Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked Steak

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked Steak

This recipe transforms even tough cuts into rich, tender, flavorful bites. Perfect for those who want that shredded, juicy, fork-tender meat!

Ingredients**

For the steak:

  • 2.5 to 3 lbs chuck steak or blade steak (or any budget-friendly thick cut)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

For the braising liquid:

  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup red wine (or sub with more broth)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions**

Step 1: Season and Sear

  1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Rub the seasoning generously on both sides.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and crusty. (This builds flavor.)

Step 2: Build Flavor

  1. In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Deglaze the pan with red wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits.

Step 3: Slow Cook

  • Oven method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer steak, onions, garlic, and liquid into a Dutch oven. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and bay leaves.
  • Slow cooker: Add everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  • Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 50 minutes, then natural release for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

  • Remove steak and shred gently with forks — it should fall apart easily.
  • Reduce the cooking liquid on the stove if desired to create a thicker gravy.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or creamy polenta. Drizzle that luscious sauce on top!

Optional Add-Ins**

  • Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or chopped carrots to the slow cooker for extra richness.
  • Add 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar or a tsp of brown sugar for depth.

Benefits**

  • Budget-friendly: Uses cheaper cuts that become ultra-tender.
  • Meal prep heaven: Freezes and reheats beautifully.
  • Rich in protein: Satisfying and hearty.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for Sunday dinners or lazy meal nights.

Conclusion**

That steak in the image might look like a confused science project, but this recipe delivers tender, juicy beef that practically melts in your mouth. Deep flavor, minimal fuss, and guaranteed deliciousness. Bookmark it, double it, and impress everyone with this hearty dish!

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