Easy Crockpot Steak Recipe: Tender Beef Bites for a Simple Dinner

Craving a truly effortless, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This easy crockpot steak recipe delivers just that. Imagine succulent, fall-apart beef swimming in a rich, savory gravy. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this tender crockpot steak recipe ensures a delicious dinner is always within reach, perfect for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Steak Recipe

Busy parents and beginners, get ready for your new favorite weeknight meal! This slow cooker gem offers incredible advantages:

• Incredibly tender, fall-apart beef: Every bite melts in your mouth.
• Rich, savory gravy: The beef cooks down into an irresistible sauce.
• Minimal active cooking time: Spend less time in the kitchen, more with family.
• Perfect for busy weeknights: Just set it and forget it.
• Versatile for various sides: Pairs wonderfully with many options.

Ingredients

Gather these simple items for your delicious crockpot steak recipe:

• 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more for searing)
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock
• 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this dish with what you have on hand. For beef, chuck roast or round steak work well. For those looking to explore other options, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner website provides a comprehensive guide to various beef cuts ideal for slow cooking. If you don’t have a sweet onion, yellow or white onion are fine. Swap the au jus mix for an onion soup mix packet if preferred. Beef consommé can replace beef broth, and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme adds lovely aroma.

Equipment

You don’t need much specialized gear for this delicious slow cooker beef.

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
• Large skillet: essential for searing
• Mixing bowl: for seasoning the beef
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Let’s make this incredible crockpot steak recipe! Follow these easy steps for tender, flavorful beef.

1. Prep Steak: Place the 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, into a large bowl. Season generously with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything to combine thoroughly.
2. Sear Beef: Get a large skillet super hot over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, brown the steak pieces in batches. You are not cooking them all the way through, just searing them to develop a nice color and deeper flavor. Add more oil to the pan if needed between batches.
3. Transfer to Crockpot: Once all the steak is seared, carefully add the browned beef pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced, and 3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Gently stir these ingredients together with the steak.
4. Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in 1 cup of unsalted beef stock over the steak and onion mixture. Evenly sprinkle the 1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix over the top. This provides the base for our rich gravy.
5. Add Butter: Lay the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced, over the top of the ingredients in the slow cooker. The butter will melt and enrich the sauce during cooking.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-8 hours. If possible, give it a gentle stir once an hour to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
7. Serve: Once the beef is fork-tender, stir the contents of the slow cooker to combine the rich gravy with the meat. Then, serve this delicious slow-cooked steak hot with your desired sides.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful hints for your tender beef crockpot dish.

• Searing: Do not skip searing the beef! This crucial step creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction, adding depth that slow cooking alone cannot provide. Understanding the science behind browning, known as the Maillard reaction, reveals why this step is so important for flavor development.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Sear beef in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and steams the meat instead of browning it.
• Tender Steak: Low and slow cooking is key for breaking down tough fibers in the beef. Ensure you cook it until it’s fork-tender.
• Thicker Gravy: If your gravy is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the hot gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Too Salty: Au jus mixes vary. If worried about saltiness, use half the packet and taste before adding more. You can also use low-sodium broth.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile crockpot steak recipe pairs with many sides, stores wonderfully, and adapts easily to your tastes.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty slow-cooked steak is delicious with classic accompaniments.

• Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
• Fluffy egg noodles or steamed white rice also make excellent bases.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
• Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce.

Storage

Enjoy your leftovers easily! Proper storage keeps this tender beef delicious.

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slow cooker beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled steak and gravy to a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Variations

Customize your slow cooker beef to suit any craving.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the au jus mix for a kick.
• Creamy: Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Veggie Boost: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or sliced mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking.
• Herbaceous: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs cooked with the beef infuse a wonderful aroma.

Nutrition Information

This crockpot steak recipe provides a robust, protein-rich meal.

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate only and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

This hearty meal is high in protein, making it incredibly satisfying and fulfilling for any dinner.

FAQ

Got questions about this easy slow-cooked steak? We have answers!

• Do I have to sear the steak? Yes, searing the beef creates a rich, caramelized flavor that significantly deepens the taste of your final crockpot steak recipe. It truly makes a difference.
• Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! Chuck roast or round steak are excellent, more economical alternatives that also become incredibly tender when slow cooked.
• Why is my steak tough? Steak can be tough if it’s either undercooked (not enough time to break down fibers) or, surprisingly, sometimes overcooked on too high a heat for too long. Ensure you cook it until it’s easily shreddable.
• Can I double the recipe? You can double this recipe, but make sure you use a larger slow cooker, at least 8 quarts, to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This easy crockpot steak recipe is a true game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike. It offers incredible flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and minimal fuss, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated. Give this delightful slow cooker beef a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a hearty steak dinner! We can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

Easy Crockpot Steak Recipe

This easy crockpot steak recipe features tender, fall-apart sirloin bites slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy — perfect for busy weeknights with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (more as needed)
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock
• 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large Skillet for searing steak
• Mixing Bowl for seasoning beef
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

1. Place the 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, into a large bowl. Season generously with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything to combine thoroughly.
2. Get a large skillet super hot over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, brown the steak pieces in batches. You are not cooking them all the way through, just searing them to develop a nice color and deeper flavor. Add more oil to the pan if needed between batches.
3. Once all the steak is seared, carefully add the browned beef pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced, and 3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Gently stir these ingredients together with the steak.
4. Pour in 1 cup of unsalted beef stock over the steak and onion mixture. Evenly sprinkle the 1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix over the top. This provides the base for our rich gravy.
5. Lay the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced, over the top of the ingredients in the slow cooker. The butter will melt and enrich the sauce during cooking.
6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-8 hours. If possible, give it a gentle stir once an hour to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
7. Once the beef is fork-tender, stir the contents of the slow cooker to combine the rich gravy with the meat. Then, serve this delicious slow-cooked steak hot with your desired sides.

Notes

Swap sirloin with chuck roast or round steak. Use onion soup mix instead of au jus if needed. Add rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. For thicker gravy, use a cornstarch slurry at the end.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com