Are you craving a delicious, tender steak dinner but short on time? Then look no further! This recipe transforms humble minute steaks into unbelievably flavorful and juicy masterpieces using the magic of your slow cooker. Forget tough, chewy meat; this crock pot method guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Get ready for a seriously satisfying and easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs minute steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the minute steaks dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and develop a nice crust.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Steaks (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, just enough to brown them slightly. This step adds amazing depth of flavor! Don't worry about cooking them through at this stage.
Slow Cooker Magic:
- Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seared minute steaks on top of the onions and garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour the mixture over the steaks in the slow cooker.
Cook to Perfection:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steaks are incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooked, remove the steaks from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- You can serve the steaks with the delicious onion and garlic gravy from the slow cooker. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space between the steaks for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked steaks, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for medium-rare is 130-135°F.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. A dash of paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
Variations:
- Mushroom Minute Steaks: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Melt some butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs (parsley, chives) and spoon over the steaks before serving.
- Spicy Minute Steaks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This crock pot minute steak recipe is a true testament to the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This quick dinner idea is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it one of the best recipes you’ll ever try. Enjoy!