Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Crock Pot Smothered Beef Skirt Steak! This savory dish features tender skirt steak, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful gravy that makes your taste buds dance. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is as satisfying as it is easy. Your crock pot does all the heavy lifting, while you enjoy a house filled with mouthwatering aromas!
Budget Information
The total cost for this comforting Crock Pot Smothered Beef Skirt Steak recipe is approximately $24.00, which serves about 6 people, making it around $4.00 per serving. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Beef Skirt Steak (2 lbs): $14.00
- Onion (1 large): $0.75
- Beef Broth (4 cups): $2.00
- Garlic (4 cloves): $0.50
- Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup): $0.25
- Salt and Pepper: $0.10
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): $0.50
- Mixed Vegetables (frozen, 16 oz): $2.00
- Thickening agent (cornstarch, optional): $0.50
These estimates ensure you’re budget-savvy, without sacrificing flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cooking is a game changer when it comes to making tough cuts of meat like skirt steak tender and flavorful. This recipe lets the beef bathe in a savory bath of beef broth, onions, and garlic over several hours, making it impossibly juicy! Plus, it’s one of those glorious “set it and forget it” meals that allows you to get back to what matters most—like binge-watching your favorite show or enjoying time with your family. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Gather these simple ingredients for a dinner that will wow your family:
- 2 lbs Skirt Steak: $14.00 (You can substitute flank steak if needed)
- 1 large Onion: $0.75 (Shallots can also work for a milder flavor)
- 4 cups Beef Broth: $2.00 (Vegetable broth or chicken broth work too)
- 4 cloves Garlic: $0.50 (Garlic powder can be a quick substitute, about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce: $0.25 (Soy sauce can be used in a pinch)
- Salt and Pepper: $0.10
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: $0.50 (Any cooking oil works here)
- 16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables: $2.00 (Fresh veggies like carrots and peas are great alternatives)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional): $0.50 (Use flour if you don’t have cornstarch)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the skirt steak in the skillet, searing it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it forms a beautiful, golden-brown crust. This step locks in those delicious juices, which results in incredible flavor later on. Once seared, remove the steak and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onions until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Then, toss in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell divine at this point!
Step 3: Now, transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into your crock pot. Pour in the beef broth, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir to combine. This will be the savory base your steak cradles in as it cooks.
Step 4: Place the seared skirt steak on top of the mixture in the crock pot. If you’re using mixed veggies, sprinkle them on top of the meat. This ensures they’ll cook perfectly while soaking up all that beefy flavor. Cover and set your crock pot to low. Let it cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.
Step 5: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the steak from the crock pot. Shred the steak using two forks and return it to the gravy, stirring to coat. If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the pot, cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high.
Step 6: Finally, serve this tender and flavorful crock pot smothered steak over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta, soaking in that delicious gravy. Your masterpiece is ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of the Crock Pot Smothered Beef Skirt Steak contains approximately the following:
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Total Fats: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, if frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until it’s heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
This mouthwatering smothered steak shines best served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, allowing all those delicious juices to soak in. To elevate your meal, consider a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad. Want to add a crunchy twist? A sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top will bring both flavor and texture!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t skip the searing step at the beginning; it’s crucial for flavor! Additionally, feel free to experiment with the vegetables—bell peppers and mushrooms make excellent additions. And if you find yourself craving some heat, a dash of crushed red pepper or hot sauce can bring your dish to life! Finally, remember that the longer the steak cooks, the more tender it becomes. So, if you have a busy day ahead, set your crock pot to cook longer!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! Flank steak, chuck roast, or even brisket are great alternatives that will also yield delicious results.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth.
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Carrots, celery, or even potatoes can be excellent additions to the mix.
How do I know when the beef is done? The beef is done when it easily shreds with a fork, indicating tenderness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes, it’s a big hit with kids! The tender meat and savory gravy are sure to please their palates.
