Quick Answer
You typically do not need to cook steak before putting it in the slow cooker. The low, slow cooking process of the slow cooker will fully cook raw steak over several hours. However, there are a few exceptions where you may want to sear or brown the steak first:
– If the steak is especially thick, searing it first can help it cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
– Pre-searing adds nice browning and caramelization for extra flavor.
– If your recipe calls for ingredients that don’t require long cooking, like dairy or tender vegetables, searing the steak first prevents overcooking those items.
So in most cases you can add raw steak directly to the slow cooker, but pre-cooking does have some benefits in certain scenarios.
Do You Have to Cook Steak Before the Slow Cooker?
For most cuts of steak, you do not need to cook the meat before placing it in a slow cooker. The low, moist heat environment of the slow cooker will gently cook the steak over several hours until fork tender.
This differs from quick, high heat cooking methods like grilling or pan searing. With those methods, the raw steak needs to cook through entirely during the short cooking time. But the slow cooker allows time for the heat to gradually penetrate and tenderize the meat.
So you can simply trim excess fat from your steak, season it, and place it in the slow cooker raw. The prolonged cooking time will ensure it cooks through fully.
When to Sear Steak Before the Slow Cooker
While searing isn’t required, there are some instances where browning the steak first can be beneficial:
For Thick Cuts of Steak
If you are cooking an especially thick steak, like a 2-inch ribeye or large roast, searing it first helps remove any raw center or “bullseye” effect. The hot pan adds an initial blast of heat to the exterior and builds a crust, allowing the inside to cook through more gently in the slow cooker.
For Extra Flavor
Browning meat in a skillet before slow cooking results in flavorful caramelization and browning known as the Maillard reaction. This adds richer, more complex taste to the finished dish. Quickly searing each side in a hot pan gives a nice crust.
For Faster Cooking Foods
Some slow cooker recipes include faster cooking ingredients like dairy, seafood or tender vegetables. Putting raw steak in with those items can lead to overcooking. Pre-searing ensures the steak reaches a safe internal temperature without causing other foods to overcook.
So in summary, searing before the slow cooker is recommended mainly for very thick cuts, when you want more browned flavors, or with quicker cooking ingredients. Otherwise, raw steak can go right into the slow cooker.
How to Sear Steak for the Slow Cooker
If you do want to get some browning on your steak before slow cooking, here is a simple process:
Pat the Steak Dry
Dry the exterior well with paper towels. This helps the steak brown rather than steam. Make sure to season the steak before patting dry.
Use a Very Hot Pan
Heat your skillet or pan over high heat until smoking hot. Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel. The hot surface helps give a good sear.
Add Oil and Steak
Once pan is hot, add just enough high heat oil to coat the bottom. Carefully add steak and leave undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear.
Flip and Sear Other Side
After searing the first side, flip steak over using tongs and sear 2nd side for another 2-3 minutes.
Brown Sides If Desired
You can hold steak on its side briefly with tongs to add searing to the edges. Don’t leave too long or hold tongs in one place or they may transfer heat to the meat.
Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once the steak has a nice crust on both sides, transfer it directly into the slow cooker. Discard any burnt oil from the skillet.
Browning just a few minutes per side is usually sufficient. You don’t need to cook the steak entirely through—just add nice caramelized sear.
Tips for Cooking Steak in the Slow Cooker
To get the most tender, flavorful results from your slow cooker steak, keep these tips in mind:
Use Less Tender Cuts
Choose cuts with more connective tissue from worked muscles, like chuck roast, brisket, round roasts, or shoulder steaks. They become fork tender.
Trim Excess Fat
Trim off any thick layers of external fat before cooking, leaving just a thin layer on the steak. Excess fat can make the dish greasy.
Add Flavorful Liquid
The slow cooker needs ample liquid to steam and braise. Add broth, wine, or sauce to coat the bottom.
Use Aromatics
Sauté aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs first to build flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
Allow Time
Cook larger cuts of steak for 6-8 hours on low for maximum tenderness. Quick cooking steaks only need 3-4 hours.
Check for Doneness
Use a food thermometer to confirm steak has reached ideal doneness after cooking. Adjust time as needed.
Let Steak Rest
Once cooked, remove steak from slow cooker, tent with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Slow Cooker Steak Recipes
Here are some flavorful recipes to try cooking steak in the slow cooker:
Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak, trimmed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 bell peppers, sliced
– Lime juice
– Fajita seasoning
– Tortillas
– Toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
1. Place steak, onion and peppers in slow cooker. Drizzle with lime juice.
2. Sprinkle generously with fajita seasoning.
3. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.
4. Shred steak using two forks.
5. Serve steak mixture in warm tortillas with desired toppings.
Slow Cooker Steak Tips
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef tips or stew meat
– 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
– 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– Fresh rosemary and thyme
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until steak is very tender.
3. Use two forks to shred steak.
4. Serve over noodles, rice or roasted potatoes.
Slow Cooker Steak Chili
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chuck roast, cubed
– 28 oz can diced tomatoes
– 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– Chili powder
– Garlic, cumin, oregano to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Break up stewed steak with a spoon.
4. Add chili toppings as desired and serve.
Common Slow Cooker Steak Questions
Many people have questions about successfully preparing steak in a slow cooker. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is the best cut of steak for the slow cooker?
The most ideal steaks for slow cooking include:
– Chuck roast
– Bottom round roasts
– Brisket
– Blade steaks
– Flank steak
These cuts come from well-worked areas of the cow and have more connective tissue. Connective tissue breaks down into gelatin and keeps the steak tender and moist during low slow cooking. Lean tender cuts can become dry and overcooked.
How long does it take to cook steak in a slow cooker?
Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of your steak:
– Cubed steak for stew: 6-8 hours on low
– Shoulder steaks: 6-8 hours on low
– Thicker roasts: 8-10 hours on low
– Quick cook steaks: 3-4 hours on low
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the steak reaches ideal internal temperature when finished.
Should the slow cooker lid be open or closed?
For best results, keep the lid closed securely during the entire cooking time. Opening the lid frequently lets heat and moisture escape. The closed environment allows the steak to braise in the liquid for tender, juicy meat.
Can you put frozen steak in the slow cooker?
It’s best to thaw steak completely before putting it in the slow cooker. Frozen steak doesn’t heat and cook evenly. For quick thawing, place steak in cold water in a sealed bag for 30 minutes until thawed.
What temperature do you cook steak to in a slow cooker?
Use these target internal temperatures for properly cooked steak:
– Rare: 130F
– Medium rare: 140F
– Medium: 150F
– Medium well: 160F
– Well done: 170F
Conclusion
In most cases, steak can be added to the slow cooker raw without any pre-cooking required. The low, moist heat and long cooking time gently brings the steak to perfect doneness. However, thick cuts may benefit from a quick sear to prevent uneven cooking. Browning the steak also adds richer flavor from caramelization.
Be sure to use the right steak cuts like chuck roast or brisket, allow ample time for cooking, and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. With the proper techniques, the slow cooker does an excellent job of turning out fork-tender and juicy steak. Experiment with the endless flavor possibilities to discover your favorite slow cooker steak recipe.