Indulge in a soul-warming bowl of Slow Cooker Steak Soup, where tender sirloin tip steak meets flavorful broth and hearty vegetables. This comforting dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich and satisfying meal. Join us as we delve into the delicious details of this recipe, including variations, keto-friendly adaptations, and answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring your cooking success every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (1 kg) sirloin tip steak, cubed (1-inch)
- 1/4 cup (35 g) flour
- 1 teaspoon (7 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground pepper
- 1 envelope (1 ounce, 28 g) dry onion soup mix
- 2 quarts beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups ditalini pasta (200 g), cooked according to package
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak:
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed sirloin tip steak with flour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the steak pieces are evenly coated.
- Brown the Steak:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the steak cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Transfer the browned steak to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients:
- To the slow cooker, add the dry onion soup mix, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the steak is submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and cooked through.
- Add Pasta:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked ditalini pasta. This will allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors of the soup while still retaining its texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the soup is done cooking, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, onions, or potatoes to the soup for added flavor and nutrition. Simply add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup consistency, you can mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Enhance the soup’s flavor by adding dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the slow cooker. These herbs will infuse the soup with aromatic goodness.
- Beef Substitute: If you prefer, you can substitute the sirloin tip steak with stew meat or chuck roast for a more economical option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast, stew meat, or even beef shanks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of beef used.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How can I make this soup keto-friendly? A: To make this soup keto-friendly, omit the flour and pasta from the recipe. Instead, you can thicken the soup with a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or guar gum, and serve it with keto-friendly alternatives such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adaptation:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
Keto Slow Cooker Steak Soup:
- Omit the flour and ditalini pasta from the recipe.
- Use xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickener for the soup.
- Serve the soup with keto-friendly alternatives such as cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
With its hearty blend of tender steak, savory broth, and comforting pasta, this Slow Cooker Steak Soup is a mealtime masterpiece that will warm you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious dish!
