Crockpot steak and potatoes is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. This cozy, comforting recipe lets you prepare a hearty dinner with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker transforms the ingredients into tender, flavorful goodness that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient Cooking: With the slow cooker, you can prepare your meal in just 10 minutes and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and onion soup mix infuses the steak and potatoes with mouthwatering flavors.
- Tender Texture: Slow cooking allows the steaks to become incredibly tender, while the potatoes soak up all the savory juices.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup time after a delicious meal!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will make preparing crockpot steak and potatoes even easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Non-stick spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in tender meat.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Potatoes
- 2 steaks (fairly thick, eye of round was used)
- 1 pkg onion soup mix (or garlic herb dry soup mix)
- 4 potatoes (halved or cut into 4ths; if cut too small they’ll just fall apart)
- 1.5-2 c beef broth (or water)
How to Make Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Lay the steaks on the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut them into 1-inch cubes, leaving the skins intact.
- Place the potato cubes around the steaks.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasoning
- Pour beef broth or water into the crockpot until half of each steak is submerged in liquid (this may vary based on your pot size).
- Sprinkle everything with onion soup mix or garlic herb seasoning.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
- Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours until both steak and potatoes are tender to your liking.
Enjoy your delicious crockpot steak and potatoes!
How to Serve Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
Crockpot steak and potatoes is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Thyme or Rosemary: These herbs enhance the flavors of the dish with their aromatic qualities.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty French Bread: Serve slices on the side to soak up the delicious juices.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful touch that complements the savory steak and potatoes.
Create a Salad
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the meal.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast.
Offer Dipping Sauces
- Horseradish Sauce: Adds a spicy kick that pairs well with steak.
- BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy option that enhances the flavor profile.
How to Perfect Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
For an even better result, consider these tips to ensure your crockpot steak and potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
- Choose the Right Cut: Select thicker cuts of steak like eye of round or chuck for tenderness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there’s enough space for steam to circulate around the ingredients.
- Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: Larger pieces may need additional time; check for doneness using a fork.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place steaks at the bottom for even cooking, followed by potatoes and broth.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
To complement your Crockpot steak and potatoes, serve these delicious side dishes that will round out your meal beautifully.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside or even under the steak.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavor adds depth to your meal’s taste profile.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the robust flavor of crockpot meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Steak and Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Using too much liquid: If you add too much broth or water, your dish may become soupy instead of flavorful. Aim for just enough liquid to cover half of the steak.
Cutting potatoes too small: Small potato pieces can fall apart during cooking. Keep them in larger chunks, ideally halved or quartered, to maintain their texture.
Not seasoning properly: Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland food. Always sprinkle the dry soup mix evenly over the ingredients for maximum flavor.
Overcooking on high heat: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the steak. Stick to the recommended cooking times based on your preference for tenderness.
Ignoring meat quality: Using low-quality or very lean cuts of meat can lead to tough results. Choose thicker cuts like eye of round for better tenderness and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use microwave-safe containers; heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of steak for Crockpot Steak and Potatoes?
The best cut is usually thicker cuts like eye of round as they become tender when cooked slowly.
How do I make my Crockpot Steak and Potatoes more flavorful?
Adding herbs, spices, or even vegetables like carrots can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Can I replace beef broth with something else?
Yes! You can use water or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Steak and Potatoes?
It takes about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low for ideal tenderness.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or replace the soup mix with different seasonings based on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Steak and Potatoes is a comforting meal that brings warmth and satisfaction. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or vegetables. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you!
Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
Crockpot Steak and Potatoes is the ultimate cozy dinner that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pot meal combines tender steaks with hearty potatoes, all simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth infused with onion soup mix. Just prepare it in the morning, set it in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic throughout the day. The result? A warm and satisfying dish that your entire family will love. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables and enjoy this comforting recipe anytime you seek a delicious home-cooked meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 thick steaks (eye of round recommended)
- 1 package onion soup mix (or garlic herb dry soup mix)
- 4 medium potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1.5 to 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Place the steaks at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Wash and cut the potatoes into chunks, then arrange them around the steaks.
- Pour enough beef broth to submerge half of each steak.
- Sprinkle onion soup mix over all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
