Tomato Smothered Pork Steaks (Or Chops) for the Crock-Pot
A tasty way to use, and stretch, an inexpensive cut of meat -- pork butt steaks. Simmering all day suits less-premium cuts, which don't dry out like boneless pork loin does. Served over pasta or rice, the spinach variation is a meal in one but otherwise you'll probably want a salad. Italian greens like endive or escarole would go particularly well with these flavors. Note: written for a 6-7qt crockpot. Note 2: I don't cook with salt but usually add it at the table. I found that I needed none on this so be cautious if you choose to add salt to the pot.
Ingredients
8 serv.- lbs pork steak (about 3 steaks)2 -3 lbs
- (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes3
- large onion, coarsely chopped↗1
- (12 ounce) jar artichokes, quarters chopped1
- garlic cloves, put through press↗2 -3
- teaspoons italian seasoning, divided↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
- teaspoons oregano↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
- cup vermouth, divided↗1⁄4 cup
- salt (to taste) (optional)↗
- lb frozen spinach (optional)↗1 lb
- ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or 4 -6 ounces canned mushroom slices↗4 -6 ounces
- parmesan cheese↗
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Cut each steak into 2 or 3 pieces and trim excess fat.
- 2
Pour one can of tomatoes into the bottom of a 6-7qt Crockpot. Top with 1/3 of each of the ingredients, ending with a layer made from half the pork steak pieces.
- 3
Make another layer of 1/3 of everything, ending with the rest of the pork steaks.
- 4
Finish with the remaining ingredients.
- 5
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- 6
Remove pork steak pieces carefully (they will probably break up so tongs will work better than a fork).
- 7
Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the veggies and serve them over pasta or rice.
- 8
Top with Parmesan.
- 9
Tip: If you chill the flavorful juices to remove the fat you'll have a delicious starter for soup.
- 10
Note: I do not recommend using an extra-lean cut such as boneless pork loin for this. Extra lean meat tends to dry out in long cooking even when submerged in liquid this way.
- 11
Note: This should be just as good made with beef chuck or chicken thighs.
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