to the slow cooker with the cooking juices for a richer, saucier dish.
Tips for Chuck Eye Steak Success:
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Don't Overcook: Chuck eye steak is naturally tough, so the slow cooker is key to achieving tenderness. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in a dry steak. A meat thermometer is your best friend; aim for an internal temperature of 190-200°F for ultimate tenderness.
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Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a delicious kick.
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Make it a Meal: Serve your slow cooker chuck eye steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations:
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BBQ Chuck Eye: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a smoky, sweet and savory twist.
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Spicy Chuck Eye: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker for some extra heat.
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Creamy Chuck Eye: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich and creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your steak and added ingredients. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming a 6-serving recipe) is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This easy chuck eye steak recipe is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal option, packed with protein and flavor. Enjoy this delicious and simple dish! It's sure to become one of your go-to recipes for easy and satisfying meals. Try it today and experience the magic of slow cooking!