Slow Cooked Savory Smothered Steak
This Slow Cooked Savory Smothered Steak recipe has been a cherished family favorite for over 15 years. The tender bite-sized pieces of round steak take on all the delicious flavors of onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes as they simmer in the crock pot. The rich aroma fills the kitchen while the steak becomes fork-tender. Served over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes, this comforting dish not only warms the heart but also creates lasting family memories. A true one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
round steak
1-2 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
flour
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
onion
1 medium (diced)
bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can (undrained)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
garlic powder
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the bite-sized pieces of round steak into the crock pot and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the steak, tossing gently to coat.
2
Next, add the diced onions and bell peppers on top of the steak mixture.
3
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with the soy sauce, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the steak is tender.
5
Once cooking time is complete, give it a gentle stir and serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooked Savory Smothered Steak?
It is a comforting slow-cooker dish featuring tender round steak, onions, peppers, and tomatoes simmered together.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Round steak is recommended as it becomes very tender during the long slow-cooking process.
Can I use something other than round steak?
Yes, chuck roast or stew meat also work well as alternatives in this recipe.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The recipe calls for cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours until the meat is tender.
What temperature setting should I use?
The low setting is ideal for achieving the most fork-tender results for the steak.
How do I prepare the steak?
Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before coating with flour.
Why do I need to coat the steak in flour?
The flour helps to thicken the juices and create a savory gravy as the ingredients simmer.
What vegetables are in this recipe?
This recipe includes diced medium onions and diced bell peppers.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be undrained to provide the necessary liquid for the sauce.
What can I serve this dish with?
It is delicious served over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it uses flour and soy sauce, but you can use gluten-free alternatives.
Can I make this on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer it on low heat in a covered pot for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, ingredients like mushrooms, celery, or carrots would be excellent additions.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder adds depth, but you can adjust or omit it based on your personal taste.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for the garlic powder.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftovers in the fridge?
Store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate them.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for this specific recipe amount.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great way to control the overall salt content of the dish.
Does the steak need to be browned first?
No, browning is not required, making this an easy one-pot meal preparation.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours, although low heat is better for meat tenderness.
What if the sauce is too thin at the end?
You can leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin it out by stirring in a little bit of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of red wine would add a wonderful richness to the savory gravy.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a mild and hearty dish that is generally well-liked by children.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper, such as red, yellow, or orange.
How do I know when the steak is done?
The steak is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes, you can chop the meat and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.