How to Cook a Perfectly Tender Ribeye in a Crock Pot

Cooking a ribeye steak is often associated with sizzling grills and hot skillets, but what if I told you that you can achieve a perfectly tender, juicy ribeye in a Crock Pot? Yes, you can! This slow-cooking method not only brings out the natural flavors of the steak but also ensures it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through every step of making a perfect ribeye in a Crock Pot.

Why Cook Ribeye in a Crock Pot?

When it comes to tenderizing tough cuts of meat, the Crock Pot is king. While ribeye is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, slow cooking elevates this cut to a whole new level. Here’s why:

Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking helps the meat soak up the flavors of the seasonings and added liquids.

Tender Texture: The low-and-slow method breaks down the connective tissues in the steak, leaving it fork-tender.

Set and Forget: With a Crock Pot, you can start cooking and go about your day without worrying about burning or overcooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ribeye steak
• 1 onion (sliced)
• Optional: mushrooms (sliced)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Italian seasoning (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your crockpot on high for about 20 minutes.

Generously season the ribeye steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

 

Place the seasoned ribeye steak flat in the crockpot without adding any moisture, oil, or water.

Scatter the sliced onions around the steak. If desired, add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.

Cover the crockpot with its lid.

Cook on high for approximately 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2.5 hours.

After cooking, check that the steak is well done and tender. It should be moist and easy to pull apart.

Remove the steak from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve with the cooked onions and mushrooms if desired.

 

Notes

• This method results in a well-done steak that is still juicy due to the slow cooking process.
• While this is not the traditional method for cooking ribeye (grilling or pan-searing is preferred), it is a convenient option when you want to avoid using a grill or when it’s too cold outside.

Enjoy your delicious crockpot ribeye steak!

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Ribeye: Look for steaks with good marbling, as the fat adds flavor and prevents the meat from drying out.

Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re cooking multiple steaks, leave space between them for even heat distribution.

Experiment with Flavors: Add soy sauce, honey, or mustard to the broth for a unique twist.

Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the urge to open the Crock Pot, as this lets out heat and extends cooking time.

Troubleshooting Tips for Ribeye in a Crock Pot

What to do if the steaks turn out dry

Steaks often turn out dry due to overcooking or a lack of sufficient liquid. To fix this, add more broth or water to ensure the steaks are partially submerged while cooking. Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature; ribeye should be cooked to 145°F for medium-rare. Also, allow the steaks to rest before slicing to retain moisture.

How to fix overly salty or bland gravy

For overly salty gravy, dilute it with more low-sodium broth or water.Adding a pinch of sugar or honey can balance out the saltiness. If the gravy is bland, boost flavor by adding more seasoning, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Add a splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste for extra richness.

Nutritional Insights for Crock Pot Ribeye

A typical 6-ounce ribeye steak contains approximately 450 calories, 36g of protein, and 35g of fat due to its rich marbling. While tasty, the calorie and fat content can be adjusted to make a lighter version:

Swap Butter for Olive Oil: Use olive oil to sear the steak and sauté onions, reducing saturated fat.

Opt for Leaner Cuts:Substitute ribeye with leaner cuts such as sirloin or top round steak to reduce calories.

Limit Added Salt: Use low-sodium beef broth and seasonings to reduce sodium intake.

Add Veggies: Bulk up the dish with nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini, lowering calorie density while increasing fiber.

These tweaks retain the dish’s flavor while making it a healthier option!