If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically melts in your mouth, look no further than this Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe. This dish takes a humble cut of round steak and transforms it into tender, flavorful perfection, thanks to a slow cooking process that infuses the meat with rich mushroom and onion goodness. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy days when you want something effortless yet incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each component in this Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the savory French onion soup mix to the tender mushrooms, everything works together seamlessly.
- 2 lbs round steak: The star of the show, this lean cut becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and depth, caramelizing beautifully during slow cooking.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): Bring earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the steak perfectly.
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (dry): Infuses the dish with classic onion soup flavors that marry the steak and gravy together.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups beef broth: The liquid base that helps tenderize the meat and creates a rich, flavorful gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy, umami depth that enhances every bite.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious, velvety sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Aromatics
Start by adding half of your thinly sliced onions and mushrooms into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that the steak will sit on, allowing the savory juices to infuse the veggies as everything cooks together low and slow.
Step 2: Season and Place the Steak
Season both sides of your round steaks with the dry French onion soup mix and black pepper. This seasoning blend is key—it brings that iconic French onion flavor that’s so comforting. Lay the steaks right on top of the onions and mushrooms you just added.
Step 3: Add Remaining Onions and Mushrooms
Next, pile the rest of your onions and mushrooms on top of the steaks. This layering ensures the flavors are evenly distributed, allowing every bite of steak to be infused with those rich, aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Worcestershire Sauce
Carefully pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the sides of the slow cooker—avoid pouring it directly on the steaks to keep the seasoning in place. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 7-8 hours. During this time, the round steak will become incredibly tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
About 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, scoop out approximately ⅓ cup of hot broth from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture back into the crockpot. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens to your liking. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed—this step transforms the broth into a luscious gravy that ties the whole dish together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe by garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that wonderful gravy. Then, dig in and savor every bite of this cozy classic!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the rich, hearty gravy and adds an inviting burst of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You can also add a few cracked black peppercorns on top to enhance the peppery flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up all that luscious gravy. You can also serve it alongside buttered egg noodles or steamed rice for a comforting, filling meal. For a green contrast, try a simple side of sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little twist, consider serving the sliced round steak over a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Alternatively, pile the saucy steak and mushrooms onto toasted baguette slices for an open-faced sandwich that’s both rustic and elegant. Either way, this dish adapts wonderfully to different presentations without losing its comforting charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for easy next-day meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or future weeknight dinners. Portion the steak and gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps maintain the tender texture of the steak and prevents the gravy from separating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short intervals and stir in between to evenly heat your Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is budget-friendly and tenderizes nicely when slow-cooked, cuts like chuck steak or sirloin tip roast also work well and deliver delicious results.
What if I don’t have French onion soup mix?
No worries. You can create your own by mixing dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of thyme and parsley. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still enhance the dish wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, you can simmer the steak on low heat in a covered pot for about 2 to 3 hours until tender. Just be sure to check occasionally and add more broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, or even small potatoes can be added to turn this into a one-pot meal. Just add them in the beginning so they have time to cook through.
How do I thicken the gravy if I forget the cornstarch?
You can use flour mixed with a little water to make a slurry, or simply remove the lid and cook on high at the end to reduce the liquid and naturally thicken the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe is the kind of dish that brings comfort and ease right to your dinner table. It’s lovingly simple, packed with delicious flavors, and perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a meal that feels homemade and special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients and slow cooker magic turn round steak into your next favorite family classic.
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Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy recipe is a comforting, tender beef dish slow-cooked to perfection with savory mushrooms, onions, and a rich French onion soup seasoning. The steak becomes meltingly tender after hours in the slow cooker, finished with a smooth, thickened gravy that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice. Ideal for a hearty family meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs round steak
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (dry)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Layer Vegetables: Add half of the sliced onions and mushrooms into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, creating a base layer for the steak.
- Season and Add Steak: Season both sides of the round steak evenly with the dry French onion soup mix and ground black pepper, then place the steak on top of the vegetable layer in the slow cooker.
- Top with Remaining Vegetables: Add the remaining onions and mushrooms over the steak to keep the flavors balanced and moist during cooking.
- Add Liquids and Cook: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the steak, avoiding washing off the seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the steak is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken Gravy: Remove about ⅓ cup of hot broth from the slow cooker and whisk it with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens nicely. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the tender steak and rich gravy hot over mashed potatoes or rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider browning the steak briefly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- You can use a different cut of steak suitable for slow cooking if round steak is unavailable.
- Adjust the thickening time and cornstarch amount to achieve your preferred gravy consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with your favorite side vegetables to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
